2nd edition of UNA BULLA: A Cuban Salsa Extravaganza

Welcome everyone, my name is Carlo Bernard and I am the Founder/Director of Caribbean Latin Groove Entertainment and the Event Director of UNA BULLA: A Cuban Salsa Extravaganza.

Welcome everyone to the 2nd edition of “UNA BULLA! A Cuban Salsa Extravaganza”

*****June 21 - 22 - 23, 2024*****

This three-day dance event will offer 10+ hours of intensive workshops in Casino Salsa, Casino Rueda, and Afro-Cuban.

Friday, June 21st, 2024, our event starts at Pure Havana Dance Studio. We have two hours of workshops scheduled that evening then social dancing with DJ LaChina.

Saturday, June 22nd, 2024, we have six hours of workshops held during the day at McNabb Community Centre at 180 Percy Street.

Saturday evening, we have an hour workshop, an ALL-WHITE party, a Live performance from Fiesta Cubana, Special Guest DJ Juank (Timbera Montreal), and Performances.

Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 we have four hours of workshops held at the McNabb Community Center with an early evening outdoor social with DJ

***Official instructors***

• Jorge and Indira (Las Vegas, USA)
• High Five Salsa (London, England)
• Ethan Wagner (New York, USA)
• Steven Messina (North Carolina, USA)
• Michael Payne (USA)
• Issam Coluna (Montreal, Canada)
• Lisa Dubois (Gatineau, Canada)
• Tito C. Rodriguez (Montréal, Canada)
• Daniel Clair (Ottawa, Canada)
• Aguanile (Ottawa, Canada)
• Clara Nieto (New York, USA)
• La Mora (New York, USA)

Jorge Luis is a Cuban dancer, teacher, and choreographer who graduated from ENA (Cuban National Dance School). He is well-versed in Cuban folklore, Afro, salsa, and rumba, as well as popular and contemporary styles. He has participated in different shows, programs, festivals, and congresses, like those from Cuba, Canada, the USA, Europe, and Russia. He teaches at different dance studios in Las Vegas.

Indira is a professional dancer, instructor, and choreographer originating from Cuba. She graduated from ENA, the National Art School, in 2006 with a focus on contemporary/modern and folklore dance. Indira has performed with various top dance companies in Cuba, such as Santiago Alfonzo and Ballet Rakatan. She has also performed at various European festivals and congresses and collaborated with top dancers.

Please welcome Diego & Noe from High Five Salsa. This is going to be their first time teaching in our Nation's Capital.

Both of them are originally from Spain and are passionate about dancing and having a great time! One could say that a bit of craziness is to be expected from them during their classes - so just bring yourself and your sense of humor, and get ready to laugh and have fun! If you have been to their classes, you know one of their mottos is #embracethechaos

For the second year in a row, back by popular demand, I would like to welcome back Ethan Wagner as one of our instructors and performers for the 2nd edition of UNA BULLA: A Cuban Salsa Extravaganza. Ethan Wagner is a dancer of Rueda de Casino, Afro-Cuban folkloric, and other Cuban folk and popular dances from the most fantastic city on earth, New York. Of all the rueda instructors in the world, his students unanimously agree that he is one of them. He has danced for several years under the tutelage of La Mora in the Oyu-Oro Afro-Cuban Dance Company and taught at festivals, schools, and in abandoned railway cars on multiple continents. Ethan is a six-time winner of the Best and Most Handsome Dancer as selected by his grandmother.

In addition to her extensive international experience, Mrs. Pérez has been actively involved in promoting Afro-Cuban culture and art. She has dedicated her career to researching and preserving the rich styles of Afro-Cuban folklore. Through her collaborations with renowned institutions and artists, she has been able to share her knowledge and passion for dance with audiences around the world.

One of Mrs. Pérez's significant achievements was her collaboration with the National Company "Ballet Folklorico Cutumba." For 15 years, she toured internationally with the company, showcasing the vibrant and diverse styles of Afro-Cuban dance. Her performances captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on those who witnessed the power and beauty of the Afro-Cuban culture.

In 1995, Mrs. Pérez embarked on a cultural exchange journey in Europe and the United States. She conducted workshops and taught at universities, charter schools, colleges, institutes, and dance centers, spreading awareness and appreciation for Afro-Cuban folklore. Her collaboration with prestigious institutions such as the House of Unity in Detroit, CCADI in NYC, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), and the Katherine Dunham Seminar in St. Louis further solidified her reputation as an expert in her field.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Pérez had the privilege of working with esteemed dance and art figures, including Victor Cuellar, Andrés Gutiérrez, Luis Hidalgo, and Manuel Mendive. These collaborations enriched her artistic perspective and allowed her to push the boundaries of Afro-Cuban dance.

