Hedwig Dances

Cuba 2012 Detail Itinerary

Art Encounter People to People Itinerary for Hedwig Dances Cuba Trip (subject to change)
Sat., January 28- Sun., February 5: Havana
Sun., February 5- Thurs., February 9: Optional Extension to Trinidad de Cuba & Cienfuegos

Reservations will be taken on a first come basis. Please contact Jan Bartoszek at Hedwig@hedwigdances.com for availability.

Jan. 28 (Sat.) –Welcome to Havana

• Chartered flight to Havana via Marazul Charters
• Orientation city tour with private coach tour
• Welcome lunch
• Check-in at the historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba
• Orientation walking tour led by Ellen Kamerling & Joanna Pinsky
• Introductions and cocktail reception at hotel
• Welcome Dinner

Jan. 29 (Sun.) Contemporary Art & Rumba Sunday

• Art Encounter co-founders, Ellen Kamerling and Joanna Pinsky, introduce you to Cuban art on a private tour at the Museum of Fine Art. Later in the week, you will visit several of the studio/homes of the artists you discover at the museum.
• Lunch break
• Join locals at Rumba Sunday – a weekly celebration of dance and music amid an eye popping art environment in central Havana.
• Meet Salvatore Gonzales, the artist/muralist and creator of this amazing community project.
• Evening at leisure to sample a local paladar

Jan. 30 (Mon.) Dance: performance, discussion, education

• Morning: tour Escuela Nacional de Arte ~ Enjoy a reception with dancers and faculty.
• Lunch break
• Afternoon: Attend a performance of the Narcisco Medina’s Dance Co. This community based company receives rave reviews. Meet dancers afterwards in an intimate Q & A session on stage. Discover how dance and creativity can change lives. Hedwig Dances shares its outreach work with the Chicago schools and community centers.
• Evening at leisure or event at an artist’ home – TBD

Jan. 31 (Tues.) Cutting Edge Art and Contemporary Dance

• Morning: Attend rehearsal and performance by Danza Contemporanea de Cuba. Directors and dancers from two companies will discuss their aesthetics and processes. Meet dancers and choreographers that inspired members of Hedwig Dances at a special reception.
• Return to hotel for lunch break.
• Afternoon: Personal introductions to some of Cuba’s most renowned artists’ in their homes/studios. Attend galleries showcasing the best contemporary art.
• Evening- Joanna and Ellen facilitate a discussion about creativity at an artist’s home/studio

Feb. 1 (Wed.) Art Stars – Music, Murals, Mosaics

• Morning: Cuban art is being shown all over the world at prestigious biennials and top galleries. Discover why Cuban art is all the rage at visits to the homes of internationally acclaimed artist. Many attended the Instituto Superior de Arte where we visit next. Meet with art department teachers and students to learn how the Cuban system of art education influences the content and careers of Cuban artists.
• Next we experience a truly amazing art enclave privately created by Jose Fuster (often referred to as Cuba’s Gaudi). Enjoy a fish lunch prepared specially for our group. A stroll through the surrounding neighborhood after lunch makes it apparent that art can transform communities.
• The day ends with music by Mezcla at Pablo Menendez rooftop concert. Pablo will share his vast knowledge of the roots of Afro Cuban Music. Meet the musicians and enjoy the music of his talented group.
• Evening at leisure or visit one of the recommended music venues.

Feb. 2 (Thurs.) Dance & Art Spaces in Old Havana

• We spend the day in charming Old Havana visiting historic sites and premier art spaces. Linger at lunch with time to browse the large artisan market and meet crafts people who are now building a free market for their arts and crafts.
  End the afternoon at the performance at Isabel Bustos Dance Co. in Old Havana. You will be treated to new works by her outstanding company, Retazos. Meet Isabel and members of her dance troupe at a private reception.
• Evening at leisure –Depending on the scheduled events at the time, you may choose to purchase tickets to a performance of Rakatan or Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba.

Feb. 3 ( Fri) Cuba Countryside Excursion

• Today we leave Havana for “A Day in the Country”. Our private motor coach takes us to the province of Pinar del Rio. Many of Cuba’s well known artists came from this area. We meet Lester Campa in his studio and learn why he has chosen to stay in a compound known as Las Terrazas instead of going to Havana. Lunch at Cafetal Buena Vista, amid the ruins of a former coffee plantation.
• Evening at leisure for your choice of scheduled music or dance events.

Feb. 4 ( Sat.) Future Dance/Theater Stars

• Attend a rehearsal with DanzAbierta. Three dance companies share the same building site: Danza Combinatoria & Grupo Experimental Santiago Alfonzo. We hope to visit several companies in the building and learn more about this unique creative place.
• Remainder of afternoon at leisure with free time in Old Havana
• Farewell Dinner Party with some of the people we visited on our art encounters.

Feb. 5 ( Sun.) Departures

• Transfer from Havana to airport by private coach

Feb. 5–9 ( Sun.- Thurs. ) Optional extension to Trinidad de Cuba and Cienfuegos:

Feb. 5 (Sun.) Transfer to Trinidad

• Explore the perfectly preserved Spanish colonial settlement of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage town. View performance of Afro-Cuban dancers followed by a discussion with the dancers on African roots of Cuban dance.
• One night at the Iberostar Grand Hotel

Feb. 6 (Mon.) Trinidad and Playa Ancon

• Spend the morning in Trinidad. This afternoon, relax on the Playa Ancon and discuss what everyone learned about Cuban dance & art from the Cuba Tour experience. Participate in an art workshop with natural materials.
• One night at Las Brisas del Mar

Feb. 7 (Tues.) Transfer to Cienfuegos

• Transfer to UNESCO World Heritage town of Cienfuegos, known as the “pearl of the south.” Orientation walking tour and dinner at the Moorish Palacio de Valle.
• One night at the Hotel Union

Feb. 8 (Wed.) Transfer to Havana

• Meet with artists and discover what is unique about the Cienfuegos art scene.
• Visit the print workshop of Rafael Caceras.
• Return to Havana for last night at Hotel Nacional.

Feb. 9 (Thurs.) Departures from Havana to Miami

African Expressions Dance Workshop
Session II, Nov 2 to Dec 7, 2011
(6 weeks)

Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 pm
Chicago Cultural Center, 1st Floor Dance Studio
78 E. Washington (at Michigan Avenue)

Instructor Amaniyea Payne, Artistic Director of Muntu Dance Theatre, incorporates traditional African dance, Caribbean dance and African American culture into the class—-all to the beat of live African drumming.

The workshop provides an experience in natural rhythmic movement and awakens the senses through muscle toning and breathing exercises.

All levels are welcome.

Fee: $90 (six weeks)

REGISTER NOW
or CALL Hedwig Dances Offices at 773–871–0872

Fall Session II: November 2 – December 7, 2011
$90 (six weeks) BUY NOW