Black History Month Teacher Feature | Yamil Cuedo Ferrera

Throughout Black History Month, we will be interviewing just some of the incredible Black dance artists and teachers we work with year-round. This week: Afro Cuban teacher and dance artist Yamil Cuedo Ferrera. 

Briefly tell us about who you are and what brought you to dance? 

My name is Yamil Cuedo Ferrera and I come from Santiago de Cuba. The city is considered to be the home of Cuban traditional music especially Cuban Son, and also has a strong Afro-Haitian heritage.

What’s your favourite thing about teaching your style?

For me, it is really important that people enjoy learning how to dance and to appreciate something of Cuban culture.

What’s your favourite move? 

I love lots of different moves, but the one I like most is Ramboleo, a mix of Afro and salsa turns.

What does Black History mean to you?

It means all the history of the African continent and the impact it has had and continues to have on Cuban culture.

Could you tell us a little about how your culture and heritage are connected to and/or impact your dance practice? 

My culture and heritage are connected with everything I do, from my beliefs to my interpretation of Cuban dance and music. Popular Cuban music tells a story through the words of songs, reflecting the reality of life in Cuba.

Catch Yamil teaching Afro Cuban (Thursdays 18:55-19:55), Mature Latin Movers (Mondays 11:35-12:35), Latin Fit (Thursdays, 17:50-18:50), and Cuban Salsa (Thursdays 20:00-21:00). 

Biography: Yamil Cuedo Ferrera was a lead dancer for five years with the professional Cuban company Ballet Folklorico Cutumba until he came to live in Scotland in March 2009.

Prior to Cutumba, he danced with La Ceiba and Sangre y Tradicion as first dancer. He has performed Cuban popular and Afro folkloric dances for over 20 years and has been teaching in Cuba and in Great Britain since 2007.

He comes from Santiago de Cuba where the tradition of Afro-Cuban music and dance is still very much alive, and Cuban Salsa, Son and other popular dances such as Cha-cha-cha are still as popular as ever.

His teaching style is fun, energetic and creative. He is sure to leave you feeling recharged and alive!

Photo credit: Stuart Armitt.