News
Teacher presentation: Yasser Sarría
5.3.2020
Yasser is an energetic and fun teacher who's lessons are full of action! His style combines the power of Afro-Cuban dances and the dynamics of popular dance forms. He has been living and teaching in Helsinki already 15 years.
Yasser graduated as a dance instructor and professional dancer in 1993 (Escuela Profesional de Arte, EPA), and has also earned diplomas in folklore and popular dances in 1997 (Instituto Superior de Arte, ISA). Yasser has danced in numerous show groups in Cuba, and has also won awards in international competitions. In addition, he has both taught and performed all over Europe at different festivals. He is a popular and loved teacher who's lessons are demanding but fun!
At the West Coast Salsa Festival Yasser will have couple salsa, reggaeton and bachata lessons. Besides teaching he will also be one of the dj's playing at the festival parties. And then Yasser aka dj El Beny will be for sure heating up the dance floor!
Check the full timetable here.
Teacher Presentation: Salla-Maria Santos
17.2.2020
Salla-Maria has been teaching Cuban dances since 2008. She has graduated as a dance teacher from the Oulu Univerisity of applied sciences. Salla-Maria has also deepened her studies in Portugal, at Escola Superior de Dança. She has a strong background in theater and contemporary dance, which she uses as influence for her teaching. Salla-Maria has been teaching students of all ages and styles, besides Cuban dances also show dance and contact improvisation.
Salla-Marias energetic, precise and earthy teaching style will help students find the essence of Cuban dances in their body. On her lessons the focus is in finding the movements and the feeling of dance rather than just learn patterns.
In Pori Salla-Maria will be teaching salsa technique and ladies style classes.
Check out the full schedule here.
The rhythms of Tiempo Habana will take you to the streets of Havana
6.2.2020
On Saturday the festival party will be lightened up by the rhythms of Tiempo Habana! This band will be getting your hips swinging and sun shining on your face!
Tiempo Habana:
Tiempo Habana is a Finnish-Cuban band that plays modern timba-style salsa. The repertoire consists mainly of their own songs as well as some new composed songs from well known artists like Manolito y su Trabuco, Pupy y los que Son Son, Adalberto Alvarez y su Son and Havana D´Primera.
The musicians in the band have played salsa and son for over twenty years in different combinations. Tiempo Habana has played at several festivals, including for example April Jazz, Savitaipale and Cinemaissi.
This band will for sure make your feet dance, hips shake and make you feel just like under the hot Cuban sun! Grab a mojito from the bar and let the music run through your soul!
Musicians:
Alexander Bravo, vocals
Daniel Baro, vocals
Pablo Contino, vocals
Andres Mena, trombone
Markku Renko, trumpett
Erno Tiittanen, trumpett
Sami Lehto, timbales/drums
Mika Rytkönen, congas
Arto Huhtanen, piano
Juhani Lampuoti, bass
Throw back to last year
28.1.2020
Last year the first first West Coast Salsa Festival took place in Yyteri refresh hotel. Check out how it looked at the video.
This year will be a blast, so come and join us for a three days and nights salsa fun with dance classes for beginners and advanced as well as parties with live music!
Get your tickets here for discounted January price until this week Friday!
Teacher presentation: Jonna & Yuniel Dieguez
22.1.2020
Yuniel is a versatile dance professional with over 19 years of experience in teaching Cuban dances. He studied dancing in Cuba in Casa de la Cultura. Before moving to Finland he worked in Habana as a dancer, dance teacher and dj.
Yuniel's classes are clear and energetic without forgetting the fun. Yuniel will also be one of the festival dj's at the evening parties.
Yuniel's dance partner Jonna Dieguez has studied Cuban dances all the way in Cuba under the guidance of local teachers. Jonna is a devoted dance enthusiast and wants to share the same joy she gets while dancing. Jonna thinks that dancing is for everyone and her motto is "Dance first. Think later. It's the natural order." (Samuel Beckett)
At the festival Yuniel and Jonna will be teach eg. salsa and rueda. Check out the more detailed schedule here.
Ps. Full Festival pass 125 e until the end of January! Get your tickets here.
