Kati Hernandez’s annual “Dia de Chango” celebration honors the day of the oricha (deity) Chango, in the Afro-Cuban Yoruba tradition. Oricha of lightning, king, owner of the drums, powerful leader. This event brings together top Cuban choreographers, educators, and artists of their genre. Merging spirituality, songs, and dance through curated workshops, students will experience how these elements are intertwined and the importance of their connection within Afro-Cuban culture, enhanced with the  accompaniment of live percussion. This connection is essential to the cultural practice, and through including these components students develop an authentic understanding of the culture. Group workshop settings provide a supportive community environment where individuals can form connections, share experiences, and receive encouragement, thereby also fostering social support and a sense of unity. This event also exposes students to world-class Cuban artists bringing them knowledge direct from the source, while simultaneously providing an opportunity for these artists to share talents and artistry with a wider audience.

Emilio Hernandez Gonzalez is a master dancer, choreographer and teacher born in Cuba. He was  a dancer with Ibeyis de Merceditas Valdés, Bailarín de la Compañia Pinos Nuevos, a soloist with Ballet Folklorico Orisha Oko and dancer and choreographer with the famous Havana Folkloric dance company, Raices Profundas. He received the Ramiro Guerra 2016 prize for the best interpretation of Folkloric dance and the prize of the Nacional de Coreografía de la Union Nacional de Escritores y Artistas de Cuba (UNEAC) 2019. He has also been a judge and teacher in International festivals in Ecuador, Chile, México, France and the United States. He recently immigrated to Miami from Havana Cuba and is teaching Afro-Cuban Folklore.

Website: katicubandance.com
IG: @katihernandez_cubandance
Facebook: Kati Hernandez; Kati Hernandez Cuban dance /Oricha dance Therapy