IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Festival

Explore the world of Afro-Cuban dance at the IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Festival, taking place from August 8 through 10. This year's theme, The Joy of Dancing: The Embodiment of Freedom, celebrates the contagious joy and spirit-liberating power of Afro-Cuban dance. The festival aims to highlight how these dance forms help free the spirit, transcend the mind and body, and bring a sense of humanity and inner peace, especially in a time when face-to-face, communal dancing is increasingly rare.

Established in 1997 by Neri Torres, the festival promotes dialogue between Afro-Cuban dances and similar expressive dance forms outside formal traditions. Participants from all backgrounds and experience levels, from local residents to international guests, come together to learn and reflect on the current state of dance and culture.

The festival features a diverse program of workshops, including Cuban Modern, Orishas, Flamenco Fusion, Cubaton, Conga, Capoeira and more. Highlights include academic panels and an opening performance by IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Company on August 8 at HistoryMiami Museum, followed by workshops, performances and a closing party at the Koubek Center on August 9-10. Pre-opening events will also take place at Calle Ocho on August 2. This year's guest speaker is Dr. Bárbara Balbuena Gutiérrez.

Explore the full festival program to plan your itinerary.