A Dance With Obatala - Cuba

In Cuban Santeria – which originates from the Yoruba religious traditions of West Africa – Obatalá is the father of all Orishas and humans.

As the ‘King of White Cloth’ his influence in everyday practices emphasise peace, justice, clarity, and healing for human beings.

Obatalá is just one of many Orishas honored through dance, both in dedicated practice and in popular celebratory fusions of salsa music.

Through the slave migrations, years of colonial repression, and periods of poverty under U.S. embargo the spiritual practices and dances of West Africa have blended with Cuban Catholicism, music, and dance to become central elements of faith and survival through hardship.

Western science recognises that dance remains the world’s most potent anti-depressant, both as a key to unlocking emotions and memories stored in the body, and a form of communal bonding and ritual.

In the same vein, Cuba’s modern history has endowed it with a legacy of community resilience and spirit that contrasts strongly with the individualism of Western nations.

It is well recognised that as social creatures we are more resilient and when connected to community, thanks to the the local agency, belonging, and identity community provides.

This program takes participants on a journey following the paths of Cuba’s revolutions from East to West, from Santiago de Cuba, to the far east, to the forests of Cienaga Zapata and on to Havana.

Throughout the journey we will engage with people and practices exemplifying the roles that spirit, connection to land, movement, and solidarity play in providing meaning and resilience in our lives.

Duration: 14 Days + 25 hours of preparation sessions

Occurs: October, March, July

Cost: US$5,750 (not including flights and insurance)

Group Size: 4-7 people

What’s included?

18 hours of embodiment practices and breath work training (pre-departure)

7 hours of cultural and historical presentations and discussion (pre-departure)

Daily guided meditation and discussion groups

Afro-cuban dance and culture sessions

Eco-therapy, permaculture, and indigenous medicine

3-day art and music residency

Bilingual local guides

Dedicated interpreter through the entire trip
… and much more!

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