I went back to #Havana for a month-long visit in April and had a bunch of goals in mind. Take lots of photos and videos and post on Instagram every day! Plan a trip to Matanzas and study rumba! But as it often goes in #Cuba, those plans fell aside, and new experiences popped up. I found that my month in Havana was more about RELAXING and spending time with people. Once I let go of productivity-minded goals, I found that I just did what I wanted to, and all of the right people

Here it is, the sixth and FINAL episode of Follow My Lead: Havana! This is the episode that’s the scariest to share. I reveal the very personal circumstances that led me to Cuba. And I vow to live my life in a much different way than I’ve lived before. I also get to thank the people who made my experience so joyful and life-changing, and to celebrate what I was able to accomplish as a dancer. I hope you like it. Thank you for joining me on this journey! ***** This is the last

I couldn't leave #Cuba without an adventure in rueda! The first time I ever danced in a #rueda was in #Havana many years ago - and it came as a complete surprise. At the time, I had no idea this whirling, exhilarating, joyful formation existed! On this trip, I joined an advanced group of dancers and we performed for the crowd at Mil Ocho (the site of my big challenge in Episode 3). This experience was ALL about laughter, fun and NO pressure! ***** There are six episodes total

A dance journey in #Cuba is not complete without an exploration of RUMBA! This Afro-Cuban dance is rhythmic and complex, and actually has three distinct styles. Episode 4 of Follow My Lead: Havana focuses on the sensual, flirtatious and bold “guaguancó” style. I wanted to learn it because: 1)  If you really want to dance salsa with the best in Cuba - you HAVE to know guaguancó. Many salsa songs mix in #rumba rhythms and very often leaders like to add it to their partner danci

My favorite place in the world to go salsa dancing is in Havana - of course! Aside from prepping the typical things - money, keys, phone, and knowing where I was going - I developed a few other essential habits that made my nights out salsa dancing in Havana more comfortable. Before you head to #Havana for your dream salsa vacation, take a look at these essential #tips - you'll be glad you did! 1. The first thing you have to deal with is the heat (especially if you visit Cuba

Salsa dancing in #Havana is a dream come true - and a big challenge if you want to keep up with the sexiest salsa dancers in the world - Cubanos! Join me as I navigate the ups and downs of improving my #salsa styling and my following skills - in the classroom and at the hottest dance spots in Havana. ***** There are six episodes total - come with me on this journey! Join the conversation on Facebook AND subscribe to my YouTube channel. #Cuba

We spent an hour and a half on less than 25 seconds of the choreography. By the end, I was completely drenched in sweat and dying for about three gallons of water. (And a massage.) (And someone to carry me home.) It was my first day rehearsing with Yeni, the lead dancer and choreographer of Proyecto Rueda de Casino. If you've gone out salsa dancing in Havana recently, you've seen this dance company. They perform at Mil Ocho three times per week – the iconic salsa spot right a