The Formation of CubanaDanza

Cubacheche’s creation of CubanaDanza in 2009 was inspired by the love of dance evident in the large number of Cubans living in the UK, especially in London, and their need for contact with the culture of their birth place. An additional incentive was the great interest in Cuban dance and culture also shown by many non-Cubans.

CubanaDanza was created to perform and teach the wide variety of styles and genres of Cuban popular and folkloric dance. This group of professional dancers, mostly Cuban and all UK-based, are all well known within their field for performances of popular and/or Afro-Cuban dance.

Founder members of CubanaDanza

Ariel Rios Robert, Artistic Director and Choreographer

Ariel trained at the Cuban National Arts Instructors' School for teachers-in-training. He later returned to the School to teach a subsequent generation of dancers, part of his nine years' experience in designing and presenting courses in dance both in Cuba and internationally, including Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, and across Europe. His master classes, lectures, and presentations specialise in Cha Cha Cha, Mambo, Son, Danzon, Rumba, Afro-Cuban, Salsa & Casino, Mozambique, and Pilon.

His experience as a Principal Teacher for the foreign students learning Spanish at the University of Havana, along with teaching the agencies of dancing projects from Belgium, France, Holland, and England, consolidated Ariel's international teaching skills and understanding of the communication needs of students from varied cultures. Following on from this, he wrote an article on "Teaching Methods" for people of different nationalities and languages.

Ariel has seventeen years of experience as a professional dancer and international performer, specialising in contemporary, modern, Afro-Cuban, and Cuban popular dance. He has performed and choreographed for internationally renowned companies including the National Ballet of Cuba, the National Folk Company of Cuba, Isadanza, and Yoruba Andabo. He has also co-ordinated and choreographed national and international dance tours - some of the more renowned including the "Caribbean Festival" in Santiago de Cuba. His own company, The Conjunto Folklorico of the University of Havana, was three times awarded first prize in the National University Festival.

Hannah Bates

The only British dancer in the group, Hannah trained in Havana at ISA, Danza Contemporanea de Cuba, and Prodanza, and privately with Yamilet Sardiña Molina of Yoruba Andabo and Maibelys Carrion Blanco. She also trained in Rio de Janeiro with Carlinhos de Jesus, and in the UK with Guillermo "El Iyawo" Davis and Cabaret 7 Potencias, Ariel Rios Robert, and Almir Romero (of the Mangueira School of Samba).

While in Cuba Hannah performed at ISA's Elsinor Festival and in Para Bailar Casino with Roberto Aguilar's Rueda del ISA, the first time any non-Cuban performed on the show. She now regularly performs and choreographs for Samba-fusion group Ritmos da Cuidade and also performs in other dance groups.

Ileana Cachon Duque

Of Cuban origin, Ileana is a dynamic dancer and specialist in contemporary modern and folkloric dance.  She is also an experienced choreographer and teacher - covering a variety of styles: salsa, cha cha cha, mambo, son, rumba, merengue, and Afro-Cuban dance.

In Cuba, Ileana worked with prestigious dance companies including Yoldance and Company of Dance Narciso Medina.  She moved to the UK in 2000 as a cast member of Lady Salsa which went on to complete a successful run in the West End.  Since then Ileana has worked as a dancer and choreographer with Oi Brasil Company, as well as performing widely across the UK in events including the Carnaval del Pueblo and Latin Splash.

Leonardo Fuentes Pellicier

Originally from Santiago de Cuba, Leo trained there at the Tropicana Cabaret School of Dance before working as a dancer in the world famous Tropicana Cabaret - one of the biggest open air cabarets in the Caribbean.  The Tropicana show demands great versatility from its dancers as it features an extensive repertoire.  As a participant Leo performed spectacular routines in modern and contemporary dance, classical ballet, Afro-Cuban folklore, Haitian and Jamaican dancers, contradanza and tumba Francesa, boleros of Puerto Rico, merengue of the Dominican Republic, Cuban rural dance, rumba, and conga, as well as more modern styles including hip-hop, reggaeton, tap, and salsa.

While based in Santiago de Cuba, Leo was also a member of Plasita Dance Company which appeared in the Santiago de Cuba Carnival for eight years.  He has also performed and taught dance in numerous hotels around Santiago de Cuba.

Since moving to London Leo has worked as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer with Salsa Tropical.  He teaches workshops in a variety of Latin styles including merengue, mambo, son, salsa, cha cha cha, and reggaeon.

David Martinez

An experienced dancer and entertainments manager, David hails from Santiago de Cuba in the east of Cuba. Before moving to the UK he worked as an entertainments manager and dance teacher at Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica in 2000, and was a dancer and choreographer for the 7 Potencias dance company based in Havana, Cuba.

David has toured internationally with the Cuban dance company Jaguey, performing in Belgium, Spain, and France. He now regularly performs and hosts at London's El Rumbon Cubano events.

Daymee Sanz Cuervo

An experienced dancer originally from Havana, Cuba, Daymee has worked as a salsa and language teacher and entertainments manager in Cuba, Mexico, Italy, and the UK.

Daymee studied at the International Entertainment Centre in Havana, where she specialised in training in dance, magic, and music. She now regularly performs and hosts at London's El Rumbon Cubano events.

Rosa Perez

Classically trained Cuban born Rosa danced with the ballet company Centro Prodanza de Cuba in Havana performing leading roles in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Coppelia, and many more. Since moving to the U.K. she has performed in numerous salsa and reggaeton shows as well as teaching both styles in classes and workshops.

She has performed at salsa congresses, shows, and carnivals, and also at private functions and a wide variety of events both in the UK and across Europe.