More than a performance. More than a workshop. An opportunity to create, collaborate, and make a meaningful contribution.

As a centerpiece of Rhythms of Havana 2027, participants will spend dedicated time with the extraordinary artists of Habana Compás Dance for a collaborative experience that brings together music, movement, creativity, and community engagement.

Founded in 2004, Havana Compass Dance is an innovative Cuban dance and percussion company celebrated for its distinctive fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms, flamenco influences, contemporary dance, and inventive percussion. Its artists transform everyday objects into musical instruments, creating performances in which rhythm and movement become inseparable.

Beyond the stage, the company is deeply committed to artistic education and community development, nurturing new generations of Cuban dancers and musicians.

Our collaboration offers a rare opportunity to experience both sides of this remarkable organization: its artistic creativity and its commitment to the community.

What Will We Create Together?

Throughout our collaboration, participants will work alongside Havana Compass Dance artists, educators, and community members through a combination of hands-on workshops, artistic exchange, and collaborative projects.

Rhythm, Movement & Artistic Exchange

Explore the company's distinctive approach to dance and percussion through interactive workshops led by its artists. Participants will experiment with rhythm, movement, improvisation, and creative expression while exchanging experiences and ideas with Cuban performers.

Building & Strengthening Creative Spaces

Working alongside company members, participants will contribute to projects designed to support Havana Compass Dance's educational activities. These may include repairing or constructing percussion instruments, improving physical classroom and rehearsal spaces, and helping develop digital teaching materials and resources that can extend the company's educational reach.

Creating a Performance Together

Music and movement will bring our collaboration full circle as participants and company artists work together to develop a shared choreographic or percussion piece. This collaborative performance will celebrate the connections, creativity, and collective energy developed throughout our time together.

Cultural Exchange with Purpose

At the heart of this collaboration is a simple idea: cultural exchange should be reciprocal.

Rather than approaching Cuban artists solely as performers or instructors, we engage as collaborators, sharing knowledge, skills, resources, and creative experiences.

The activities will be developed in consultation with Havana Compass Dance, responding to the company's priorities and the skills and interests of our participants. Whenever possible, materials and services will be sourced from local independent entrepreneurs, extending the benefits of the collaboration into the surrounding community.

This initiative is also central to our program's commitment to Support for the Cuban People, fostering meaningful engagement with Cuban civil society, strengthening independent artistic initiatives, and contributing tangible resources to community-based cultural education.

Come Ready to Participate!

You do not need to be a professional dancer, musician, educator, or artist to take part. Curiosity, enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and an openness to sharing your own experiences are what matter most.

Whether you bring a background in dance, music, teaching, technology, craftsmanship, or simply bag full of donations and a love for Cuban culture, there will be opportunities to contribute.

Our goal is not simply to leave Havana with wonderful memories, but to leave something meaningful behind: useful resources, shared knowledge, new friendships, and creative connections that continue long after the program ends.

Rhythms & Roots is part of Rhythms of Havana: Music, Dance & Cultural Exchange with Yazmin & Beat Zero, January 23–31, 2027, organized by Son Dos Alas.