MARCH 29-APRIL 6, 2025

An unforgettable week of cultural exchange in Cuba with the Orisha House Project, for dancers and arts patrons who seek a legal pathway to learn and build in this incredible community.

History and Purpose

In April 2023, we brought together the house dance community and orisha folklore community for the Orisha House Invitation Battle in Havana, a historic, electric evening with sixteen dancers, live bata drums, vocalists, and a DJ. We followed this with a premiere of El Alcance from the Orisha House Project dance company at the historic Bertolt Brecht theater to conclude our month residency, which was filmed for inclusion in the US Library of Congress.

In April of 2024, we hosted our first Orisha Festival to continue our work of cultural fusion, but at the international level, including American dancers from the United States, alumna of Beyonce, Janet Jackson and Lauryn Hill among others who came to Cuba to exchange with the Orisha House Project.

And now, in 2025, we are thrilled to be hosting the second edition of the Orisha House Festival, with special workshops, sessions, performances, visits to cultural sites, parties and concept battle. This weeklong experience for dancers, musicians and DJs will create space to connect, learn and build. We emphasize deep respect for culture and community, historical accuracy and inclusivity, and joyful self-expression.

 While this festival was designed for the Cuban community to further develop local artistry, it is open to a maximum of 20 international visitors who wish to engage in meaningful interactions with  Cuban people and culture with respect and care in the spirit of the “people to people” exchange concept. Travel from the US for cultural exchange and support for the Cuban people is absolutely safe and legal for US citizens, who will have a full-time itinerary of meaningful interactions. Travelers will satisfy all conditions of the “Support of Cuban People” visa category pursuant to the regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

 We engage all applicants with a 20 minute phone call, to answer all of your questions, explain some of the unique elements of travel to Cuba, and ensure you get the most out of your experience. DM us at @orisha.house on Instagram to schedule your conversation or ask any questions after reading the below.

Schedule Details:

Saturday: WELCOME!

Arrival in Havana, welcome dinner with live music and performance

Sunday: CONTEXT

Walking tour of Havana Vieja led by Orisha House Dance Company members, visit to the gorgeous Carribean ocean to greet Yemaya

Monday: FOUNDATIONS

Intros: History of the Orishas and the Orisha House Project 10-11 am

Dance Class: Orisha dance fundamentals 11 -12:30 pm

Lunch: 12:30-1:30 pm

Dance Class: House Fundamentals 1:30-3 pm

Excursion: Religious Ceremony 5-10 pm

Tuesday: ELEGGUA AND OCHUN

Dance Class: Eleggua and Ochún: 10-12 pm

Lunch: 12-1:30 pm

Music Class: Intro to Cuban Rhythms 1:30-2:30 pm

Dance Class: House 2:30-3:30

Dance Class: Orisha House Eleggua and Ochún 3:45-5 pm

Optional: Salsa Party 10 pm

WEDNESDAY: YEMAYA AND OGUN

Dance Class: Yemaya and Ogun: 10-12 pm

Lunch: 12-1

Dance Class: House 1-2 pm

Battle Prep (2 x 2): 2-3 pm

BATTLE!: 6-9 pm

Optional: Kizomba/Afrohouse Party 9 pm

THURSDAY: OYA AND SHANGO

Dance Class: Oya and Shango: 10-12 pm

Lunch: 12-1:30 pm

Music Class: Percussion 1:30-2:30 pm

Dance Class: House 2:30-3:30

Dance Class: Orisha House Oya and Shango 3:45-5 pm

Optional: Salsa Party 10 pm

FRIDAY: OBATALA AND OCHOSI

Dance Class: Obatala and Ochosi: 10-11 am

Rehearsal: observe an Orisha House Project Rehearsal, option to perform 11-1 pm

Lunch: 1-2 pm

Excursion: Beach and blessings for Yemaya 2-7 pm

Optional: Reggaeton party 10 pm

SATURDAY: CELEBRATION

Music Class: Songs and rhythms 10-11:30 am

Excursion: artisenal crafts market and lunch 11:30-2 pm

Orisha House performance and fiesta: 8 pm-1 am

SUNDAY: DEPARTURE

NOTE: Schedule is subject to changes, but always in the spirit of maximizing the opportunity for creative exchange.

TEACHERS

Classes will not only be taught by Orisha House Project members, but will also be taking class side-by-side with you to maximize cultural exchange and connection. Meet some of our distinguished artists below…we are thirteen dancers, four musicians, and one DJ.

PACKAGES AND PRICES

Program is FREE for all Cuban artists residing in Cuba. Prices for visitors are listed below in US Dollars. Visitors MUST pre-register by March 1, 2025.

International Artist Pass: $2,250

For dancers and musicians excited to engage in classes, battles, parties and people to people exchange. We will arrange for 7 nights of housing in a historic Havana home, daily lunch, transportation to all classes and events, plus access to a dedicated whatsapp support line from 7 am-10 pm daily.

Rooms are double occupancy and typically with a private bathroom. Single room supplement: $300.

Non-refundable deposit of $500 required to complete registration.

Visitors must provide proof of travel health insurance, book their own flights based on our recommended itineraries, and fulfill all visa requirements. We also ask that you bring medicine to share with Cuban artists as part of your contribution.

Please note that the Orisha House Project is a fiscally sponsored 501 ©3 non-profit organization with the goal of promoting urban folkloric styles globally. Beyond daily costs such as housing and fees, ALL fees go directly to Cuban members of the Orisha House Project to support their ongoing work. We aspire to have pricing that is both fair to our Cuban artists and accessible to visitors, while providing them with a 5 star experience (for instance, with at least 3 live musicians in each orisha dance class!). To maximize affordability, an optional, $250 discount will be offered to those who register BEFORE January 15, 2025, and a $150 discount before February 14th. Registration closes March 1.

Follow @orisha.house on IG and send us a message if you have any questions…we look forward to receiving you in Cuba!