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Find them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cubanfusion
Or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cubanfusion.nz/
Or Website: www.cubanfusion.co.nz
RAFAEL from CUBAN☆FUSION is a Salsa Tumbao favorite. His friendly nature and crazy percussion skills keep us dancing - and yes - he is back in 2025!
He will be kicking of Tumbao 2025 with Afro Cuban - Elegua on Saturday morning; and bringing us an Afro-Cuban Salsa Fusion workshop on Sunday. As well as playing with Ke Lo Ke at the Saturday night party.
We talked to Rafael about his motivation and drive to dance.
Sticking with our theme - what is your dream car - and why?
"A Mac truck. I'm not sure why, but I always dreamt of being a truck driver."
Rafael Ferrer Noel was born in Cuba on the eve of Carnival, which means he has dancing and percussion in his soul.
What drives you to dance?
"I actually was being lined up for a career as a baseball player or wrestler, but I fell out of a tree and spent a year with my leg in a cast. My sister asked me to join her dance group and, as they say, the rest is history."
From winning “best male performer” at his first international dance festival at age 10, he went on to compete and perform all over Cuba, including at the renowned Festival del Caribe in Santiago de Cuba and Teatro Nacional de Habana.
What do you feel after an amazing evening of dance with great people?
"Honestly, I just love hanging out with my mates and watching people enjoy the music.
I always come home happy."
Specialising in Afro-Cuban and Afro-Haitian dance, Rafael worked as a professional dancer and choreographer in Havana before emigrating to
New Zealand in 2005 where he founded CUBAN☆FUSION, New Zealand's leading Cuban dance and music company.
A regular at congresses and festivals in New Zealand and Australia, Rafael is famous for his high-energy, fun teaching style, dynamic performances and signature big smile.
It’s not uncommon to find him teaching workshops during the day, performing in the shows at night and playing in the bands afterwards.
You have five words - how do you convince someone to start dancing?
"Fun; Social; Active; Relaxing.
Oh and, Fun"
Rafael is a highly sought after percussionist, performing in a wide range of bands from Afro Roots to Jazz in addition to playing in his very own Afro-Cuban jazz bands MafereFUN Yemayá and AfroKan, as well his Cuban Duo Madera Fina and Sexteto Son de Cuba.
Rafael is looking forward to being part of this very special festival and sharing his knowledge of and passion for Afro-Cuban dance, music and culture with the community.
CUBAN☆FUSION is based in Wellington, where Rafael teaches a variety of Cuban dance styles - everything from Rumba to Reggaeton, including free fun follow-me monthly introductory Salsa lessons at the local Latino bar El Barrio.
Check out their website for details and dates.
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