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Artists

Osbanis Tejeda (Cuba)

Osbanis Tejeda Fajardo was born in Havana, Cuba. He comes from a family of natural talent that taught him the best way to learn was by listening and watching. He Graduated a professor of Cuban percussion from the Fernando Guanches Academy, where he later worked with several Cuban musicians and taught percussion to children and adults.

He developed dance when he arrived in the UK, where the important thing to him was to feel everything you see, in music and dance. For that reason he says 'dance is to play and music is to live, so live to play'.

Anneta Kepka (Poland)

Anneta Kepka 2008 IDO World Ladies Salsa Shines Champion and 2006 UK Salsa Champion, began her dancing career in Poland with Ballroom Dance.

Over the years she has studied various forms of dance, in order to create her own unique style. She has put most emphasis on Latin dances. Dancing is for her an everlasting passion. She now lives in London. Her current dance partner is Osbanis Tejeda, with whom she teaches and performs at congresses around the world.

Rayda Salas (Cuba)

Rayda Salas Rayda started her dancing career in the 'Osirad Azul' company directed by Raul Cabrera, belonging to Asociacion Caribena de Cuba. She continued to work on many great projects in Cuba and Puertorico including 'Jala-Jala Dancing' company, the 'Ritmo Caribe' company, Casa Della Musica Egrem, and Cabaret 'Tropicana'.

Dawes Figueroa (Cuba)

Dawes Figueroa Dawes started dancing in Cuba in the major theatres. He later moved to Italy, gaining success as a dancer and choreographer, taking part in major congresses and events across Europe.

In 2008 the pair Dawes – Rayda resumed under the project CubaRumba.com, where we can finally admire them in a fantastic work on Cuban Folklore.

Leandro Charanga (Cuba)

When he arrived in the UK in 2007, Leandro Charanga was immediately crowned 'The Reggaeton King'. 100% Cuban, he is one of the most charismatic performers around today.

Leandro's style is unique and wildly entertaining. His fusion of raw-energy reggaeton from the backstreets of Havana and his classical ballet education could only happen in Cuba. His dance is edgy and athletic, and at the same time full of grace and fun! A professional dancer and choreographer in Cuba, Leandro studied for 8 years with a leading Havana dance school; renowned for its breadth of teaching and emphasis on the performance arts. He attained teaching qualifications after 2 more years of study and has taught and performed in all the Cuban dance forms; salsa, son, cha cha cha, rumba, afro and, of course, reggaeton. He's worked with leading Cuban & international bands, been principal dancer in Havana's top shows, worked on TV and DVD and been head hunted by leading European dance companies.

Leandro has an enormous heart; his warmth and enthusiasm for dance fills the room. As a teacher and a performer, Leandro is loved on both sides of the Atlantic. He is famous in Cuba, where they call him 'Charanga'. Now resident in the UK, his favourite things include shoe shops, his cat, roller-coasters, Ben & Jerry's and working with the other amazing Cuban artists that Britain is lucky to call their own.

Rosa Perez (Cuba)

Rosa Perez Leandro Charanga's dancing partner and the new star in the UK Cuban Salsa/Reggaeton Scene.

Ariel Rios Robert (Cuba)

DAriel Rios Roberts has performed and choreographed in many of the best theatres in Havana, Cuba, sharing stage with a number of prestigious groups including The National Ballet of Cuba, National Folk Group, Isadanza and Yoruba Andabo.

Ariel has over nine years experience of designing and presenting courses in dance, including master classes, lectures and presentations in cultural centres, specialising in: Cha Cha Cha, Mambo, Son, Danzon, Rumba, Afro Cuban, Salsa and Casino.

In addition, Ariel has over fifteen years experience as a professional dancer including as a soloist and as a member of the cast with the Folk University group of the Habana University where he co-ordinated and choreographed national and international dance tours.

Moe Flex (UK)

Moe Flex is one of the most exciting, inspiring and entertaining choreographers on the international Latin dance scene today! With the biggest smile in salsa, his boundless enthusiasm for dance is impossible to ignore and he has gained his reputation through sheer determination and talent.

As a leading authority in the field of dance, rhythm and body movement, Moe's unique style of teaching is now recognised Internationally and he takes his workshops and shows to congresses and events all over the world.

By adding his own personal touch to everything he does, Moe makes every dance experience a positive and memorable one and always leaves you wanting more. He really is an inspiring and motivational role model for all performing artists and celebrities and has worked with the likes of Rolldeep, Tim Westwood, 50 cent, Blu Cantrell, Craig David, Guy Ritchie & Madonna.

Kerry Ribchester (UK)

Kerry Ribchester Kerry is a leading expert in the field of Cuban body movement. She has studied with a leading dance academy in Havana, has a B.A. in dance, and a postgraduate with a distinction in movement study. She danced alongside Madonna in Evita and won the 2003 award for the top UK teacher at the Salsa Congress. She is also a qualified Hellerwork practitioner and teaches worldwide.

Her work has been featured on Channel 4, BBC1, BBC2 and ITV. She has lead 33 trips to Cuba and is the founder and director of Key2Cuba, the leading provider of Cuban Salsa holidays.

Javier De La Rosa (UK)

Javier De La Rosa Javier, winner of the 'Most Popular Cuban Salsa DJ Award 2006' and finalist in the Bacardi DJ Competition 2003, he is one of the most exciting Latin DJ's on the scene. He came to the UK five years ago from Havana, Cuba, where he worked at the Castillito Cultural Centre and was involved in various musical activities. He has been DJing in the UK since his arrival, playing Salsa and Timba Cubana, Reggaeton, latin Hip-Hop and R&B to suit the occasion. He featured in iD London magazine (October 2005 edition) as one of the UKs leading emerging acts in the urban latin music scene. Currently, you can find him playing at various clubs and events in London and the UK.

DJ Flecha (Cuba)

DJ Flecha is an International Latin Disc-Jockey (DJ) with an impressive track record. He is currently resident DJ at Floridita, in London, and was the principal resident DJ at the famous Casa De La Musica in Havana, from 2002 to Feb 2008. He mixes in real time a non-stop music session promoting the best of the Latin and Cuban grooves of all times (Son, Montuno, Guaracha, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Guaguanco, Salsa, Timba, Merengue, Bachata, Reggaeton, Samba, Ballenato, Cumbia). His achievements include: Judge of the Second Salsa DJ Competition (April 2007), Finalist of the Cuban First Salsa DJ Competition (March 2005), Winner of the House Music DJ Festival, Macumba Habana (December 2004), Leading DJ of the Casino Competition, Casa de La Musica Habana (July 2004), DJ time on Radio Taino and Radio Habana Cuba stations (1997-1998).

30 April-3 May 2010 Bournemouth