Learn Afro-Cuban folkloric dance at April 30 workshop

The vibrant styles of Afro-Cuban folkloric dance will be taught by master instructors during a special workshop on Saturday, April 30, at the UH Mānoa campus, sponsored by the Dance Program.

 

The workshop is part of a five-day project funded by a grant titled, “Enhancing Diversity at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.” The yearly grant is awarded to projects that support a commitment to diversity, including cultural expression.

 

Cuban dancer/performer Royland Lobato and Afro-Cuban percussionist/recording artist Richard Marquez will conduct two classes and present a demonstration/performance. Classes are free and open to public, and limited to 40 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

 

Lobato and Marquez will provide basic instruction in two primary areas: the sacred Yoruba/Orisha dances rooted in the religious traditions of Africa, and the secular rumba popularized as Cuba’s national dance. Classes will focus on the rich polyrhythm and creative interplay of chant, percussion and choreography that have made Afro-Cuban music and dance a favorite of audiences worldwide. No previous experience is necessary.

 

Lobato is an esteemed Cuban dance teacher and performer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Originally from Guantanamo, Cuba, he is a graduate of the Havana School for Teachers of the Arts and has performed throughout Europe and the United States. Lobato has served as the artistic director of Siete Potencias, or “Seven Powers,” an award-winning troupe that celebrates the seven deities of the African pantheon, while also perpetuating the authentic African cultural roots of Cuban dance. A dance educator for over fifteen years, Lobato currently teaches many dances of Cuba and the Caribbean, including Cuban salsa, rumba, son, mambo, cha cha chá, Mozambique, pilón Yoruba and other African-influenced dances. 

 

Marquez is a recent transplant to Hawai‘i, and currently resides on the North Shore. Raised by a Cuban father and a Syrian mother in Venice Beach, California, Marquez picked up his first drum at the age of two.  He went on to study extensively with respected masters of both the Afro-Cuban tradition and American classical technique.  Working professionally as a drummer and percussionist since the age of 15, Marquez’ greatest honor is his 17 years with the late Cuban legend Israel “Cachao” Lopez, creator of the mambo, with whom Marquez recorded multiple albums and film scores. Marquez also records his own mix of Afro-Cuban, hip-hop and funk rhythms in homage to both his cultural roots and urban upbringing. 

 

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with Lobato and Marquez, please contact Liza Simons at (808) 864-0527.  Photos and video of performances by Lobato and Marquez are available upon request. For more information on the workshop, please contact Peggy Gaither Adams at 956-3264.