Apr 01, 2016
Salsa is fun, salsa is caliente, salsa is
life and where else than in the country
where music and dance are
uppermost: CUBA
Whether you travel alone or with a partner, our
viaDanza dance school in Havana, Cuba
provides each participant with a private certified
dance partner. Under the guidance of our salsa
dance instructor you will teach the intricacies of
Cuban salsa. You will learn during our balanced
program new salsa figures, like lady styling and
you'll often join one of the best forms of salsa
dancing, the Rueda de Casino.
viaDanza Dance Travel to Cuba offers you the
ultimate pleasure of dance. For this, we have
compiled a travel program of salsa, beach, and
above all lots of music and dance for you. We
will take you to concerts of the most famous
Cuban Salsa / Timba bands and to the best
salsa venues in Havana / Trinidad and you will
always be guided by our dance partners so that
we can assure that you will have the time of
your life with us
We offer salsa dance classes for beginners,
intermediate and advanced.. At each level you
can enjoy this exciting dance. Besides salsa
dancing you will also be able to visit the
beautiful palm beaches in Cuba. We offer
various types of tours where you can enjoy
Havana and Trinidad.
The concept of viaDanza is that we combine
both culture and dance, and that we understand
what our customers want.
viaDanza organizes salsa dance holidays to
Cuba since the year 2000. Our experience in
Cuba and the fact that we have been able to
open a dance school as one of the first
Europeans in Havana make us unique. Our
dance school is situated in one of the most
beautiful areas of Havana next to Rio
Almendaris, this also the location of Club
Salseando Chévere, where every Wednesday
you can enjoy a wonderful evening filled with
authentic salsa music and dancing.
Salsa is more than a dance, it's a feeling. With
our own dance school in Havana and our
professional dance team, we will give you the
opportunity to experience the passionate Cuban
lifestyle and maybe adopt it into your daily life.
viaDanza is accessible to everyone, young and
old, with or without a partner, and from
beginners to advanced. For each participant,
there's a dance partner who will accompany you
during the lessons and many parties.
City of Havana
Travel and dancing with viaDanza means
that you deal with all facets of this
fascinating country
The culture, history, music, dance and the
current political situation makes Cuba a much
discussed and fascinating country. viaDanza
gives you all the space and freedom, outside the
classroom, to give your own interpretation to
your personal travel needs. We offer cultural
tours, but you are free to make other choices.
In short: víaDanza offers an unforgettable
journey consisting of four facets.
authenticity:
With víaDanza you will get to learn the country,
the people, the culture and the salsa. You will
get to know the inhabitants, you will talk and
dance with them and will experience the culture
with all your heart.
competence:
With víaDanza and its long experience with
traveling to Cuba, you will be assisted by
professionals with years of experience.
Salsa-hotspots:
With víaDanza you will only visit those places
where salsa is danced as, what we call, it’s been
cooked. You will travel to areas where the salsa
feeling is part of its roots.
Dream trip:
With víaDanza you will only travel to those
areas that are authentic. When you can imagine
yourself sitting in the sun on a terrace with an
Cuban cocktail while enjoying the sound of salsa
that seems to come from every building in the
city you will know you are at the right place
.
Because we organize group holidays we often
get the question if our trip is suitable for singles.
Our answer will be YES! We organize the trip,
we guide our customers and activities and we
can tell you a small secret: About 90% of all our
customers are people traveling without a
partner.
We not only offering you “Just sun, sea, and
beach” more than that we offer you an
unforgettable journey that will exists out of an
exciting, fascinating, beautiful and unforgettable
experience. We will let you experience the
salsa in a new
and original
perspective.
Only this way
víaDanza will be
full of excitement
and gives you the
great highlights of
this amazing and
beautiful country.
Our trips are filled with a variety of dances from
the Cuban culture but of course with salsa, lots
of salsa!
Cuban Salsa, which is characterized by
restrained steps, comes directly from an African
slave dance. In the 15th century Cuba was
colonized by Spain..
