“Sabor y Cultura en el Tower”: A Journey Through Cuba’s Music and Classical Dances

“Sabor y Cultura en el Tower”: A Journey Through Cuba’s Music and Classical Dances

On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Tower Theater Cultural Center (1508 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135) became a vibrant meeting place for history, elegance, and cultural pride during “Sabor y Cultura en el Tower”—an afternoon of free admission that brought together music and dance lovers to celebrate Cuban heritage.

Documentaries and Musical Memory: 33 Genres of Cuba

Guests enjoyed a rich cultural experience with the screening of documentaries featuring Cuba’s 33 musical genres, along with historical storytelling that highlighted the cultural development of Havana and Cuba’s eastern region (Oriente). It was a special opportunity to appreciate how Cuban music—diverse, powerful, and deeply rooted—has reflected the life of the people through time and influenced the Caribbean and the world.

19th-Century Classical Dances: Costumes, Social Protocol, and Musical Evolution

One of the most memorable highlights was a special exhibit on classical dances, where attendees learned about their musical evolution, traditional costumes, the cultural role of hand fans, and the social etiquette and protocols that shaped public life in 19th-century Cuba. This presentation made it clear that these dances were more than entertainment—they were expressions of identity, refinement, and artistry.

The Genealogy of the Classical Ballroom Danzón: Ritmo! Danzón at the Tower

In one of the Tower Theater’s rooms, Ritmo! Danzón and the Instituto Folklórico Cubano Americano presented the genealogy of the classical Cuban ballroom danzón, emphasizing its roots and development from earlier forms such as the contradanza and habanera, and its emergence as one of Cuba’s most iconic musical-dance traditions.

The presentation was led by Maestro Bobby Ramírez, Dr. Glenda Mujer Esperanza, PhD, and the outstanding dancer Gabriella “La Reinita” Aenlle, who guided the audience through music, historical context, and live artistic demonstrations.

A Repertoire Filled With History

The musical program offered a carefully curated journey through cornerstone works of Cuba’s classical repertoire, including “Los Ojos de Pepa” (contradanza), “La Paloma” (habanera), Cuban Dances by Ignacio Cervantes, “Las Alturas de Simpson,” and, as a special closing, “La Reinita de Ritmo! Danzón,” a piece celebrating the living continuity of this tradition.

Dance Music and a Basic Danzón Workshop

Afterward, Maestro Bobby delighted the audience with a segment of danceable Cuban music, accompanied by pianist Kike Cedeño, creating a festive atmosphere that connected history to the joy of the present. To complete the experience, guests were also invited to participate in a basic danzón step workshop, a welcoming moment to learn, move, and feel the elegance of this classic ballroom dance firsthand.

A Successful, Educational, and Unforgettable Event

“Sabor y Cultura en el Tower” was truly a resounding success—a complete celebration blending research, tradition, performance, and community participation. More than an event, it served as a reminder that culture is best preserved when it is shared, taught, and lived.

About Ritmo! Danzón

Ritmo! Danzón is an artistic and educational project dedicated to preserving, teaching, and presenting the classical Cuban ballroom danzón and its historical roots (contradanza, habanera, and other 19th-century salon dances). Through lectures, exhibits, workshops, musical presentations, and cultural experiences for diverse audiences, its mission is to keep this tradition alive with historical integrity and engaging performance. Learn more at www.ritmodanzon.com.

About Instituto Folklórico Cubano Americano

The Instituto Folklórico Cubano Americano promotes the preservation and dissemination of Cuban cultural heritage through educational programs, artistic presentations, and community initiatives that highlight Cuba’s music, dance, and traditions. Its work strengthens cultural memory and builds intercultural and intergenerational bridges, keeping alive the expressions that shape and define Cuban identity.

For more specific information about the performances in Ponce, Puerto Rico, to book classes or shows, or to coordinate interviews and press coverage, please contact:

Instituto Folklórico Cubano Americano / Ritmo! Danzón
Telephone: 305-298-2380
Email: info@ritmodanzon.com

Website: www.RitmoDanzon.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ritmodanzon
X (Twitter): x.com/ritmodanzon
YouTube: youtube.com/@ritmodanzon

Danzón Classes
We will teach you to dance danzón and contradanza at your own pace. No previous dance experience required. Learn more!

Dancing to the Cuban danzas of Ignacio Cervantes