August 30, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Authentic Afro-Cuban Salsa Dancing Taught in Santa Monica

By Sam Skopp

 

Born and raised in Cuba, Kati Hernandez explained that she grew up learning salsa dancing simply because it was something that they did in her neighborhood. Now a resident of Los Angeles, Hernandez teaches Afro-Cuban salsa, among other styles, throughout L.A. On Saturday Jan. 7, Hernandez hosted an all-day workshop called “A Taste of Cuba with Kati Hernandez” aimed at teaching beginners the fundamentals of Afro-Cuban salsa dancing.

“I went to a national arts school in Cuba, and I graduated from there. That’s when I learned all disciplines in Cuban-style dances, like Afro-Cuban and all that. And that’s what I teach,” said Hernandez.

Her workshop on the 7th began with a nearly two hour-long segment called “Fundamentals of Afro-Cuban Dance” that featured three live drummers providing musical accompaniment. Then, after a break, Hernandez taught what she titled “Casino Cuban-Style Salsa,” which included two hours of instruction for beginners, and ended with an hour of guided practice and social dancing.

“Today was completely fundamentals. The intention today was to get new people interested and introduce them to this so they will hopefully continue,” said Hernandez.

Hernandez, who has been in Los Angeles for nine years, originally visited the country during a tour, and ultimately decided to stay. As soon as her performance contract was up, she made the transition from dance performer to dance instructor.

Alongside salsa dancing, which she teaches regularly on various days throughout the week, Hernandez offers courses in Cuban Rumba dancing and a style of dance she pioneered called Oricha Therapy.

“It’s something I created to adapt Afro-Cuban rhythms to an American audience,” said Hernandez.

For more information about Hernandez as well as upcoming classes, visit her Facebook page, titled “Kati Hernandez Cuban Dance /Oricha Therapy.”

 

sms-dance11317-c sms-dance11317-b sms-dance11317-a

Related Posts

Toxic Avenger Reboot Aims to Smash Box Office and Medical Debt on Labor Day Weekend

August 29, 2025

August 29, 2025

Film’s Release Comes With a Promise to Erase Millions in Medical Bills The upcoming release of The Toxic Avenger will...

Trump Says Beverly Hills Residents Leave Cars Open for Thieves, Locals Call It Nonsense

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Officials and Residents Say Trump’s Crime Remarks Don’t Reflect Reality City officials and residents pushed back this week after former...

Beverly Hills Schools Halt Israeli Flag Display Despite School Board Vote

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Superintendent Cites Safety Concerns After Narrow 3–2 Decision Despite a 3–2 Board of Education vote to display the Israeli flag...

Los Angeles County Public Health Probe Sparks Nationwide Egg Recall Over Salmonella

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

More Than 95 Cases Tied to Country Eggs in 14 States; Do Not Eat Affected Cartons Los Angeles Public health...

(Video) The Opening of Mr. Charlie’s with Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Vegan burger restaurant with brightly colored decor now open on 26th street across fromthe Brentwood Country Mart. The Opening of...

California Pizza Kitchen Debuts Heart-Shaped Pizza Celebrating Swift–Kelce

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

13 Days of Engagement Pizzas, and Return of Hot Honey Flavors California Pizza Kitchen is rolling out a series of...

Culver Hotel Celebrates 101 Years With 101 Anniversary Menu and Live Music

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Guests Can Enjoy a Four-Course Meal, Nightly Performances, Trivia Contest The historic Culver Hotel is celebrating its 101st anniversary this...

Westside Chefs Shine at the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival in September

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

South Bay’s Culinary Festival Returns With Two Nights of Food, Wine, and Music Santa Monica, Westchester, Los Angeles, and West...

(Video) Come Tour The Willows Community School!

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Sign up for a tour at The Willows and come see what makes our school such a vibrant, inspiring place...

Jewish Clergy Rally in Los Angeles Urging Ceasefire, Hostage Release, and Food Aid for Gaza

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Two Dozen Rabbis Gathered at Israeli Consulate, Hostage’s Family Appears at Second Rally Jewish clergy from across Los Angeles County...

Metro LA’s Aug. 30 Deadline for Public Comment on Sepulveda Transit Draft EIR Approaches

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Community Members Can Weigh In Before the 90-Day Comment Period Closes. Metro is reminding community members that the 90-day public...

Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Culver City, and Uni High Gear Up for Early-Season Games

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

The Centaurs, Eagles, Normans, and Wildcats Face Key Matchups This Week Football season is heating up across our area, with...

I-405 to See Lane Reductions, Ramp Closures as Pavement Rehab Project Continues

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Drivers Should Expect Delays With Overnight Work Aug. 26–28, Sept. 5 Motorists using Interstate 405 through the Sepulveda Pass should...

Kobe Day Tribute: Lakers Welcome UCLA Newborns With Purple-and-Gold Gifts

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Babies Received Adorable Care Packages in Celebration of “Kobe Day.” Families welcoming newborns at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and...

Suspect Arrested After Eight-Hour SWAT Standoff in Jefferson Park Shooting

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

 Police Say a Man Was Killed and a Suspect Barricaded Himself Inside a Home Hours after a fatal shooting near...