Schedule for Saturday, April 11
11.00–12.15 Cuban rumba (open level)
12.30–13.45 Salsa solo (intermediate)
14.00–15.15 Couple salsa (intermediate)
Place: Flama Linnankatu (Linnankatu 84, Turku)
Price: 21 € /person / workshop
Attention! Unfortunately, the spots for the followers without their own dance partner have already been taken. There are still places for leaders and pairs. To be informed about possible changes, the followers can contact us by email:info@flama.fi.
Cuban rumba is a traditional music and dance style and cultural form that originated in Cuba in the 19th century among the descendants of African slaves and the lower white social class. José’s workshop focuses specifically on rumba guaguancó, one of the three main styles of Cuban rumba (yambu, guaguancó, and columbia). It combines sexual tension, rhythmic intelligence, and Afro-Cuban identity. It is a flirtatious and playful dance that also includes a symbolic “approach” between partners, known as vacunao (vaccination).
The class focuses on practicing rumba technique as a solo dance and is suitable for those who have mastered the basics of Cuban salsa.
The class uses choreography to practice Cuban salsa step variations, body movement, and music interpretation. The class is suitable for anyone who has mastered the basics of solo salsa.
The workshop delves into the nature of Cuban salsa as a partner dance: rhythm, smooth connection with your partner, and relaxed but energetic movement. The class focuses on the body movements and musical interpretation characteristic of Cuban salsa, as well as practicing patterns.
The class is suitable for those who have been dancing regularly for at least a year.
Cuban José Mesa is an enthusiastic and energetic teacher who wants to convey to his students the same joy that dance brings him. José teaches a wide range of styles, including salsa, Afro, rumba, salsa con rumba, reggaeton, and reparto.
José studied folklore and popular dances at the Escuela Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba and graduated in 2008. José continued his studies in 2009 at Escuela Narciso Medina in Contemporary Dance. He danced with the Conjunto Folklorico Universitario de Cuba and performed at many events in Cuba. José has gained experience as a professional dancer with the Compañia de Danzas Tradicionales de Cuba JJ, with whom he participated Festival Cultural de Danza Folklorica in Africa.
Over the years, José’s dance career has taken him to teach and perform at various festivals in Spain, Italy, France, Tunisia, Sweden, Norway, Ukraine, Latvia, and Estonia.
More information about the workshops: info@flama.fi
Forecast for the coming summer: lots of dancing and sunshine! ☀️ Flama’s summer schedule has now been released. The summer season will be danced from June 1 to August 23, 2026. This summer, there will be a whole range of different short courses, drop-in classes, and of course, the popular park classes!
New courses are starting at Flamassa in the spring! There are many different types of dance, body maintenance, and performance courses to choose from. Which one would be right for you?
