CUBASHE'S TEACHING TEAM

Cubashe's teaching team is made up from a mixture of Cuban and non-Cuban teachers, all of whom come from different backgrounds and are able to bring something unique to the team. Cubashe prides itself on the professionalism and standard of its teachers and believe that with the right coaching anyone can learn salsa to the best of their ability.

Leo Henriquez ...

Leo is the director and founder of Cubashe and has trained most of his teaching team himself. His experience is extensive and he has used this to build a strong team of individuals that teach on a freelance basis under the
Cubashe name.

For more information about Leo Henriquez, click here

Claudine Baker...

Claudine started dancing salsa in 1999, and has been teaching with Leo since 2001. With a background in ballet and an 'A' Level in Contemporary dance, Claudine picked up the principles of Cuban salsa through club dancing and lessons with various Cubans.
With guidance from Leo she has developed her own teaching style which is both clear and simple, and appreciates the difficulty some students have in translating visual demonstration into personal movement.

Claudine specialises in beginners and Improvers level because she understands this is a crucial stage in learning salsa, and is the foundation for a persons confidence and style. Her classes are both well-organised and relaxed. She teaches on a weekly basis at all the Cubashe club nights, and gives private lessons. She has also been involved in training other members of the team, as well as the PR/Management side of the company.

Alain Ayala.
is one of Cubashe's Cuban national teachers. Growing up in Havana meant that he learnt his dancing style and technique the old-fashioned way... In the streets! 

Alain's original and authentic style or 'flavour' is of particular inspiration and benefit to his male students. Often Western men find the body movement in salsa difficult to grasp. Alain uses his experience as a Personal Trainer in his teaching method to help male students overcome this barrier. It also means that he understands how the body reacts to dance as a form of exercise, and appreciates the health benefits of salsa.

Alain specialises in Intermediate and Advanced levels and teaches at all venues with the Cubashe team. He also DJ's from time to time, and sometimes sings the occassional latin song too!

Rachel Rodriguez.

Rachel has been dancing salsa for many years in and around Brighton and London, and has developed her Cuban style of dancing on many trips to Cuba.

She began teaching for Cubashe in 2005 as the company expanded, and she is now an invaluable member of the team. Her relaxed, easy-going nature comes through in her teaching style, and nervous first-timers thrive and gain confidence in her classes.

When she isn't teaching for Cubashe or working at the reception at our Babylon Lounge venue, she manages a trendy ladies fashion shop, and is mother to one. Rachel also took part in Cubashe's teaching DVD, and her clothing shop kindly supplied some of the costumes featured in it. 

Philippa King...
Philippa started teaching Cuban Salsa in 1995 using her previous skills as a 
primary school teacher and her knowledge of body movement to develop her concise style of teaching. 

She understands that perhaps Western people are not born into this dance, and therefore may find a block in learning, and difficulty in interpreting and doing the moves. She has developed her own way of what she calls, inviting her students to 'own' the steps by taking them right back to the 'core' of the movements and encouraging confidence and competence with her fun but structured approach. 
Philippa continues to study Cuban salsa with different teachers in and around Brighton and one day hopes to visit Cuba and dance with the Cuban Masters! 

As well as being part of the Cubashe team, she teaches on a weekly basis at The Esporta Club in Falmer and teaches private lessons at her home in Preston Park where she also runs a busy holistic massage therapy practise.

Yamilla Arias.
Yamilla is one of Cubashe's Cuban national teachers. She began dancing as a young girl in the streets of Cuba, and upon coming to the UK began dancing and partnering Leo for many performances and dance classes.

Her vibrant personality, and passion for her culture is reflected in her stlye of dancing, and she teaches with the same energy.

Her classes are fun, and she encourages students to let go of their inhibitions and experience salsa dancing the 'Cuban' way!

Janet Fuentes...
When she not touring with the hit musical ‘Lady Salsa’, or training in Cuba, triple time World salsa Champion Janet Fuentes guest teaches with Cubashe. Her body movement and salsa style classes are a real hit, particularly with the ladies, and focus on the famous sensual Cuban hip movement, and coordinating movement throughout the body, to improve your overall dancing style.

Janet first came the UK as part of the 'Lady Salsa' tour that took Britain by storm, and has since gone on to win the World Salsa Championships three times, in both Cuban and LA styles.

Most recently, she starred in the hit salsa musical 'Muderous Instincts'.

As a professional dancer she is able to give students a real insight into dance and movement, teaching them how to isolate particular body parts with precision and technique. Check out our @Clubs & Classes’ page for details of when she will be teaching with us next.

Midiala Barrayaso...
Our lady in Havana… So many salseros are travelling to Cuba nowadays, requesting private lessons in salsa and Spanish! We are now able to offer an exclusive service with our Havana based instructor. Midiala is a qualified English and French teacher so language will not be a problem. As an expert in salsa, she specialises in the Cuban folkloric dances and Reggaeton. As a young Habanera, she keeps abreast of all the latest moves in the Cuban club scene including Rueda Crusado, and the latest Rueda Linea.
If you’re travelling to Cuba and want some one- to-one tuition while you’re there then contact us prior to your holiday and let us make arrangements for you.