The original inhabitants, Indians, were not found
suitable for the heavy labour. This is when they
decided to get strong
black slaves from
Africa. During the
months of traveling
from Africa to Cuba the
slaves used to sing and
dance as hard as
possible to silence the
horrible and monstrous
sound of the sea and
also calm the super
natural forces which
they believed in. The feet of the slaves,
however, were shackled with iron rings so they
could make only small steps The result of these
retained steps are characteristic of the Cuban
salsa.
New York fifties: A new sound inspires the
people in the clubs
It all began in the fifties and sixties. Cuban
emigrants in moved to New York and brought
their music with them. Especially the Mambo,
Cha-cha-cha, Rumba and Son. Not long after
that the Puerto Ricans came to the Big Apple.
They too had their instruments and music which
is recognized as the sound of Plena, Bomba and
Pachanga.
It is inevitable that these two fluxes not long
afterwards merged into the nightclubs of New
York. At hotspots like "The house of Mambo"
and the legendary "Latin Quarter" the rhythms
mingled with influences of Cuba and Puerto
Rico, along with the music from Venezuela,
Colombia, Panama, and the North American
jazz.
The sauce is dripping
Soon this music was called salsa (sauce).
Named was givenby the legendary Willie Colón
who was contracted by the record company "La
Fania". It is believed that the name recognition
has come from the “Son” hits "Échenle salsita
Salsa “en “todo el mundo"
From the beginning the victory laps. The salsa
conquers North America first and then all of
Latin America. Then it crossed the ocean to
Europe and then on to what is left of the world.
From Honolulu to Vladivostok, from Cape Town
to Helsinki: Millions of supporters dance onto,
hear and enjoy the world of this peculiar music.
The salsa lives
Since then, the Salsa has come a long way.
New Salsa styles emerge, new dance directions
are added. It is strange that there is almost no
other music and dance, with so many facets,
styles and trends, such as salsa exists!
Small history of Cuban salsa
Salsa has different dance styles. "free style
dance" Salsa is still evolving and will continue to
innovate.
The dance is based on non-verbal
communication such as body language, eye
contact, and music. Below is a description of
some Cuban dance styles.
Danzon
Danzon is an older (20th century) Cuban dance
style. It is performed by an elegant couple
dancing. This dance is a 100% Cuban and you
could say the first step to the salsa. The music
originally is only instrumental, no vocals.
Son
The son developed roundabout the same period
as the danzon in places that were know as Casa
de la Trova and originated in the east of Cuba,
mainly Santiago de Cuba.
This kind of music is known worldwide because
of one of the most famous groups “Buena vista
social club” The Son is considered the
grandmother of the salsa.
Mambo & Cha Cha Cha
In the 50's, a for that time very modern form of
dance is the Mambo. The dance is especially
popular in Mexico. while also arose the Cha Cha
Cha, which made the typical movements of the
Cubans world famous.
Cuban style salsa
At the end of the 50's in the neighbourhood El
Casino Deportivo, Havana, a severe young and
urban dance style, characterized by dancing
creative figures with the partner developed. The
salsa was born! Because of it’s origin the Cuban
name for salsa is Casino. Casino is loved by
several generations and is still being danced. It
is the basic dance for Rueda de Casino and is
currently a popular dance among the young.
The salsa was taken to the USA by the Cuban
musicians who emigrated. Besides Son and the
Casino there are also styles and rhythms from,
among others, Puerto Rico, Venezuela,
Colombia, Panama, Dominican Republic and
Latin Jazz from the U.S.
Santaria: a hidden religion in Cuba
Santaria, Catholicism in an African jacket
During te time of slavery Catholics Spaniards
forbid the worshipping of Yorubas and their
African gods, the Orisha's. Under pressure of
their masters the slaves acted as if they turned
to Catholicism but in reality every Catholic saint
were silently renamed to one of the many Orisha
gods. In this way the slaves were able to
celebrate, in secret, their own religious festivals
and worship their own gods. This way the spirit
of their gods, their religion could not be caught
and thus survived all the horrors of slavery.
