Categoría: Afro-Cuban Dance

6–13 June 2027 | Finca Ará Oko, Andalucía

Five days of Afro-Cuban rumba, Orisha dance and music in the mountains of southern Spain.

20 hours of tuition · 7 nights · Full board

Led by internationally experienced Cuban dancers Andy Gonzalo Varona and Yuliet Estrada Linares, this retreat explores the vibrant traditions of Cuban rumba, Orisha and Palo dances, combining movement with a deeper understanding of the rhythms and songs that accompany them.

Enjoy five days of workshops, delicious home-cooked meals, comfortable accommodation and plenty of time to relax, swim and explore the surrounding countryside.

What Will You Learn?

Afro-Cuban Rumba & Orisha Dance

Over five days, Andy and Yuliet will guide you through the movements, rhythms and cultural traditions of Cuban rumba and Orisha dances.

The workshops focus on technique, musicality and expression, helping participants develop a deeper connection between dance and music.

Understanding the Music

With David Pattman y Vicky Jassey, explore the rhythms and songs associated with the dances being studied, discovering how music and movement work together in Afro-Cuban traditions.

No previous musical experience is necessary.

Meet Your Dance Tutors

Andy Gonzalo Varona & Yuliet Estrada Linares

Born and raised in Havana, Andy and Yuliet are internationally recognised Cuban dancers, choreographers and teachers specialising in Afro-Cuban folkloric and popular dance.

Andy has performed with prestigious Cuban ensembles including Raíces Profundas, the Conjunto Folclórico Nacional de Cuba and Osain del Monte, where he received the professional classification of First Dancer.

Yuliet trained with the Conjunto Folclórico de la Universidad de La Habana and has established an international career as a dancer, choreographer and teacher, recognised for her musicality and engaging teaching style.

Together, they founded Bailan2, a dance project based in Norway, and have taught and performed at festivals across Europe.

Their teaching brings together a deep knowledge of Cuban dance traditions with warmth, energy and a passion for sharing their cultural heritage.

Daily Programme

Retreat Programme | 6–13 June 2027

There is plenty of free time between workshops to relax, enjoy the plunge pool, go walking or explore the surrounding villages and countryside.

Life at Finca Ará Oko

Set at approximately 1,250 metres in the mountains of La Alpujarra, Finca Ará Oko offers a peaceful setting surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Enjoy outdoor workshops, freshly prepared meals, a plunge pool, shaded terraces and beautiful walking trails, with plenty of opportunities to relax and connect with fellow participants.

What’s Included?

• 7 nights’ accommodation
• 15 hours of Afro-Cuban dance tuition
• 5 hours of music development sessions
• 20 hours of teaching in total
• Welcome evening meal for arrivals before 7 pm
• Three meals daily, Monday to Saturday
• Breakfast on departure day
• Use of the finca’s facilities
• Optional Friday evening dance gathering

Accommodation & Booking

A range of accommodation options is available, including private rooms, shared accommodation and glamping.

A £150 non-refundable deposit secures your place. Full prices and payment details are available in the booking section.

Places are limited to ensure a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and individual attention throughout the retreat.

We look forward to welcoming you to Finca Ará Oko for a wonderful week of Afro-Cuban dance and music!

To secure your place and take advantage of the earlybird rate, fill in the registration form below and pay your deposit

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Retreat Prices, Early Bird Offer & Payment Information

Early Bird Offer – Save £50!

Book by 28 February 2027 and save £50 on your retreat accommodation. Standard prices apply from 1 March 2027.

A £150 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place and qualify for the early-bird discount. Your deposit must be received by 28 February 2027 to qualify.

The remaining balance is due six weeks before the retreat begins, by 25 April 2027.

Your booking is only confirmed once your deposit has been received and your accommodation has been confirmed.

Por favor lea nuestro Retreat Cancellation Policy and Participation Guide antes de reservar.

Accomodation & Prices

Before selecting your accommodation, please take a moment to visit our Accommodation Page to explore the different options available and decide which would best suit your needs.

You will also find useful information on our website about travelling to Finca Ará Oko and how to get here.

Accommodation Selection (all retreat prices are quoted in British pounds (GBP), per person) *

• Poolside Single Room with Private En-suite - £995.00
• Standard Single Room with Shared Bathroom - £925.00
• Poolside Daybed Single Room - £850.00
• Shared Twin Room - £825.00
• Flexible Bedroom – Single Occupancy - £925.00
• Flexible Bedroom – Double or Twin Occupancy - £825.00
• Bell Tent Glamping - £720.00

Total retreat price

£0.00

Remaining balance due by 9th May

How would you prefer to pay your deposit? We will send a payment link once we recieve your registration preference. *

• Wise – recommended for international payments
• UK bank transfer
• Revolut

We will send you a payment link once we recieve your form. Your place is only secure once you have paid your deposit. We offer several payment methods to make it easier for guests joining us from different countries. Wise is our preferred international payment method, allowing guests to pay using supported local currencies and payment methods. UK bank transfer and Revolut are also available.

Accommodation Information

All guests must register individually, including couples and friends sharing accommodation. We will do our best to accommodate sharing preferences, but all room and bell tent allocations are subject to availability and confirmation by the organisers.

Are you planning to share accommodation with someone you know? *

• Yes, I would like to share with someone I know.
• No, I am happy to share with another retreat participant.
• Not applicable, I have selected a private room.

If you would like to share with someone you know, please provide their full name. *

Has your preferred roommate registered? *

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• No
• They intend to register shortly

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• Yes

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Booking Terms and Agreement *

• I understand that every participant must register separately and pay their own deposit, including couples and friends sharing accommodation.
• I understand that the £150 non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure a place on the Machito Retreat, subject to the full booking terms.
• Submitting your registration does not automatically secure your place. We will review your accommodation request and contact you with payment instructions. Your booking will be confirmed once your £150 deposit has been received and your accommodation has been confirmed.
• I have read and agree to the retreat booking terms and cancellation policy.

Submit Retreat Registration