Ritma Cuba, a summer vacation option for hands-on music in Cuba
Joyce Humbert has taken on representation of French organization, RitmaCuba. Many people here know Joyce and will be interested in this trip. I’ve seen some fine dance clips of theirs on Youtube. ( If you search, remember it’s “Ritma” not “Ritmo”, must be a marketing concept 
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Each year’s program is unique and each year a number of not-to-be missed activities complementing the courses are arranged for the group with special emphasis on carnaval. Examples from previous years are a neighbourhood rumba/street party, a visit to a rehearsal of the oldest conga comparsa group in Santiago, the Conga de los Hoyos, a chance to dance along in the “Invasion of the Congas” pre-carnaval, a day at a beach (with music) and special concerts. In 2010, some of the activities included a day trip to Guantanamo to take in some changuï and a concert by the only steel band in Cuba. Other years included a visit to the shrine of the Virgin of Charity, (patron saint of Cuba and Ochún in the santeria religion), in the mountain village of El Cobre outside Santiago and a day at a local beach off the beaten path complete with pig roast. And of course, there are lots of places to go out at night, dance and maybe even sit in with the band, places like Casa de la Trova, Casa de la Musica, Casa de las Tradiciones, Los Dos Abuelos, Artex, and during Carnaval, the streets!
Dates – July 11-25, 2011
Price – $2,041 CDN (program, lodging + return air Toronto-Santiago and taxes included)*
Option : you may arrange own flight and request accommodation for different dates but for the program you must be in Santiago from the 11th until the morning of the 23rd.
No excuse not to go to Cuba now! Also from Toronto at different times of the year… in February, there’s AfroLatino, and Soul Drums in May.
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