How long is havana rakatan

The opening is a sequence of entrancing Afro-Cuban swaying and circling, juxtaposed with the technical finesse and structure of Spanish flamenco to symbolise both the African roots and Spanish colonial influence.

However, Havana Rakatan is no history lesson but rather an infectious celebration of the vibrancy of Cuban music and dance culture. Daytime Cuba is followed by Havana nightlife complete with shimmering costumes and shimmering footwork.

After intermission there is an entertaining mix of sparkling clean mambo, spinning salsa and an unexpected humorous zombie sequence. The men steal the show as they leap and turn in spectacular fashion displaying cool macho bravado as well as bare chests.

Geydi Chapman combines her powerful voice to the pulsating Cuban rhythms of the band to add yet another dimension. Despite the lack of narrative thread, Nilda Guerra manages to infuse light and shade through the ebb and flow of pace and style. Rather, they are supreme technicians blending contemporary and traditional dance as they move with sophistication through the bolero, rumba and Afro-Cuban rhythms.

Havana Rakatan highlights a dance culture that is integral to the social fabric of Cuba whether day or night, on the streets and in the clubs. This is not a dance culture construed for theatre performance, but the spectators on opening night are celebrating these Cubans on centre stage. As the show builds to a close, the audience is on their feet moving and clapping to the sultry salsa beat, caught up in the infectious Cuban energy of Havana Rakata n.

What better place to be during a cold, wet winter than on the hot and steamy streets of Havana? Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Havana Rakatan is the work of Nilda Guerra, the young choreographer-director whose show features broad brush strokes of Cuban dance, from its Afro-Hispanic heritage to its own Chan Chan.

Purists will pick at the costumes many , acting obvious and the style and sound which are strictly bongos, turbans and tassels. In London for its third visit, the show is like party dancing onto which we willingly project. Rakatan shows little taste for more serious issues, although enjoying yourself is serious enough.

Until 23 May. Information: ES Money. The Escapist. The Reveller. The Optimist.