Teacher presentation: Julio Miñoso
15.1.2020
Miñoso is a precise and gentle teacher whose peaceful teaching style allows everyone to get the most out of class. He has over 20 years of experience in Cuban popular and folk dances as a dancer, teacher and performer. Minõso graduated from the Escuela Profesional de Arte Samuel Feijoó in 1996 and later continued his studies at the ISA (el Institución Superior de Arte). During his dance career Miñoso has starred in several performances in Cuba and internationally, including Colombia, Canada, Sweden and Martinique. In recognition of his work as a dance artist, Miñoso was elected a member of UNEAC. UNEAC selects artists and writers who are particularly committed to the development of Cuban culture.
At the festival Miñoso teaches eg. afro and rumba. Check out the workshop schedule here.
In this video Miñoso is performing with Jose Mesa at Dance School Baila Baila's 25 years birthday celebration.
Christmas gift idea
4.12.2019
The salsa elves are sneaking behind the windows and looking eagerly forward to next years festival!
If you don't know what to get your friend and loved ones for Christmas here is a little tip: a festival pass for just 110 e until the end of December! The festival pass includes all dance classes and parties during the three day event. A perfect gift for a dance lover or someone who has been wanting to start salsa.
Get your tickets here.
Teacher presentation: Carlos Correa
29.11.2019
This mans smile lights up every dance floor! He has been brightening up the Finnish salsa scene for decades with his smile and professionalism. The first steps of salsa feel easy and comfortable in his guidance.
Carlos is one of the first salsa instructors in Finland. After three years in Finland, Carlos got to know Miguel Verdecia (founder of dance school Baila Baila), who offered him a place in his dance group. Carlos' always sunny appearance and clear style of teaching draw the studios full of students no matter where. Many come to his lessons regularly to learn more patterns in couple salsa and rueda.
Since the beginning of 2000 Carlos has also been spending more time behind the dj decks. When dj Don C is playing there is a party also in the dj booth! He is not just spinning the records but the whole man is whirling around playing the maracas, clave or guiro!
At the West Coast Salsa Festival he will be teaching eg. salsa and couple salsa as well as being one of the dj's at the festival parties. Check out the workshop schedule here.
PS. Full Festival Pass only 110 € until the end of December. Including all workshops and parties during the three day festival! Get your tickets here.
The festival ticket sales are open!
1.11.2019
There are different options to choose from.
Festival passes that cover dance classes and parties, either during the whole festival, 110 e (until the end of december) or one chosen day. New to this year are festival packages that include dance classes, parties, hotel accommodation and dining, 320 e/person! You can choose one day or go for the whole package for all three days!
Passes and packages are for sale as long as there is space in dance lessons and hotel. Tickets to individual classes will be for sale later if space is available.
Also tickets to individual parties are for sale before hand.
Check the prices here and order your tickets here!
Workshop schedule published!
15.10.2019
The workshop schedule is now published! There is a variety to choose from whether you are a beginner or someone who has all ready danced salsa. Solo lessons as well as couple lessons are available during the weekend. Besides salsa there are lessons of rumba, reggaeton, ladies styling and bachata. Check out the whole workshop schedule here.
Ticket sales starts 1st of November
Ticket sales start on Friday 1st of November! Check out the different ticket options here and choose the one that suits you best. New to the festival is the festival package that includes not only dance classes and parties, but also accommodation and dining!
Take the opportunity to enjoy a luxury three day get away with fun dancing, crazy parties and relaxing spa in the beautiful surroundings of Yyteri Beach!
Teachers and artists for 2020 confirmed
20.9.2019
In 2020 West Coast Salsa Festival will continue with the second edition! Three days and nights of parties in the beuatiful surraundings of Yyteri Beach. Ticket sales will starts in November and more information coming to the web page during autumn.
Confirmed teachers:
Carlos Correa
Julio Miñoso
Salla-Maria Santos
Satu Annika & Roynet Perez
Yasser Sarría Terry
Yuniel & Jonna Dieguez
Confirmed bands:
Tiempo Habana
Vili Mustalampi
