Program
🌺 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 26 May
| Daytime | Free time to explore Maggie |
| 6:30pm | Son & Rueda with Christina at Amaroo |
Wednesday 27 May
| Daytime | Free time to explore Maggie |
| Sunset | Yemaya Ocean Ritual with Christina at Nelly Bay & BBQ (BYO) |
Thursday 28 May
| Daytime | Free time to explore Maggie |
| 6:30pm | Ready to Rumba in Flinders Lane, TOWNSVILLE with live Rumba and live band. Ticketed fundraiser event. |
Friday 29 May
| Daytime | Free time to explore Maggie |
| 3:30pm | Official Opening Ceremony at Nelly Bay Esplanade – FREE event, all welcome |
| 4:30pm | Registration Desk opens |
| 4:30pm | Community Night Markets at Amaroo – FREE event, all welcome |
| 6:00pm–7:00pm | Dinner – catering at Amaroo restaurant (pre-order and purchase required) |
| 7:30pm | Welcome to Cuba on Maggie – conference and “Intro to Afrekete” workshop tasters |
| 8:30pm–late | Social Dance Party |
Saturday 30 May
| 9:15am | Registration Desk opens |
| 9:30am–1:00pm | Afro-Cuban Immersion 1 – Yoruba – drumming and dance workshops: Ogun & Oshun, the warrior and the goddess |
| 1:00pm–2:00pm | Lunch – catering at Amaroo restaurant (pre-order and purchase required) |
| 2:30pm–3:50pm | Afro-Cuban Origins – Arara |
| 4:00pm–5:00pm | Bailes Populares 1 – the influence of Mambo & Pachanga in Cuban popular dance |
| 6:30pm | Dinner – catering at Amaroo restaurant (pre-order and purchase required) |
| 7:30pm–8:30pm | Bailes Populares 2 – From Nengon to Son |
| 8:30pm–late | Tropical-themed HOT Havana Night – social dance party with live band Kekoson |
Sunday 31 May
| 9:15am | Registration Desk opens |
| 9:30am–10:20am | BodyArt – open, stretch and connect |
| 10:30am–1:30pm | Afro-Cuban Immersion 2 – Rumbas – drumming and dance workshops: Guaguanco feminine & masculine; Columbia |
| 1:30pm–2:30pm | Lunch – catering at Amaroo restaurant (pre-order and purchase required) |
| 2:30pm–3:50pm | Afro-Cuban Origins – Bantu (Palo) PLUS Masterclass – Oya (for intermediate/advanced dancers) |
| 4:00pm–5:00pm | Bailes Populares 3 – Timba: the application of Afro-Cuban in popular music PLUS West African drumming session around the pool |
| 5:00pm | Intercultural Rhythm & Roots Showcase – grand finale event with invited guests and artists in one melting pot of colour and rhythm – FREE EVENT – all welcome (registrations required) |
| 7:00pm | Closing Ceremony |
| 7:00pm–8:00pm | Dinner – catering at Amaroo restaurant (pre-order and purchase required) |
Please check back for updates as event details may shift slightly.
