Take this once-in-a-lifetime, trip and explore  Cuba's rich heritage by meeting and working with some of the country's best musicians and dancers.  You have the option of studying either Cuban Salsa dancing styles or music. In addition to taking in incredible live music every evening,  you will be in for an intense musical experience by collaborating with Cuban musicians or dance instructors with daily private lessons, workshops, masterclasses, ensemble sessions and a final performance.  This trip is geared towards intermediate or advanced musicians.  No prior experience is needed to study dance. You can also join the trip as a non-musician as there will be other activities to do while the lessons are happening.  Our trip falls in the category of 'Support of the Cuban People' under OFAC/US Treasury guidelines.  We take thre support of our Cuban friends seriously by supporting musicians thru an independently owned music school, by bringing much-needed musical supplies to the local musicians, as well as many everyday items such as ibuprofen, toothpaste, and batteries.   We will also be supporting and interacting with the Cuban people in numerous other ways by visiting art galleries, markets, taking dance lessons, and getting historical tours from our local guides.  We will interact with incredible, dedicated Cuban musicians who love to share their knowledge. The whole week you will be learning about Cuba's fascinating history. 

Music styles to be explored: Latin jazz, cha cha, son, songo, timba

Dance styles: Cuban Salsa styles, mambo, cha cha, rueda de casino and other variations

Purchase of trip insurance will be required to join this tour. 

For the safety of all on this trip, we require all travelers to show proof of vaccination.

A word about COVID:

Covid cases are going down in Cuba due to the ongoing indoor mask mandate and high vaccination rates and have a lower infection rate and a higher Vax rate than the US.  Lessons, ensembles, and meals will all be in open-air venues.  The PCR tests needed to return to the US will be easy to attain the day prior to traveling back. 

Lodging:

The casa particulares (similar to AirBnbns) we stay in are privately owned and are excellent.  Everyone has their own private room and bathroom, AC, and breakfast is made for you each day. 

Meals:

All lunches and dinners will be at privately owned, highly rated restaurants (paladares). Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions. 

Flights:

You are responsible for your own air transportation but we will recommend flights so we can all arrive in Havana at similar times. 

Safety:

Cuba is one of the safest places to travel.  Havana is a big city so the only thing to watch for is petty crimes, like people trying to sell you cigars. We ask that people just use common sense like keeping wallets in a front pocket, not putting your cell phone out on the table at a cafe, etc..

Medical Insurance:

Hold on to your boarding pass as that is what is needed to access the free health coverage during your stay. There is a separate hospital for tourists if needed.  You must purchase additional medical coverage in case you need to stay extra days in Havana or need to be airlifted out due to illness.