Last week we had a taste of Cuba in Sheffield with the arrival of Havana Rakatan, a spectacular dance show straight from Cuba. Having completed four successful West End seasons and toured around the world, Havana Rakatan has now embarked on a new UK tour, performing last week at the Sheffield Lyceum.
Havana Rakatan at the Lyceum last week
Music is quite simply a way of life in Cuba, which was clear from the outset of the show. Through dance we are taken on a journey through Cuba’s history, from the Spain-Africa clash 500 years ago to the salsa of Cuban youth culture today.
Along the way we learn about 1940s Cuba, an era called “Golden Havana” when many new types of dance were developed, including the mambo and the bolero. We are also shown the glitz and glamour of the 50s’ dance halls along with the attitude and vanity that came with it.
The 70s of course was all about the rumba, a dance form of African origin synonymous with Cuba, a unique story of interaction between the sexes. This form of Cuban dance is far from the dance halls, danced in the chaos of Havana’s slums.
As a member of the audience I felt each bead of sweat and smiled and laughed together with the dancers and band. I was completely captivated by the passion and energy on stage. I couldn’t take my eyes off the dancers - they all had beautiful smiles and their joy was infectious. The dancing was incredible yet so natural – in a completely different league to Strictly Come Dancing.
With live music performed by Cuba’s well-known Son band Turquino, the whole show had everyone dancing in their seats, with everyone on their feet by the final dance.
I couldn’t stop smiling throughout and was itching to jump up on stage and dance with them. It also made me even more eager to visit Cuba and learn more about the culture and people.
The show was an absolute delight - moving, passionate, sexy and uplifting - I couldn’t recommend it enough. ¡Viva Havana Rakatan!
By Emma Wass
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