New Zealand Cuban Festival to liven Rotorua streets for two weeks

The Night Market entertainment is open to anyone and everyone to get the hips moving at the Cuban festival. Photo / Supplied

A trip to Cuba could set you back $1788 one-way, but Rotorua only needs to pack some dancing shoes to get a taste of this spicy way of life.

In its sixth year in Rotorua, the festival starts on Thursday at the Night Market with a free class and interactive entertainment from 6pm-7pm on Tutanekai St. The Sunday Market will host the same at 11.30am.

Talented instructors will guide the two-week celebration of Cuban culture with a range of free events for the public. Photo / Supplied

The New Zealand Cuban Festival Trust chairwoman Kate Maguire said they were always excited for the Night Market.

"Partying with Rotorua, sharing the sounds and dances of Cuba. It's so much fun. We get to do what we love and share it with everyone so they can give it a go."

Organisers encourage people to get their hips shaking with the free "spicy Salsa" and Cuban dance classes at Lakeside entrance of QE Health over three nights from March 1 to 3 at 6pm. This suits absolute beginners and no partners are needed.

Participants will be guided by 13 instructors, four from Australia and the remainder from around New Zealand.

Maguire said the festival and community programme was all about sharing the culture with Rotorua and the wider dance community.

"Cuba is a magical amazing place. Dance and rhythm is life to Cubans."

Talented instructors guide the two-week fesitval with a range of free events for the public. Photo / Supplied

A percussion expert and New Zealand Salsa champions from Auckland, would be there for the first time.

The last of the free community classes will be at the Night Market next Thursday , followed by the Cuban Street Party.

There will be a showcase and dance party at Crates and Cues from 8pm on March 9. Ticketed at $25, it will showcase music, dance, culture and history of Cuba with performances from Cuban artists and dance schools.

Last year's Cuban Festival Showcase. Photo / Supplied

Before your two-week trip to Cuba comes to an end, an intensive workshop from March 8 to 10 is available.

A schedule outline and tickets are available on the website, www.nzcubanfestival.co.nz.

Free classes will also be provided to local high schools.

Free community programme

Cuban Dance Taster
Thursday Night Market, Tutanekai St
February 28, 6pm-7pm

Salsa Class
Lakefront Entrance, QE Health, 1073 Whakaue St
March 1, 6pm-7pm

Cuban Dance Taster
Farmers, Tutanekai St
March 3, 11.30am

Spicy Cuban Dance Class
Lakefront Entrance - QE Health, 1073 Whakaue St
March 4, 6pm-7pm

Salsa Classes
Lakefront Entrance - QE Health, 1073 Whakaue St
March 5, 6pm-8pm

Partner work
Beginners: 6pm
Improvers plus: 7pm

Cuban Street Party
The Heart of Tutanekai Street