Frequently asked questions
Any questions?
What is the International Company of Cuban Dances?
A company of dancers from all over Europe, founded in 2022, who train and perform traditional Afro-Cuban folkloric dance. You can read about our teachers on the About page or see our classes on Instagram.
How can I join the Academy?
The academy is open to everyone who joins us for the first time. You can stay in the academy if you don't feel ready to perform yet, or if you can't come regularly. If you mainly want to train and improve, the academy is the place for you.
How can I join the Company?
There is no audition day. Let Leonardo or someone from the organisation know you are interested. You then join the academy classes for at least three training weekends while the teachers watch you dance. After that, they decide if you join the company or stay in the academy a little longer.
What are the prerequisites?
These are not beginner classes. You need to know the basics of Yoruba, Arará, Palo, Makuta, Yuka and Rumba, as we do not teach basic steps or rhythms. Ideally you have taken at least two years of classes. This applies to both the academy and the company.
I am a teacher, do I have to audition?
Yes. Many of you have danced for years or teach yourselves, but to keep it fair the process is the same for everyone.
Where do the trainings take place?
In a different European city every month, thanks to our students who help organise them. See the Trainings page for dates and venues.
Who are the teachers?
Leonardo Moya, Sergio Larrinaga, Arelys Savón and Mireisi Morales, all former dancers of the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba, where they also trained. In the 2026–2027 season they are joined by Javier Monier and Federico Núñez.
How long are the training weekends?
About 10 hours of classes over two days. We usually start on Saturday around midday or 1 pm and finish on Sunday around 5 pm, so people have time to travel. The timetable is published a week before each training.
What do you do during the trainings?
Usually a mix of singing, Yoruba technique, orisha dances, Palo, Arará and Rumba, plus popular dances such as mambo, cha-cha-chá and son, with live percussion. Company members also rehearse the choreographies for our shows.
What are you working on?
We keep performing Raíces Cubanas around Europe and are working on a new show. We also perform at festivals and events during the year.
What is the level of commitment for company members?
When we are working towards a show, company members come every month. You can miss one training at most; if you need to miss more, talk to the teachers. You learn the choreographies and practise at home so we can use our time together well. Everyone dances in more than one choreography.
What does it cost and how do I sign up?
Tickets and ICCD T-shirts are sold on Weezevent. Early-bird tickets are the cheapest, and we always announce when the early-bird price ends.
Do I need to arrange my own accommodation?
Yes, everyone books their own travel and accommodation. If something is organised for the group, we'll share it in the WhatsApp group.
Who can I contact with more questions?
Join our WhatsApp group or send us a message on Instagram.