Cuban Dance Workshops with Rachel Ortiz | DC Casineros

Experience the flavor of Santiago de Cuba with Rachel Ortiz and DC Casineros! Join us at Dance Place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 1–5 p.m. for three workshops celebrating Cuban popular dance, musicality, and personal expression.ABOUT RACHEL ORTIZRachel Ortiz is a Cuban dance artist and instructor from Santiago de Cuba and a former principal dancer with the internationally renowned All Stars Santiago de Cuba dance company. She joined All Stars in 2011 and has performed across Europe, the United States, and Latin America. Now based in Florida, she leads her dance academy, Ahora Baila.Rachel brings her own flavor, musical understanding, and the distinctive movement style of Santiago to Cuban popular dance. Her artistry comes from a region with a rich Afro-Cuban and Franco-Haitian cultural heritage, including Tumba Francesa, a tradition combining Afro-Haitian roots and French dance influences. This afternoon offers a chance to experience Santiago’s perspective through Rachel’s teaching and her work with All Stars.THE WORKSHOPS1:00–2:10 p.m. — Son Cubano SantiagueroExplore Son Cubano through the style of Santiago de Cuba, focusing on musicality, rhythm, and the character of the dance.2:10–2:25 p.m. — Break2:25–3:35 p.m. — Intermediate–Advanced Rueda de Casino — SantiagoLearn moves from All Stars Santiago de Cuba, with the combinations, musicality, and distinctive Santiago style Rachel brings from her experience with the company. For dancers with Rueda de Casino experience.3:35–3:50 p.m. — Break3:50–5:00 p.m. — Men’s & Ladies’ Cuban StylingExplore body movement, musical expression, and styling for Cuban popular dance, with Rachel’s personal flavor and perspective as an artist from Santiago de Cuba.REGISTRATIONEach workshop: $25.All three workshops: $60 — save $15!Applicable checkout taxes and processing fees are shown during purchase.LOCATIONDance Place Main Theater, 3225 8th Street NE, Washington, DC 20017.MAKE IT A WEEKEND: FRIDAY’S DC CUBAN SOCIALJoin DC Casineros at Dance Place on Friday, October 30, from 7:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the Cafritz Foundation Theater for a dance class, performances, and the DC Cuban Social. Friday’s tickets are sold separately by Dance Place and are not included in the Saturday workshops or package.Friday details and tickets: https://danceplace.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FTN000004Jp1J2AS