WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
MARITZA A,
DANCE PROFESSIONAL
Cuba was nothing I expected but more than I ever imagined! What a Magical place!"
ALINA M,
HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
I enjoyed every minute of our trip. We experienced art, music, dancing, and other traditions that are based on Cuba's rich history. I will always remember all of the warm and talented people that we met. I am so grateful for how they shared their culture with us, and gave us an experience I will always treasure.
SAMANTHA Z,
EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL
I knew the Cuba research trip was going to be amazing, but it was so much so, that words can't possibly describe the experience. It allowed me to grow mentally and spiritually, all while having fun, conducting research. I would recommend it to anyone passionate about education and health research, because I learned as much in that week than I did in a masters degree education class! I look forward to going back again!"
MAJIEDA A,
DANCE PROFESSIONAL
This experience has exceeded expectations by far, it was undiluted and a deep dive cultural exchange that has me yearning for more. The workshops were very robust, diverse and engaging on many levels...the sharp, and resonant clicking sound of the clave has penetrated my soul...December can't come soon enough..
SARAH B,
SOCIAL WORKER & DANCER
I was excited about learning more about the ways in which dance, music, theatre are incorporated into mental health work both in informal and more formal treatment settings. As a social worker who's worked in nontraditional social work settings, I was excited about learning from a society where music and dance is an intrinsic part of the natural health and healing process. I cannot say enough about the amazing work of La Colmenita. We were given the opportunity to play music and practice improv "theatre" exercises with a number of their dynamic arts instructors which gave us an understanding of how they work with youth in their innovative theatre arts program...As a social worker who has worked to incorporate the expressive arts into my work with adult learners and families who have experienced homelessness, I was particularly moved by the ways this work is part of the fabric of Cuban society. We have much to learn from the ways Cuban practitioners from across many disciplines use the collective creative process involved in music, dance and theatre arts to impact on mental and emotional health.
SAMANTHA Z,
EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL
I knew the Cuba research trip was going to be amazing, but it was so much so, that words can't possibly describe the experience. It allowed me to grow mentally and spiritually, all while having fun, conducting research. I would recommend it to anyone passionate about education and health research, because I learned as much in that week than I did in a masters degree education class! I look forward to going back again!"
KENNIA R,
DANCE PROFESSIONAL
this experience inspired me to become not only a better dancer, but also a better human being. The music and the dancing can compare to nothing that I've ever experienced before and the bond we formed within the group and with the team in Cuba is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I recommend this trip to anyone with a pulse!
STEPHANIE C,
GYMNASTICS INSTRUCTOR
Experiencing Cuba on a cultural exchange meant meeting people, seeing places, doing things that I likely would not have experienced as a regular tourist. Our trip's agenda really provided a sense of many aspects of Cuban life from the inside. Doing workshops with dancers and gymnastics coaches, touring art and sports schools, and spending time with our new friends enjoying the city made for a very memorable and inspirational trip.
INNA P,
DANCE PROFESSIONAL
It has been magical, gorgeous, colorful, filled with insanely amazing music and dancing, old russian and american cars painted the carribean colors never dreamed up by the manufacturers, new friends, childhood memory flashbacks, ..., need to sort through 2k of photos! ...saw danza contemporanea de cuba rehearse in their studio, and Compay Segundo of Buena Vista Social Club play at the National Hotel, and Munequitos de Matanzas Rehearse in their home..."
JORGE R,
DANCE & HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
..I can't find enough words to describe the experience. It's one of those things so raw and so overwhelming, that it is best to just live through it. This is dance, music & health reality in the streets, right in your face! I can't wait to go back in December
ANA M,
DANCE PROFESSIONAL
I went there with such a hunger to learn about a culture we talk about but know so little about. When I arrived, I realized the people there wanted to learn just as much about my culture too. In order to cross cultural barriers and work towards a more peaceful world, we must first open up dialogue and exchange. I learned so much from this trip. It opened up my eyes about the little things we take for granted and those we value at times too highly. Thank you for that opportunity.
JENNIFER E,
DANCE PROFESSIONAL
From the moment I stepped off the airplane in Havana, Cuba, I found myself immersed in Cuban culture. On my first day, I found myself dancing Rumba and other traditional folkloric dances in the streets of Havana with the people, enjoying traditional Cuban meals, and learning about the history of Cuba directly from the locals. It was such an incredible experience to be a part of the culture that gave birth to modern-day Salsa music and dance.