In 2004, Mrs. Pérez became a resident of the United States, where she continued to thrive and make significant contributions to the Afro-Cuban dance community. Her dedication and commitment to preserving Haitian culture in NYC earned her a certificate of appreciation in 2015. As the founder and director of the only Afro-Cuban dance company in her style in New York City, she has been a driving force in promoting and preserving Afro-Cuban traditions.

Recognizing her artistic excellence and activism, Mrs. Pérez was awarded the Doris Duke Fellow Scholarship in 2019. This prestigious honor highlighted her invaluable contributions as both an artist and an advocate for Afro-Cuban culture.

In addition to her teaching positions at Alvin Ailey Ext. Djoniba, African Center for Music and Dance, and Cumbe, Center for African and Diaspora Dance, Mrs. Pérez also oversees two dance projects based in New York City and Santiago de Cuba. These projects have been active participants in international festivals and tours, showcasing the fusion of Afro-Cuban dance with techno-electronic music.

Mrs. Pérez's impact and recognition extend beyond her performances and teaching. In 2023, she was invited to the International Festival Olorum and received the prestigious "Ache" prize from the Council of Performing Arts in the city of Camaguey, Cuba. This recognition celebrated her profound contribution to Afro-Cuban art and her unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting this vibrant cultural heritage.

Originally from Massachusetts, Steven Messina moved to North Carolina from south Florida and for more than a decade, has helped foster an appreciation of Cuban dance across the state. Thanks to the reach the Messina Dance YouTube channel gained during the lockdowns of 2020, as well as his Casino Fundamentals course, he now can continue that effort nationally and abroad.

Originally from Quebec City, Lisa's journey into the vibrant world of Cuban salsa began when she enrolled in a dance school run by a Cuban dancer. Under the guidance of her Cuban mentor, she immersed herself in the rhythms and movements of this captivating dance style. Determined to master the art, Lisa dedicated countless hours to private lessons with a professional dancer, honing her skills and perfecting her technique.

However, Lisa's passion for Cuban culture extended far beyond the dance floor. Eager to understand the roots of this rhythmic art form, she delved into learning the Spanish language and studying the rich history of Cuba. Her thirst for knowledge led her to embark on multiple trips to the island, where she immersed herself in the local culture, learned from renowned Cuban dancers, and absorbed the essence of the Cuban flavor.

Armed with her newfound expertise, Lisa returned to her hometown and embarked on a mission to share her love for Cuban salsa with others. For the past two years, she has been teaching rueda, Cuban salsa, and the art of infusing Cuban flavor into one's style. Her classes are not just about the steps and movements; they are a celebration of the vibrant culture and infectious spirit that define Cuban salsa.

For the second year in a row, let’s welcome Tito Cardenas Rodriguez to UNA BULLATito's impressive career in teaching, dance, and cultural leadership reflects his deep passion for Cuban and Afro-Cuban traditions. His role as the Director of the Maison de la Culture Cubane de Montréal showcases his commitment to promoting Cuban arts and heritage in Canada. Additionally, his dedication as the Director and teacher of the Academy and the Titosalsabor Dance Troupe highlights his influence in shaping the next generation of dancers.

As the President of the Agua cultural festival (Aché-Wemilere), Tito orchestrates a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and artistic expression. In Cuba, his experience as the Director of the House of Culture of the University of Havana and the Folkloric Ballet of the University of Havana further solidifies his reputation as a respected cultural figure.

Tito's educational background is equally impressive, with a Certificate in international business management from HEC, University of Montreal, showcasing his diverse skill set. His Diploma in Sociocultural Anthropology from the Fernando Ortiz Foundation in Cuba underscores his deep understanding of cultural dynamics. Furthermore, his Diploma in Cultural Production and Promotion from the Ministry of Culture of Cuba and his Economics degree from the University of Havana reflect his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Let’s welcome Issam for the second year in a row. Issam Coluna, a passionate Latin dance enthusiast, embarked on his journey in 2011 in Dijon, France, where he was captivated by salsa, bachata, and kizomba rhythms and movements. Immersed in the rich history and culture of Latin dance, Issam honed his skills and embraced the art form's diversity. In 2013, he brought his expertise to Montreal, joining the renowned Rueda Project to teach casino and Rueda. His dedication to sharing the joy of dance led him to organize Montreal's first international rueda de casino event in 2014. Since then, Issam has been sharing his knowledge and passion for bachata, teaching at Bachata Night, and traveling the world to participate in conventions and festivals. With a focus on social dancing and a commitment to preserving the roots of Latin dance, Issam continues to inspire and educate dancers globally. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from Issam Coluna, a dynamic teacher and advocate for diversity in Latin dance.

In the 90s, my passion for Latin dance took root as I embarked on a journey of learning salsa, merengue, mambo, boleros, and rumba at the University in my hometown of Tandil, Argentina. Those vibrant rhythms ignited a fire within me, and I knew that dance would forever be a part of my life.

