LIVE Cuban Music at Hacienda La Vega in Carlsbad - Fri, August 31st

Greetings Casineros & Amigos!
Finally, something happening in our neck of the woods of North County San Diego!! There is a LIVE Cuban band playing in Carlsbad. The original sounds of Afro Cuban music brought to you live in the North County. With selections from the repertoire of Cachito y Su Son and Salsa Mocambo.  Let's definitely support this event. Vamos mi Gente!

Here are the details:
WHAT: Live Cuban music
WHEN:  Friday, August 31, 2018 6:30pm-10pm
WHERE: Hacienda La Vega Restaurant in Carlsbad - 5806 Van Allen Way, Carlsbad, CA 92008
COST: Buy food and drinks and keep the restaurant in business with us. Buy a friend a drink ...Just buy something......

San Diego Cuban Dance Congress - Oct 25th - 28th 2018

ATTENTION - ALL CASINEROS, RUMBEROS, SALSEROS AND AFRO-CUBANOS WORLD WIDE, SAN DIEGO'S 2ND CUBAN DANCE CONGRESS IS GOING TO BE AMAZING WITH LARGER WORKSHOP ROOMS, GREAT INSTRUCTORS, FUNCTIONAL WORKSHOPS AND THE FUN SAN DIEGO VIBE! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS WORLD CLASS EVENT IN 2018!

Hotel info is listed on the congress webpage listed below

Four workshop tracks
- SON
- Casino
- Rueda de Casino
- Rumba
- Afro-Cuban
- Cubaton
- and more...

Special beginners intensive track - you will leave wanting more!

Timba Mob Bus
Timba Boat Party
Mega Salsa Suelta and Rumba experience
Live band Saturday nite
DJ's
Group and Team Performances
DANCING * DANCING * DANCING

Performances - if you want to perform, contact us.

All details are on the website: http://www.cubandancecongress.com/

Be sure to LIKE our Facebook page as we will be posting the latest happenings and information to keep you up to date on the Congress. View our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/CubanDanceCongress

Maritza's Beginner Level 1 Series Registration for Winter 2019 is now live! Begins Tues. Jan 8th 2019

Greeting Amigos & Casineros!
Given the really great interest in my beginner class series, the registration for the NEW Winter 2019 Beginner Level 1 Series is now created and live.

Here are the details:
WHAT: Maritza's Rueda de Casino Beginner Level 1 Series in Escondido
WHEN: Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm January 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th 2019 ( a 3-month commitment)
               Also includes a Friday rueda practice outside or at a social setting
WHERE:  Doug's Studio (private residence) 1717 S. Iris Lane, Escondido, CA 92026
COST:  $40 per person per month
HOW TO REGISTER: Click this link. Complete the online registration form. Please pay cash on the first day of class.

In L.A.: CURUYE's AUGUST CUBAN SALSA TIMBA DANCE PARTY! Sun. Aug 12th

CURUYE'S AUGUST CUBAN SALSA TIMBA DANCE PARTY!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 - 5:00-10:00 PM

The GRANADA, 17 So First St, Alhambra 91801

LET’s KEEP THE SUMMER CUBAN MUSIC & DANCE FLOW HAPPENING SUNDAY, AUGUST 12, at CURUYE’s CUBAN SALSA TIMBA DANCE PARTY with DEEJAY WARAPO kicking off YEAR 9 of sharing his love and knowledge of Cuban dance music with L.A. & Southern California! CUBAN SALSA! SON! TIMBA! REGGAETÓN!

IT’s AUGUST: The time of the year CURUYE commits  to DONATING SCHOOL MATERIALS to students in the community.  This year part of the proceeds from Curuye’s August Salsa Timba Cuban Dance Party will be donated to the students of the Covenant House SHELTER for HOMELESS YOUTH  in Los Angeles. Imagine! by coming out to dance with your friends, you’ll be helping out a student or two! 

WELCOME BACK MARITZA BAÍDA to L.A. to teach a RUEDA de CASINO class at 5:30 PM!  Pa’ La Orilla dancers CAMILLE RAY, and JEANNIQUE PROSPERE will be leading their fun and funky reggaetón line dances throughout the night!

So far, KAREN POWELL, IVONNE ROMERO, RUBY ROJAS, AMY HARTENDORP, GRACE OSBORNE, JENNIFER FLANZER are celebrating their August birthdays with Curuye! Contact Curuye if you have an August birthday you’d like to celebrate!

Share a meal with friends from The Granada’s kitchen! Chef Israel has entrees, sandwiches, and salads to fill up and energize hungry dancers!

ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!

$10 cover includes the dance class!

HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

Casino on Cardboard at Mission Beach - Sat. August 11th

Greetings Mi Gente!
We are getting out the portable dance floor on the sand at Mission Beach and dancing until the sun goes down. Come dance with us. It will be a beautiful day for pictures and reunions of dancing families far and wide. To make this happen, we need all hands on deck to put the dance floor together and will need a minimum of 4 people and an SUV or truck to help transport the dance floor and help carry the dance floor patches to the sand and help me to snap it together. The dancing won't start until the dance floor is all connected and we will need help to put it back in the SUV/Truck after the event is over. Please contact Maritza at sbdiva32@yahoo.com to offer your help. The set up takes at least an hour to do because parking is an issue but totally worth it once we are out there.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Casino on Cardboard at Mission Beach (Timba dance party at the beach)
WHEN: Saturday, August 11, 2018;

      Set up at 3:30pm 

      Dance lesson at 4:30pm to 5:00pm

      Social dancing from 5pm to 8pm
WHERE: Mission Beach on the sand nearest World Famous Restaurant: 711 Pacific Beach Dr., San Diego, CA 92109; we will be between Lifeguard tower 22 and 23.
HOW TO PREPARE:
Parking -  It can be very crowded with tourists and beach-goers. Suggest to carpool. Drive to the intersection of Pacific Beach Dr. and Mission Dr. There is a parking structure underneath the strip mall on Pacific Beach Dr. nearest the beach.

Bring beach chairs, a snack to share. Water will be provided so if you want to bring something else to drink, you can. There are plenty of places to roam around nearby and get food as well. We'll be calling ruedas and leading salsa sueltas and one-on-one casino/salsa. A short rueda lesson will be offered as soon as the floor is snapped together and ready to go.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
An SUV or truck is needed to help me bring the dance floor to the beach.  Can anyone let Maritza borrow their truck or SUV to load up the dance floor in Vista and help me to take it to Missions Beach? If no taker, we will dance on the sand. 

A minimum of Five Volunteers Needed at 3:30pm to help unload the snap-together dance floor and and all the equipment. If you are available to help, please contact Maritza at sbdiva32@yaho.com or call her the number listed on the Dance Instructor's Page of this blog.

Una bulla! Hope to see you there!

Maritza's Beginner Level 2 Series Begins Tues. Aug 7th

Greetings Amigos & Casineros,
Registration is now open up for Beginner Level 2.  Come sign up if you have completed Level 1 moves based on Maritza's curruculum.

Beginner Level 2 is about basic turn patterns and footwork for casino and for rueda to include:

• Prima/adios
• Pa-bajo (a.k.a. pa-dentro-pa-fuera or abanico)
• Exhibela
• Vacilala (one hand, no hands)
• Paseo/paseala
• Ronde footwork

Here are the details:
WHAT:  Maritza's Beginner Level 2 Casino/Rueda de Casino class series
WHEN: Begins Tuesday, August 7, 2018 (8/7, 8/14, 8/21, & 8/28)
WHERE: Doug's Studio at 1717 S. Iris Lane, Escondido, CA 92026
This is a private residence location;
COST: $40 per person for the month of August.
HOW TO REGISTER: Click this link to register.
HOW TO PREPARE:  Participants must already know the following moves before entering Level 2
Casino moves for social dancing
Pal' Medio
Caminamos
Dile Que No
Enchufla
Enchufla Doble
Enchufla Dile Que No
Connection with your partner; hand/body connection; knowing what the dance communication is for these moves listed above when combining them

Rueda Moves to do as a group
Un fly series
Una Bulla series
Matala series ( also known as "suena" or Pise")
Festival de Enchufla
Enchufla Dile Que No y Dicelo!!!
Botala Pa'tras
Dame Directo
Dame con Azúcar
Dame La Loca Con Bulla

LIVE Cuban music at Leucadia Artwalk w/ Cachito y su Son - Sun. August 26th

Come enjoy your Sunday afternoon at the Leucadia Art Walk in Encinitas while listening to live Cuban music.  Cachito y su Son will be playing from 2:30 to 4:20 pm at The Lanai.  

WHAT: Live Cuban music with Cachito y su Son!  FREE!!

WHERE: Leucadia Art Walk, The Lanai, 1114 n coast hwy 101, Encinitas, California 92024 

WHEN: Sunday, August 26th 2:30 - 4:30 pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/409814742814966/

Afro-Cuban Dance with Freila M. Blanco - Thus. July 26th, Sat. July 28th & Sun. July 29th!!

