Los Workshops: Rhythm, Dance + Culture [Flamenco / Afro-Cuba / Brazil]

On Sunday 8 November, after the main LA FIESTA event - continue the vibes with a full day of intimate, hands-on workshops exploring the music, dance, rhythm and cultural traditions behind some of the artists appearing at La Fiesta!.

Join visiting artists and musicians from SENES Flamenco, Suns of Mercury alongside Canberra collaborators, for extended sessions in flamenco, Cuban percussion and dance, batá, palmas, cante, pandeiro and Brazilian rhythms.

Flamenco Workshops : 10:00am - 2:00pm

Three workshops exploring flamenco dance, music and rhythm with live accompaniment: 10:00am Beginner Dance · 11:30am Intermediate Dance · 1:00pm Cante + Palmas.

Cuban Percussion + Dance : 12:00pm - 2:00pm

A hands-on exploration of Cuban percussion and dance with Adrian Hearn, Aloy Junco, Rodolfo “Panga” Hechavarría from Suns of Mercury, combining playing and movement with cultural and historical context.

Pandeiro + Samba and Beyond! : 2:15pm - 4:15pm

Explore Brazilian rhythms, percussion and Samba de Roda with Mestre Loki from, assisted by Raio de Sol. Discover the pandeiru's rhythms and cultural roots through hands-on playing and movement, with a lively roda.

These aren’t just technique classes. Each workshop combines hands-on participation with cultural and historical context — an opportunity to understand where the music and movement come from, how the traditions have developed, and the communities that continue to carry them.

Workshops take place across Latin Dance Canberra and Blank Cultural Platform, with options for beginners as well as more experienced dancers and musicians.

Come for one session, or make a day of it! Detailed information below:

Flamenco Dance & Cante + Palmas Workshops : 10:00am - 2:00pm

Latin Dance Canberra

Spend the morning exploring the art of flamenco with SENES Flamenco, across three connected workshops covering dance, technique, choreography, rhythm and percussion, all with live musical accompaniment.

• 10:00–11:30am – Beginner Flamenco Dance: Learn foundational steps and bodywork, explore basic flamenco rhythms and palmas and bring them together in a short routine. Open to all ages, genders and experience levels, with no partner required.

• 11:30am–1:00pm – Intermediate Flamenco Dance: Build on existing experience with a more focused session in technique, choreography, musicality and expression. Participants will work more closely with flamenco rhythm and live accompaniment. Some previous flamenco or dance experience is recommended.

• 1:00–2:00pm – Cante Flamenco Singing + Palmas Workshop: Learn to sing Rumbas, a flamenco style shaped by the exchange between Spain and Latin America. Also includes palmas handclap techniques and a focus on singing, rhythm and wellbeing. Beginners welcome; no previous music experience required. Some Spanish is helpful but not essential. Bring a pen, paper and water bottle.

Cuban Percussion + Dance : 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Blank Cultural Platform

Adrian Hearn, Aloy Junco, “Panga” Hechavarría from Suns of Mercury take you on a extended hands-on sessions combining rhythm, movement and percussion with discussion of the history and cultural context behind Cuban musical traditions.

Participants will be introduced to different rhythmic approaches, instruments and the relationship between percussion and dance, with plenty of opportunities to listen, play and move. A chance to go beyond the performance and better understand the instruments, traditions and cultural influences that shape Cuban music.

The final part of the workshop will go into greater cultural and historical depth - exploring why Afro-Cuban music and dance embody the orishas (Yoruba nature spirits). Don't be surprised to see, hear and feel the power of these spirits as the combine with the batá drums.

Pandeiro + Samba and Beyond! :  2:15pm – 4:15pm 

Blank Cultural Platform 

Discover the rhythms, traditions and community spirit of Brazilian percussion with Mestre Loki with support from Raio de Sol, this hands-on workshop explores the pandeiru, samba rhythms and the rich Afro-Brazilian traditions that bring music, movement and people together.

Learn essential rhythms and playing techniques, explore the history and cultural significance of the pandeiru, and discover Samba de Roda — a vibrant tradition of music, singing, dance and collective participation.

Bring your own pandeiru if you have one. Some instruments will be provided for participants to use.

Part of the La Fiesta Fringe Program. Visit InTheCity.com.au/La-Fiesta for festival information

This event is independently organised as part of the La Fiesta Fringe Program and is not an official La Fiesta Festival event.