As the new millennium unfolded, destiny led me to the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, where my salsa fever reached its peak. I immersed myself in the world of dance, dedicating countless hours to honing my skills. Five times a week, I eagerly attended classes, absorbing the essence of salsa from talented Cuban teachers. The more I learned, the more I felt compelled to share my knowledge with others. It was during this period that I took my first steps towards becoming a teacher, assisting in the dance studio and guiding fellow enthusiasts on their dance journeys.

But life is an unpredictable dance, and soon I found myself in Canada, longing to continue my salsa adventures. Determined to keep the rhythm alive, I sought out opportunities to expand my repertoire. I delved into the world of Rueda, a dynamic and energetic dance style, by joining the esteemed Tropicasino and embracing the lively L.A.-style Salsa with SalsaFanatics. These experiences nurtured my love for dance and further fueled my desire to share it with others.

As the 2010s dawned, I found myself in a new role as a teacher. I eagerly took on the responsibility of introducing beginners to the world of salsa at the Tropicasino school. Additionally, when the opportunity arose, I taught beginners' Rueda courses, spreading the joy of this captivating dance form. I was also fortunate enough to be a part of the Tropicasino intermediate/advanced Rueda group, where I continued to grow as a dancer alongside my talented peers. Little did I know that a global pandemic would soon disrupt our dance routines and temporarily put a pause on our collective passion.

Yet, even in the face of adversity, the rhythm never truly fades. As the world slowly emerged from the grips of the pandemic, I found solace and renewed energy in reconnecting with the dance community. I eagerly joined various schools in town, including Aguanile, Rueda Lovers, and Ottawa Casino Rueda, where I indulged in the joyous art of Rueda once more. Not only did I dance, but I also seized the opportunity to share my knowledge by teaching Rueda in different venues across the city. One such place was the esteemed "Rueda @ Aylmer" school, where I found immense fulfillment in guiding both seasoned dancers and eager beginners.

The dance floor continues to be my sanctuary, a place where I am free to express myself and connect with others through the universal language of movement. As the rhythm pulsates through my veins, I am reminded of the beautiful journey that began in the 90s and continues to unfold with each step I take. And so, with each new day, I embrace the music, the dance, and the vibrant community that has shaped my life in ways I could have never imagined.

Clara Nieto, or "Clarita", is a professional dance instructor from Santiago de Cuba, now living in New York. She is both a lively and charismatic instructor and a powerful and elegant dancer who is currently making her debut in the US dance scene. From a very young age Clara studied classical ballet, until she fell in love with Casino at the age of 11. When she turned 18 she joined the Sabor DKY professional dance company, and for many years in Cuba she was a principal dancer, teaching and performing Cuban popular dances full-time for locals and visitors from all around the world, as well as traveling with the company to teach and perform to places such as Germany, Denmark, Hungary, France, Argentina, and more. In late 2019 she became an independent artist, making her debut in February 2020 in Vancouver, Canada. Now, she lives in Ithaca New York, and directs her dance school, "Timba Con To'", when she's not traveling to teach and perform around the US or organizing dance retreats in Cuba. She believes that dance empowers us, unites us, and allows us to be an authentic version of ourselves

From his B-Boy days battling in the clubs with his older brother to a “safer” way of dancing in circles, Rueda de Casino has been a calling for Michael Payne. That, coupled with his upbringing by two educators, Michael was born to teach this dance. The founder of Treinta y Tres Delaware Rueda, Michael has helped foster this once-small dance community into an entity that is now recognized all over the United States, Canada, and other countries. His passion for Rueda de Casino is contagious as he pours his heart into continuing to grow the Cuban dance community, allowing it to flourish. Michael’s “gentle Drill Sergeant” approach pushes dancers to go beyond their limits while keeping the lessons engaging, challenging, and super fun! Just don’t be late!!! (IYKYK)Michael continues to advocate for the spread of the Cuban dance culture through performances and hosting community events. RuedX DE 2024- his latest project and biggest of its kind- was a huge success, having an impact that will be felt for a long time.

AGUANILE!!!!Let’s welcome Aguanile to UNA BULLA, for the second year in a row. Originally from Mexico, Mónica's background is in ballet, Flamenco, and Mexican cumbia. She's captivated by the physical and mental healing power of dancing and is a devoted community grower of the Latin dance community in Ottawa, her beloved chosen second home.AGUANILE is her collaboration project with various other salsa, casino, and rueda de casino instructors, as more joy and creative power can be achieved via joint effort and expertise. She has a simple view on Rueda de Casino: it allows us to create magical moments while keeping our brains healthy. Mónica is a passionate and studious adopter of the constant findings in adult learning, to improve social connection in and out of the dancefloor in the tricky post-pandemic era. Mónica is also the Director of Operations at Pure Havana Dance Studio, with owner and longtime friend and instructor Joaquín Pineda.

Stay tune for more details regarding who will be performing, Dj'ing, the Live band performing and the venues.

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