ABOUT FREILA:   Freila Merencio Blanco is a former female lead soloist in Havana, Cuba's renowned folkloric company, Raices Profundas (Deep Roots).   She has toured internationally as a dancer and singer in France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Nicaragua, Mexico and Japan.  She also performed as a dancer and background vocalist with the highly popular Cuban Rumba group, Yoruba Andabo.  [Fun Fact:  Freila Merencio Blanco was Master Artist Juan Carlos Blanco's former dance partner in Havana, Cuba for 8 years] 

---

THURSDAY, JULY 26th:     Afro-Cuban Dance Class featuring dances of 
Female Orishas (Part I) Accompanied by Live Drumming!
7:15 PM - 8:45 PM
COST: $20
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY, JULY 28th:     Afro-Cuban Dance Class featuring dances of 
Female Orishas (Part II)  Accompanied by Live Drumming!
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
COST: $20
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY, JULY 29th:     Two Hour Afro-Cuban Dance Workshop Co-Taught by former dance partners, Freila Merencio Blanco & Master Artist Juan Carlos Blanco teaching dances of Bantu traditions!
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
COST: $25

WHERE:  All Classes will be at STAGE 7
                3980 30th Street, SD. 92104

*No previous experience is required; Just your desire to dance!
*Early arrival is recommended for parking & registration
*Skirts will be available for Orisha dance classes.  
Have Questions?  Call or Text: (619) 520-8353
omoachecubanculture.org

enRuédaMe Mas Dance Social (after classes) - Sunday July 22

Hola Casineros!

It’s time for Sunday Rueda. Let’s start the week with some Timba, we have a new play list and are ready for the social dancing after class. See you tonight! 

$10 Beginners at 5pm
$10 Intermediate at 6pm
FREE Social dancing at 7pm

535 Encinitas Blvd #100

Rumba Descarga: Afro-Cuban Rumba Jam - Tues. Aug. 7th

Timba played by DJ Saul Timba in between sets!

Afron-Cuban RUmba led by:
Paul M Lopez
Plus special guests
Vocals by @Jimmy Peña

If you're a professional salsero/rumbero drummer around town, come sign up to sit in!

* Now serving soft drinks, snacks, and beer

WHAT: Free Rumba Jam, with Timba in between sets.  Lots of dance space! All ages.
WHEN:Jam starts at 8 pm, doors open at 7:30 pm
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
WHERE:La Bodega Gallery, 2196 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113

www.labodegagallery.com

La Noche de Timba in Pacific Beach - Saturday, July 28th

It's BACK!!!!  Fourth Saturday of the month Timba, Casino, and Rueda de Casino part!!!
Let's hang out in PB for amazing tapas, drinks, and dancing at our local Timba-supporting-bar-and-restaurant!  Come early for great food and most likely live music playing!

WHAT: $10 cover at door.  If you purchase $20 in food/drink, you get your cover charge back.
Please pay the $10 cover using this online link to the menu, look for "cover".
WHEN: Saturday, July 28th. 9pm - 1 am.
WHERE: Cafe Bar Europa, 873 Turquoise St., San Diego, CA 92109

Cachito y su son Live music every first Thursday - Thurs. August 2nd

First Thursday of each month, come out to hear Cachito y su son!

WHAT: Live music during dinner!
WHEN: 5:30 to 7:45 pm
WHERE: Buena Vista Social Club & Cafe, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

LIVE Cuban Music at Hacienda La Vega in Carlsbad (Friday Rueda Practice Social)- Fri, July 27th

Greetings Casineros & Amigos!
Finally, something happening in our neck of the woods of North County San Diego!! There is a LIVE Cuban band playing in Carlsbad. The original sounds of Afro Cuban music brought to you live in the North County. With selections from the repertoire of Cachito y Su Son and Salsa Mocambo.  Let's definitely support this event. I am designating this as our Friday Rueda Practice event for the week. Vamos mi Gente!

Here are the details:
WHAT: Casinero Meet Up for Friday Rueda Practice and Social Dancing to Live Cuban music
WHEN:  Friday, July 27, 2018 6:30pm-10pm
WHERE: Hacienda La Vega Restaurant in Carlsbad - 5806 Van Allen Way, Carlsbad, CA 92008
COST: Buy food and drinks and keep the restaurant in business with us. Buy a friend a drink ...Just buy something......

NEW Week-Day Afro-Cuban Dance Class! Starts July 12th!

Taught by Master Artist Juan Carlos Blanco

Looking for a fun week-day class to add to your work-out routine?  Here it is!

Afro-Cuban Dance Class offered weekly on Thursdays!

This invigorating class is good for all people who want to move and strengthen their bodies.  Accompanied by Live Drumming!  All are welcome - Drop-ins, first-time curious, or those looking for consistent weekly dance work-outs.  No previous experience is required.

