APRIL 28-MAY 5, 2024

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.

And now, in April of 2024, we are thrilled to be hosting the first edition of the Orisha House Festival, with special workshops, sessions, performances, visits to cultural sites, parties and concept battles. 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 15 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:

Sunday: WELCOME!

Arrival in Havana, walking tour of Havana Vieja led by Orisha House Dance Company members, welcome dinner and live music

Monday: FOUNDATIONS
Mobility Warm-Up: 11 am

Orisha Foundations 12 pm

Lunch and Lecture: Orisha and House Origin Stories 2-3 pm

House Dance Foundations 3-4:30 pm

Traditional Afro-Cuban Ceremony: 5-10 pm

 Tuesday: ELEGGUA Y OCHUN

Registration and Mobility Warm-Up: 11 am

Eleggua y Ochun: Orisha 12 pm

Lunch and Lecture: Eleggua and Ochun in Orisha culture 2-3 pm

House Dance Foundations for Ochun y Ogun 3-4:30 pm

Orisha House: 4:30-6 pm

6 PM: Orisha House Battle

Wednesday: YEMAYA Y SHANGO

Mobility Warm-Up: 11 am

Yemaya y Shango: Orisha 12 pm

Lunch and Learn: Yemaya and Shango in Orisha culture 2-3 pm

House Dance Foundations for Yemaya y Shango 3-4:30 pm

Orisha House: 4:30-6 pm

OR cultural excursion for Backstage Pass holders 3-6 pm

8 pm: kizomba/salsa party at a local venue

Thursday: OYA Y OGUN

 Registration and Yoga/Mobility Warm-Up: 11 am

Oya y Ogun: Orisha 12 pm

Lunch and Learn: 2-3 pm

Orisha House: Oya y Ogun 3-4:30 pm

Concept Battle : teams will be formed across dance styles with ample prep time to explore and create

6-10 pm

 Friday: the Art of Performance

 10-1: Open rehearsal: meet Orisha House project company members

1-2: lunch with company members

2-4 pm: music class: hearing the orisha music in house music

9 pm: Orisha House Project performance

11 pm: Afterparty with cast members

Saturday:  BEACH PARTY

10 am: meet for local transport to beach

Return by 6 pm

8 pm: despedida dinner and salsa party

Sunday: Departure

NOTE: Schedule is subject to change

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 15, 2024.

Artist Pass

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.

 Backstage Pass

For those who wish to watch, engage, learn and get a broader view of Cuban culture, in addition to access to 7 nights of housing in a historic Havana home, daily lunch, transportation and entrance to all classes, lectures, and events, backstage pass holders will also have access to additional cultural excursions (museums, walking tours, and other opportunities to learn about daily Cuban life) .

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 February 21, 2024. No refunds provided for any reason after April 1.