Israel Ortiz is a master of contemporary and folkloric Cuban dance whose dynamic presence, musical precision and natural charisma light up every stage he steps onto. Renowned for his powerful technique and generous, easy‑going spirit, he brings both depth and joy to his teaching and performances.
Born in Santiago de Cuba, Israel began formal dance training at the age of eleven at a specialised performing‑arts school. He later graduated from the prestigious National School of Arts in Havana, one of Cuba’s most rigorous institutions for professional dance training.
After graduation he performed with several modern‑dance companies in Cuba before being selected for the internationally acclaimed Havana Nights Dance Company. With that troupe he toured extensively across Asia and Europe, appearing in more than nine countries and honing his artistry on some of the world’s largest stages.
Since settling in Australia in 2003, Israel has become a pillar of the Cuban‑dance community on the Sunshine Coast. He founded the Cuban Dance Company (https://cubandancecompany.com.au), a vibrant hub dedicated to authentic Cuban dance education and performance.
In 2012 he co‑founded Afrekete alongside Christina Monneron and Adrian Medina Scull, creating a platform that continues to elevate Afro‑Cuban dance, music and culture across Australia and New Zealand.
Today Israel remains deeply committed to transmitting the richness of Cuban traditional, folkloric and contemporary dance—blending technical excellence with cultural integrity and inspiring new generations of dancers throughout the region.