*Santaria, Orisha’s explained
There are more than 400 known Orisha’s but in
Cuba they worship around 20 of them. Every
Orisha has its own symbol, own colours which
can be found in many Yoruba accessories like
necklaces and bracelets, and music and dance
rhythms. Wondering around the streets of
Havana you will see many shops containing
atributs for rituals like sea shells, coco nuts,
cups, candles, herbs and coloured necklaces.
Santaria, religion and lifestyle, dedication
to Santero
The dedication to Santero requires the
necessary preparation. In order to determine the
Orisha of the believer the ”babalao'', the highest
priest of Santeria religion throws palm nuts on a
wooden board and depending on the position of
the nuts the babalao knows which Orisha to
appoit to the new Santero. After this the focus
will be on cleaning the interior. Following a
ceremony the head of the initiate is to be
shaved, and the body is completely enveloped
in a white dress. The white dress, a symbol of
cleanliness and purity should be worn for a
whole year. After this year a final initiation rite
will take place. During this ritual, future Santero
is blocked for seven days from the outside
world. During this period they are accompanied
and cared for by a babalao and his assistants.
While already initiated Santeros fueled by
compelling drumroll singing loudly calling their
Orisha depletes the future Santero will get into a
trance. The Orisha creeps into the body of the
initiate and will be present during the ceremony
in this way. To propitiate the Orisha's there will
slaughter goats and chickens. The Orisha will
put a life path in front of the initiate and on the
basis of this decision receives the new Santero
be presented a set of rules which must be lived
by the of his life These rules imposed from
above are individual and can range from not
eating chocolate or corn to never misuse water
by swimming in rivers and seas. After initiation,
they may call themselves Santero or Santera.
The Santero will also get to hear whether he will
ever have the power to become a babalao, a
highpriest. For women, the priesthood is not an
option.
Santero, financial bloodletting
The rituals of Santeria in practice are quite
expensive. Initiation to santero or Santera can
cost up to 15,000 pesos. The babalao and his
assistants should be provided with many and
expensive food and drink. The Orisha can be
very greedy and demanding and ask for many
sacrifices. When you consider that a Cuban
average wage is not more than 300 pesos per
month it is understandable that a decision to be
Santero is a decision that you take with the
whole family because without their support, it is
an impossible thing to do. But also for advice
about, for example money matters, health and
relationships can a request to a babalao be very
expensive.
When you want more information about this
Afro-Cuban religion we advise you to visit when
in Havana:
Casa Africa – Havana vieja
Museo de los Orisha’s – Havana vieja
Calejon de Hamel – Havana Centro
At the Callejon de Hamel the play every Sunday
Rumba music and are birthdays of Orishas
celebrated. Entrance is free.
During your trip you can always ask us for more
information about this Cuban religion.
Trinidad
Our trip FROM DAY TO DAY
After all the information about this amazing
country, we like to bring you back to our salsa
dance holiday to Cuba. The program covers the
following trip HAVANA & TRINIDAD. In our
Havana pure (15 hours) and travel plus (24
lessons) program you will stay in the wonderful
city Havana
21 hours classes
Havana Pure is the base of all our dance
holidays in Cuba. In week 1 you will have a
intensive dance course at our dance school in
Havana. In the 2nd week you will have the
choice to spend time in Trinidad or to stay in
Havana. The last 3 days we will all be back in
Havana, where we will spend the next 2 days at
the dance school to get it truly right and end the
trip with a big Fiesta Cubana.
Day one: Arrival at Havana
Arrival in Havana and transport to your hotel
Day two: Start dance classes and for
every participant an own dance partner.