WHEN: Thursdays, 7:15pm - 8:45pm

WHERE: Stage 7, 3980 30th Street. San Diego 92104  (North Park)

COST: $15

Questions or More Info: Call or Text (619) 520-8353

omoachecubanculture.org

Casinero Meet-Up at Sposito's in Temecula for Friday Rueda Practice - Fri. July 6th

Greeting Casineros & Amigos!
We are meeting up at Sposito's in Temecula this Friday for a Friday Rueda Practice. We had two beginner level 1 class series start for casino & rueda de casino. It's time to practice what we learned in the classroom into a social setting. All friends and casineros come dance with us. There will be timba in the playlist. Let's continue the 4th of July celebration into the rest of the weekend!!

Here are the details:
WHAT:  Casinero Meet-Up and Friday Rueda Practice on the social dance floor
WHEN: Friday, July 6, 2018 from 9:30pm-1am
WHERE: Sposito's Cuban & Italian Cuisine - 28120 Jefferson Ave. #207, Temecula, CA 92590
COST: $10 after 10pm. No cover before 10pm

CURUYE'S JULY CUBAN SALSA TIMBA DANCE PARTY w RAFAEL MARTÍNEZ

CURUYE's CUBAN SALSA TIMBA DANCE PARTY with SABOR de SANTIAGO de CUBA ft Cuban dancer RAFAEL MARTÍNEZ*

SUNDAY, JULY 8, 2018, 5-10 PM The GRANADA, 17 South First St., Alhambra 91801

JULY is the month of CUBA’s most famous carnival, and this year we’ll be dancing it up big in L.A. to commemorate it with special guest RAFAEL MARTÍNEZ*, dancer from SANTIAGO de CUBA, partying it up with us at CURUYE’s JULY CUBAN SALSA TIMBA DANCE PARTY!


DEEJAY WARAPO will keep the party happening with the LATEST and BEST CUBAN DANCE SOUNDS (including preview cuts from his label’s new cd!)! CUBAN SALSA! SON! TIMBA! REGGAETON! RUMBA!, Throughout the night, we’ll be dancing CASINO, RUEDAS de CASINO, REGGAETÓN, and RAFAEL and KATI HERNÁNDEZ will lead us in some carnival ‘conga lines’ Santiago carnival style!

FESTIVITIES will include the birthday dance with FREDIA REEVES, JEHAN JACKSON, JENNIE ROSENBAUM, PATRICIA OVANDO!

Arrive early! RAFAEL will be warming us up at 5:30 PM, so be sure to come early!

The Granada’s Chef Israel serves up a variety of tasty dishes from entrees to salads and sandwiches for hungry dancers, so plan on eating at the GRANADA! Message Curuye if you’d like to reserve a table for your group.

ALL AGES WELCOME!

The GRANADA, 17 South First St., Alhambra 91801

SPREAD THE WORD! LET’s WELCOME RAFAEL on his first visit to the West Coast!


* RAFAEL IS ALSO GIVING 3 WORKSHOPS on SAT JULY 7 at The GRANADA including CASINO, RUEDA de CASINO basics; and RUEDA de CASINO int/adv. For more info, go to July 7 CUBAN DANCE WORKSHOPS...or CLICK HERE!

Maritza's Intermediate Level 2 in Escondido to start in Aug. 7th

Greetings Everyone!
With two new classes series and increasing one more plus vacation trip to Washington state, I am moving the start of Intermediate level 2 to August 7, 2018. So in July, please take classes with Wilfredo Guilbiac Rodriguez and Tim Snedeker. Check this link when they have classes. For now all my intermediate level 1 dancers, this is your opportunity to take a month long break and then start up and pre-plan your time. There is a time change for Intermediate Level 2 on Tuesday nights, instead, it will be offered from 8:30pm-to 10pm which is the only window available for me to teach an intermediate level class.

Here are the details:
WHAT: Intermediate Level 2 Rueda de Casino with Maritza
WHEN: Tuesday nights beginning August 7, 2018 (8/7, 8/14, 8/21, & 8/28)
TIME: 8:30pm-10pm - yes it's later
WHERE: Doug's Studio - 1717 S. Iris Lane, Escondido, CA 92081
Please park on the other side of the street where the studio is located. This is a residential location.
COST: $40 per person - pay on the first day of classes
HOW TO REGISTER: click this link to register online: https://goo.gl/forms/Bh6cb34bt1wY7VB93
 You must already know the following moves: Dedo, Montana, Setenta, Setenta complicada, El Corto con la Bola, Saloneo, Kentucky, ronde footwork.