🌺 Afrekete 2026 Workshop Timetable (Subject to Change)
Our full workshop timetable is here. We have thoughtfully shaped a program that honours lineage, cultural context, and embodied learning while creating an inclusive and inspiring experience for all participants.
✨ Workshops Designed for All Levels
All workshops led by our esteemed Cuban dance and music masters are accessible to participants of all experience levels. Where appropriate, classes will be divided into Open and Advanced streams, ensuring that everyone receives both support and challenge in their learning journey.
🌍 Why Afro-Cuban Dance Matters
Afro-Cuban dances are the root foundation of Salsa and many Latin dance traditions. Exploring these ancestral movement forms allows dancers to:
• Deepen their connection to rhythm and musicality
• Gain cultural understanding and historical context
• Improve body awareness, coordination and flow
• Expand artistic expression and movement versatility
Professional dancers often find this training enriches their performance quality, musical interpretation, and stylistic depth. Those newer to dance are frequently surprised by how naturally their body begins to move with greater confidence, grace, and connection.
AFREKETE 2026 EVENT TIMETABLE (subject to change)
TUESDAY 26th MAY
Daytime – Free time to explore Maggie
6.30pm Son musicality with Christina
WEDNESDAY 27th MAY
Daytime – Free time to explore Maggie
Evening program TBA
THURSDAY 28th MAY
9am-1pm Free time to explore Maggie
6pm Ready to Rumba in Flinders Lane Townsville with live Rumba and live band (This is our event fundraiser and is a ticketed event)
FRIDAY 29th MAY
9am-1pm Free time to explore Maggie
1pm Weekend Registrations Open
3.30pm Official Opening Ceremony at Nelly Bay Esplanade – ALL Welcome
4.30pm Community Night Markets – Artisan Stalls, Cuban Food available to purchase
7.30pm Welcome to Cuba on Maggie – Conference and ‘Intro to Afrekete’ workshop tasters
SATURDAY 30th MAY
9.30am Registrations Open
9.30am-1pm Afro-Cuban Immersion 1 – Yoruba – Drumming and Dance Workshops (Ogun & Oshun – the warrior and the goddess)
1pm Lunch available to purchase from Amaroo restaurant
2.30pm-3.50pm Afro-Cuban Origins – Arara
4pm-5pm Bailes Populares 1 – the influence Mambo & Pachanga in Cuban popular dance
6.30pm Dinner available to purchase from Amaroo restaurant
7.30pm-8.30pm Bailes Populares 2 – From Nengon to Son
8.30pm – late Tropical-themed HOT Havana Night Party Social Dance night with live band
SUNDAY 31st MAY
9.15am Registrations Open
9.30am-10.20am BodyArt – to open, stretch and connect
10.30am-1.30pm Afro-Cuban Immersion 2– Rumbas – Drumming and Dance Workshops (Guaguanco feminine & masculine; Columbia)
1.30pm Lunch available to purchase from Amaroo restaurant
2.30pm-3.50pm Afro-Cuban Origins – Bantu (PLUS Masterclass – Oya – for intermediate/ advanced dancers)
4pm-5pm Bailes Populares 3 – Timba – the application of Afro-Cuban in popular music (African Drumming around the pool)
5pm Intercultural Rhythm & Roots Showcase (details soon)
7pm Closing Ceremony
7pm Dinner available to purchase from Amaroo restaurant