In the morning we start off with an welcome
drink and a short explanation of the dance
program. After this you will get a short tour
through Havana Vieja (the old town) mainly to
show you where you can find the important
shops and the bank. In the afternoon the real
dance program will start. The team of viaDanza
will give you demonstrations of dance styles and
tell you about the history of the Cuban music
and dance. Afterwards every participant will be
appointed an level of experience in salsa and
you now will get your own dance partner. The
first lesson will start with rhythm and dance
classes.
Day three; Lessons at the dance school
in Havana
After breakfast you will go to the dance school in
Havana where you will participate the lessons
from 10:00 am till 1:00 pm.
In the afternoon you can bring a visit to the
“Castilla de la Fuarza”. This Castilla is the oldest
fortress of Havana. Here you can look at the
famous statue “La Geraldina”. This female
figure is the symbol of Havana. You probable
recognise her from the Havana Club rum label.
Day four: A visit to the rum museum and
a salsa matinee
In the morning you start off with your daily three
hours dance classes. Afterwards you can join
one of the tours through the rum museum at
Havana. In the afternoon it is possible to join
the group to visit a salsa matinee at one of the
Casa de la Musica”.If you decide to do
something different this day, we like to suggest
a stroll at the “Malecon”, also known as the
boulevard of passion.
Day five and six: The dance floors of the
sparkling nightlife of Havana
Good morning!
First you will start off with another three hours of
Salsa classes. In the afternoon you have some
free time on your hands. We suggest you could
go to the nearby beach “Playa del Este”. This is
day four of your salsa trip, and you are now able
to enjoy the rich nightlife of Havana. The team
of viaDanza will keep you informed of the daily
agenda concerning salsa and dancing. Of
course when there are enough participants,
viaDanza will arrange a taxi and dance partners
to join you at the nightlife in Havana.
Day seven: On our way to Trinidad
You had a few wonderful days in Havana, but
today is the day that we take the air-conditioned
shuttle bus to Trinidad. On the way to Trinidad
you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Cuban
landscape and absorb the beautiful nature. After
arrival in Trinidad we take you to your
accommodation. The rest of the day is your, you
will have still enough time to explore this
sparkling city that was added to the world
heritage list of Unesco in 1988.
Day eight: Enjoy and explore Trinidad
and its surroundings
Because Trinidad is surrounded by many
cultural and natural places you could go to the
“Toppes de Collantes” 775 meters high, and
about an hour’s drive from Trinidad city.You can
make a beautiful walk through the misty forest
that leads you to the waterfall “Salto del
Caburni”.
In the evening you can enjoy the lively
atmosphere of the inner-city with many bands
that play at the Plaza de Mayor.
Day nine & ten: Trinidad
Trinidad has many interesting museums that are
definitely worth visiting. Or you can just walk
around the old city with its cob stones that was
once named the "Pirate City" because this was
the home to many pirates. A few centuries later
the city belonged to the sugar lords because of
the many sugar cane plantings. Many of the
pirate and sugar lord houses are restored and
look like you are still in this exciting era.
You could also visit Cuba's biggest church the
cathedral "Iglesia Parriquial de la Santisma
Trinidad or have a visit to the “Valle de los
Ingenios” where you will find numbers of ruins of
sugar factories. There is also a 44 meter high
watch tower where they used to keep an eye on
all the slaves that worked the field. We have to
warn you that this tower is not suitable for
people that are afraid of heights.
Once you have climbed the tower you will have
a magnificent view of Trinidad and its
surroundings.
Another thing you could do is to take a (coco)
taxi to the closest beach " Playa de Ancon". This
is relaxing on its best!
Whatever you decide to do these few days, you
will not get bored!
Day eleven: Adiós Trinidad and Buenos
dias Havana
Today you arrive back in Havana " The grand
lady of the Caribbean". The rhythm of the city
will once again feel like magic. We definitely will
let you enjoy this magic and take you out for a
evening tour and let you enjoy another
Caribbean night.
Day twelve:
In the morning you will have another salsa
lesson and you will get all the space to perfect
your salsa figures.
