About Our Studio

Our Story

The Cuban Movements Dance Academy was established in 2013 by Director Leo Gonzalez, a Professional Dancer and Choreographer from Havana, Cuba. At Cuban Movements, we are committed to offering professional-level instruction in a warm, fun and welcoming environment for dancers of all levels and ages. We are proud to work alongside our students so they can achieve their potential as dancers in terms of technique, expression and musicality.

Our dance academy is dedicated to preserving, promoting and bringing awareness about the richness of Cuban arts and culture, particularly in regards to their African roots. Maintaining purity and authenticity in the art form is central to our mission, and as such we thrive to incorporate the relevant historical context and technical precision in all our classes, performances, workshops and productions. We offer instruction in a diverse and extensive dance repertoire from Afrocuban/Rumba to Salsa and Contemporary to Reggaeton.

The studio has two separate rooms. La Havana is the main studio, usually home to the Afro-Cuban and partner classes. Tropicana is a large square room just off the entrance, generally used for body movement because it has the largest mirror. Both rooms have their own Bluetooth controlled speaker and one wall each of mirrors. Due to the size of the space, we allow limited students in each class. When possible, the Afro-Cuban classes are accompanied by live drumming.

Safe Space Pledge

We pledge to make our space inclusive and to offer a safe environment for people of all backgrounds, cultures, religion, and genders. Including but not limited to a no tolerance policy for harassment of any kind. Any reported instances of harassment or inappropriate behaviour will be taken seriously.

Land Acknowledgement

We are honoured to find ourselves in amiswaciwaskahikan, colonially known as, Edmonton. For thousands of years, people have gathered here each summer to share in story, community and creative exchange.

We acknowledge that Treaty 6 is the home of Cree, Nakoda Sioux, Blackfoot, Dene, Soto, Metis and other indigenous peoples who call this land home and who have gathered, created and celebrated on these lands before we settled here.