How we met in Havana and became international teachers...

Dance found Yohan in the most Cuban way possible: a neighbour said, “Hey, want to join this show team?” He said yes - and never looked back.

Over the years, he joined different companies, performed across Cuba, and eventually became a professional dancer for El Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba - the country’s most prestigious folkloric company. He also worked with legendary musicians like Septeto Nacional, and was part of Proyecto Rueda de Casino, performing on Cuban TV and in music videos.

But Yohan’s heart has always been with Afro-Cuban rhythms - the kind that come from deep within, that are connected to the Yoruba traditions and Cuba’s spiritual roots. When he dances, you feel that history in every movement.

Elaine grew up in a small town in the Netherlands, but her imagination was always bigger than her surroundings. She spent hours copying dance choreographies from MTV (yes, Christina Aguilera’s Dirrty was a favourite). By 16, she was already working as a dancer for Dutch artists.

After traveling to India for a yoga teacher training, she found herself at a salsa party back home in Amsterdam -  and something lit up inside her. She immediately booked a ticket to Cuba to learn from the source.

That two-month trip changed everything. She not only met Yohan, it also marked the start of a deeper journey. In 2018, Elaine joined Proyecto Rueda de Casino as a professional dancer. During her years in Havana, she was lucky to receive private training from Lazara Nápoles of El Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba, learning Afro-Cuban dance styles straight from the roots.

We started CDC because we wanted to share that feeling… the one we experienced in Havana: dancing with soul, the real essence of Cuban dance, and the joy of being fully in touch with yourself, your partner, and the music.

Our online classes began during “C-time,” when we went to Gran Canaria for 11 days and stayed in a cave. When the Netherlands went into lockdown, we decided to stay and started sharing Orisha courses from our very own “Afro-Cuban Cave.”

CDC stands for Casino de Cuba, but for us, it’s also about Connection, Dance, and Culture.

We believe dancing is transformation in motion. It helps you break out of your shell, express yourself, and feel alive. That’s why the butterfly is our symbol: freedom, joy, movement, and becoming who you’re meant to be.

See you on the dance floor. 💃🏼🦋🕺🏽

Yohan & Elaine