Our Origins

March 2020, a small band of happy but exhausted dancers talked incessantly as they drove home from the Aotearoa Cuban Festival.

The conversation veered from the fantastic workshops we participated in, to how the Cubans manage to move like liquid; to the parties where everyone on the dance floor could and would dance Rueda; Son; Cha Cha Cha; Rumba; Afro and all the other Cuban styles we love so much.

The conversation turns to Auckland. Why don't we see as many people dancing Cuban Salsa on the Auckland dance floors? Why don't we have more Cuban-styled festivals? Why not one in Auckland, in September, when everyone is getting withdrawal symptoms?

The Lockdown Catalyst

Late March and we're in Lockdown. Claire does not do bored well. She is well-known for crazy ideas. With her background in advertising and event management, the concept grew fast and happened even faster. From a cup of coffee with a small group of friends to a fully fledged Salsa Tumbao festival in less than a month.

Our Aim

The aim of Salsa Tumbao is to promote the talented professionals who teach Cuban styles in New Zealand and to publicise events, musicians, and festivals that show off the beautiful culture and dance styles of Cuba.

We want more people on the dance floor who will break into Rumba; who will dance Son; who will not run away from a Cha Cha Cha; who add sabor and musicality with Afro-Cuban or Mambo styling.

"When I dance it is not about performance. I just want to move, to dance with my soul."

Traditionally dance is about communication. I am from Africa, where every celebration, every victory, every sorrow, every plea for assistance from the heavens is done in the form of dance. The rich harmonies of human voices, African drums, and the pounding of feet on the red soil.

This is why I love Cuban dance, it touches the part of Africa that is in my soul. — Claire Atherstone

We want to share that passion for Cuban dance. Salsa Tumbao is just the beginning. We have plans.