Weekend Intensive  ·  Cuban Salsa

Round Trip to Cuba

with

Wilmer & Maria

23–24 January 2027 · 6 masterclasses · Studio Art Deco, Ghent · All levels welcome
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About this intensive

Six classes. Two days. One deep dive into the soul of Cuban dance.

This weekend intensive takes you through the full spectrum of Cuban movement — from the grounded rhythms of Son Cubano to the electric energy of Afrotimba Fusión. Guided by Wilmer & Maria, one of the most respected Cuban Salsa duos on the international stage, every session builds on the last.

Hosted at Studio Art Deco inside Shoonya Dance Centre, Ghent's home of world dance. Cap the weekend with a social dance party Saturday evening from 21:00.

All levels welcome — Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced
6
Masterclasses
2
Full days of Cuban dance
€110
Early bird from

The full schedule

Each class is 60 minutes with a 15-minute break between sessions.

Day 1
Saturday
23 January 2027
15:00–16:00
Afrocuban West African roots of Cuban movement — rhythm, body isolation, grounded energy
16:15–17:15
Rumba Cubana The heartbeat of Cuban dance — improvisation, flirtation, conversation
17:30–18:30
Son Cubano The original — elegant couple work, the foundation Cuban Salsa grew from
Day 2
Sunday
24 January 2027
12:00–13:00
Salsa Cubana Casino — the circle, the turns, the musicality of Cuban Salsa at its purest
13:15–14:15
Timba Cubana High-energy contemporary Cuban — syncopation, footwork, improvisation
14:30–15:30
Afrotimba Fusión Where Afro-Cuban roots meet Timba's electric energy — Wilmer & Maria's signature

Your teachers

Wilmer
& Maria

Cuba · Italy · The world's biggest Salsa stages

Wilmer & Maria are a unique and iconic dance duo in the Salsa world, combining their training in Afro-rumba, ballet, contemporary and Cuban folk dances — both graduating from Cuban dance academies. They moved from Cuba to Italy in 2002, which propelled them forward as one of the best Cuban Salsa artist duos and put them on stage at some of the biggest salsa festivals in the world. From Cuban Salsa routines and Cuban folk dance (orishas) to Afro-contemporary performances, they do it all.

Trained at Cuban dance academies in Afro-rumba, ballet, contemporary and folk dances
Relocated to Italy in 2002 — Salsa capital of Europe — where their international career launched
Festival artists at some of the world's largest Salsa congresses
Repertoire spanning Cuban Salsa, Cuban folk dance (orishas) and Afro-contemporary performance
Wilmer & Maria
Wilmer & Maria dancing

They don't just teach Cuban dance — they bring Cuba to you.

Pricing & passes

Choose
your pass

Day Pass

Can't make the full weekend? Join us for one day and still take all three sessions.

€75 per day
Opens 1 August · subject to availability

Social Night only

Not joining the workshops? The Saturday social dance party is open to all. Book in advance to guarantee your spot — limited spots also available at the door.

€10 book in advance
Saturday · From 21:00

Ready to dance?

Book your place before the early-bird closes

Limited spots at €110 — register now to lock in the early-bird rate before 31 July 2026.

Register — Early Bird €110 Ask a question

Questions? Write to us at info@shoonyadance.com

Common questions

FAQ

What is Round Trip to Cuba?

A 2-day Cuban Salsa weekend intensive at Shoonya Dance Centre in Ghent, Belgium, taking place on 23–24 January 2027. Taught by internationally acclaimed duo Wilmer & Maria, it covers six 60-minute masterclasses across Afrocuban, Rumba Cubana, Son Cubano, Salsa Cubana, Timba Cubana and Afrotimba Fusión.

What level do I need to be to attend?

All levels are welcome — beginner, intermediate and advanced. The programme is designed so every participant takes something meaningful regardless of how long they've been dancing. If you can move to music, you're welcome.

Who are Wilmer & Maria?

Wilmer & Maria are a Cuban dance duo who trained at Cuban dance academies in Afro-rumba, ballet, contemporary and folk dances. They moved from Cuba to Italy in 2002 and have since performed at the world's largest Salsa congresses. Their repertoire spans Cuban Salsa, Cuban folk dance (orishas) and Afro-contemporary performance.

What's the difference between the early bird and full price?

The early-bird rate is €110 for the full weekend pass — available for a limited number of spots or until 31 July 2026, whichever comes first. After that the full price is €130. Both include access to the Saturday social night.

What is the Social Night?

After the three Saturday masterclasses, Shoonya hosts a free social dance floor from 21:00. Weekend pass holders are included. Non-workshop attendees can book in advance for €10 — limited spots also available at the door from 21:00.

Can I attend just one day?

Yes — day passes at €75 each are available from 1 August 2026, subject to remaining availability. If you want to guarantee your spot for both days, the full weekend pass is the right choice.

Where exactly is the venue?

Studio Art Deco, inside Shoonya Dance Centre at Stapelplein 41, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. The studio is Shoonya's largest and best-equipped room. More info at shoonyadance.com.

How do I register?

Use the registration button on this page — it links directly to the Shoonya registration form. For questions, write to info@shoonyadance.com and Alex or the Shoonya team will get back to you.