In the afternoon you are free to 'yet again'
explore Havana city and visit all those places
that you have not seen yet (and believe us you
are still not able to see all that Havana has to
offer).
Day thirteen: Farewell party at the Finca
Salsa, salsa and yet again salsa!
we will take you by bus to the countryside where
you will enjoy a day full of Music, dance and
when you wish a dive in the pool. You will be
served a typical Creole barbeque.
In the evening you will go back to Havana. At
this Point you will say goodbye to the viaDanza
crew.
Day fourteen: Last day in the city of
Havana and back home again
Today is all yours. You can enjoy the city of
Havana for the last time. Maybe buy those last
souvenirs to take home or have a city trip in one
of the tourist busses going around Havana.
Later this day your transport will arrive to take
you to the airport.
At this moment it is "Goodbye Havana"
We, the team of viaDanza, hope you had a
joyous trip and hope to see you again!.
Havana
Hotels in Cuba
viaDanza is extremely selective in choosing
hotels and Casa particulares. We have selected
the best hotels in their class for you. These
hotels are in our standard package. If you prefer
another hotel we can offer them too.
Hotels in Old Havana (Havana Vieja)
Hotel Valencia ***(1)
Formerly owned by someone of the council (in
the 18th century),
today it is a very
stylish small
middle class
hotel. The
exceptional style
of the hotel has
drawn for years
many artists and
writers.
Characterising for
the hotel is the
ideal position,
exactly between the two most imposing squares
of Havana, "Plaza the San Francisco" and
"Plaza the Armas". The hotel lies in the middle
of the old centre of the capital, directly beside
hostal el Commendador, Shops, historical
construction work and museums are within
walking distance.
Facilities:
Small reception, that serves also the reception
for hostal el Commendador. The hotel has 2
bars, among other things "bar Nostalgia", where
mainly typical Cuban music from the 50s is
played by live-musicians, A tobacco shop where
Cuba's finest cigars are sold and Spanish
speciality restaurant "La paella". The restaurant
has successively won for the past two years the
main price at the international paella's Contest in
Spain.
Accommodation: The hostel exists from 12
very well looked after chambers, which are
around a small and sociable promenade with
plants and seats. The chambers are stylishly
arranged, very coloured and provided with
bath/shower, mini bar, safe and TV. The
chambers have no air-conditioning.
Special: The cocktail of the house: ' White
Sheets ' is a real must
Other hotels in old Havana (Havana
Vieja)
Raquel ****(4) Old Havana
A stunning work of architecture, the Raquel
contrasts dramatically with its not-so-
picturesque surroundings, a rather humble
residential area whose one, redeeming virtue is
its proximity to the Plaza Vieja and other sites of
interest in the Old Town.
The hotel’s ornate and eclectic facade is well
matched by the interiors, which are likely to
make a powerful first impression: shining marble
floors, polished columns and posh period sofas
surround you in
the kind of palatial
luxury you might
expect to find in a
presidential
mansion or high-
class art museum.
The most striking
feature of this
grand lobby is
doubtless the
curved fanlight
which crowns a
high atrium past
the reception
desk, which lets in soothing tones of yellow and
draws many glances skyward.
This "lavishness" is not the only delightful
peculiarity which sets the hotel apart from others
in the Old Town. The Raquel is also known for
its references to Jewish tradition and faith, which
consist of various decorative items
El Tejadillo ***(2)
In the middle of old Havana, near a cathedral
you will find this small and sociable hotel . The
institution is
colonial style and
the original style
of this hotel has
been preserved.
The beautiful
chambers look out
at the green patios
Position:
This hotel lies in a quiet part of Havana vieja
(the old city) In the surroundings of this hotel
you will find a lot of shops, bars and restaurants
facilities:
32 chambers
Shop
Internet Café (against payment)
2 patio’s
Accommodation:
There are 15 rooms with double bed and 15
double rooms with single beds. All rooms have a
bathroom/shower, tel. and a satellite/cable
television further a kitchenette, mini bar,
magnetron, two persons - or king-size bed, air
conditioning, rental-safe and a balcony or
terrace.
