Oria/Cuba 2001 - Cuba - La Habana - Salsa Classes


See also my Cuba 2000 page

Like on New Year's eve of 2000, we went to visit Jaime in his dance school. After being treated to a classical dance rehearsal, a group of Germans and Swiss arrived for their lessons. Jaime and Teresa agreed that they were "fatŕl", deadly.

Beautiful view of the Malécon. In the background the Habana Libre where I stayed three months earlier
The Malécon is Havana's crumbling oceanfront promenade. This is the view from the dance studio
Their performance was sort of underwhelming, but she was pretty
All male dancers except Jaime were gay
'n sync
Teresa and the group, rehearsing
Their choreographer (a girl, seated on the left) turned out to be a tough drill instructor
The Latin ballet mix looked like it still needed some practice
 
One of the rare occasions when Teresa was not dead serious
Teresa, fooling around before the fatal group arrives
One of the dance teachers, joking
Basics steps all over again
Pretty but shy Daymara
Daymara, one of the dance teachers
Daymara spoke nothing but Spanish. Tough times for Steve
Steve and Daymara during a drill break (No, Steve didn't take classes)
 
The sky over Havana is usually gorgeous
After the class we took a walk along the Malécon and Centro Habana
All Cubans love to pose for photographers
Paseo de Martí, a.k.a. "Prado" is a favorite hangout spot for uniformed pupils
Life happens mostly outdoors
School children during their fencing practice on the Prado
How can you walk in a city dressed like that? No dignity!
Two pink tourist lobsters, burning to death
 
Speaking of dignity...
There's two ways to walk with a dwarf. Abajando...
This almost ripped Daymara's arm off. Notice the way she holds her legs. Typical dancer!
and Llevando.
 

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Pictures by Thomy and Steve, Text by Thomy - Feedback should be directed at thomas@voirol.com