Florida **** (2)
1st class hotel. Build in 1836 and was inhabited
till 1885 by a business man.
Position:
When you enter the hotel you find the small
reception. At the promenade you see several
arcs and several seats. Florida has two bar's.
Bar "Florida" and the piano bar "Maragato".Hotel
Florida has a cafeteria “Las Columnas” and a
restaurant "La Floridana". Also you find a
souvenir shop and an excursion counter in the
hotel. In the immediacy of the hotel there are
parking places.
Accommodation:
The hotel has 25 beautiful chambers and suites
all arranged
with a
colonial
character.
The
chambers
have two 1-
person
beds or 2-
person
beds, and air conditioning, Cable-tv, tel., safe,
mini bar, room service, small terrace or balcony.
Bathroom with bath/shower, toilet, bidet and hair
drier. Some chambers have connection doors.
The 4 suites are identically arranged and have
an extra space with television, seat and sofa
bed
Special:
Guest will get a welcome cocktail and also get
10% discount in the restaurants of other
Habaguanex hotels.
Casa Particular
If you really want to know , we can tell you that
a "Casa Particular" is an ideal accommodation
to experience among the Cubans.
Accommodation:
a Cuban version of a bed and breakfast
(pension). Often it is a room in someone's home,
but it could also be that the whole house is
subleased. The advantage of staying in a "Casa
Particular" is that you actually experience Cuba
and i
ts
inhabitants.
The rooms are very good and you will be
welcomed like you are coming home. The host /
hostess will make you feel completely at home
and you have the same advantages as in a
hotel. Every day a clean room and a key to the
house so that you can decide when you come
home (that's the feeling).
Details: Cubans are allowed with permission to
sublet a room to tourists. ViaDanza Casa
particulares are all located in the old town
(Havana Vieja) and close to the bars,
restaurants, shops and other entertainment
venues.
The rooms are very well maintained. There is
also the possibility to order diner (often asked in
the morning) and stay in your own comfortable
environment. Often there is lobster on the menu,
but of course you must indicate which meal you
eat and most like to eat.
Afterwards every participant will get a certificate of viaDanza
NOS VEMOS EN CUBA!
(See you in Cuba)
We hope that you have become enthusiastic
about what the country Cuba and especially
Havana and Trinidad has to offer after reading
the information on our dance holidays And of
course that what connects people "SALSA"
viaDanza has years of experience in organizing
salsa dance holidays. This is what makes our
tours unique. We only work with the best
organizers and accommodations. Quality is our
main focus not quantity.
If you want to know more about us and our
dance holidays (including prices) please visit our
website www.viadanza.nl (just click on the
English button for your information)
Feel free to contact us, without any obligation,
for further information at
[email protected] or just phone us or
send us a text message and we will get back to
you within 24 hours 00 31 (0)624368975
We really want to tell you more about our
holidays.
That is the reason we say: NOS VEMOS!
Team viaDanza,
Karen en Minou
colophon
viaDanza dance holidays / Spirit of
Havana
Karen Beerends & Minou Spits
Klaprozenweg 94
1032 KX Amsterdam
k.v.k. 34238563 0000 (Chamber of commerce)
Registered in Amsterdam
E-mail: mailto:[email protected]
Homepage: http://www.viadanza.nl
Telephone: 00 31 (0)624368975
viaDanza Head quarter
Helena Gomes Bernardo en Ulrich Fichtner
OHG
Am Glockengarten 23
73733 Esslingen
Tel: +49 711/48907003
Fax: +49 711/48907004
E-Mail: mailto:[email protected]
Homepage: http://www.viadanza.com
Club Salseando Chévere
Pedro Rodriguez Diaz
http://www.salseandochevere.com
Photos/Copyright: Minou Spits
Homepage: http://www.fotografieminou.nl
Front page by: Ingolf Pompe
Homepage: http://www.ingolfpompe.de