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









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

... in 3 short stories

CDC Dance Academy - Our Story

We didn’t plan to fall in love - with each other or with this path. It kind of just… happened.


One night in Havana, Elaine saw Yohan perform. And something clicked. Not in a “logical decision” kind of way, but more like: “I want to dance with him.”


Then, after two times eye contact and a wink, Yohan asked her to dance.


That moment was the beginning of a story that would take us from the stages of Havana to international festivals - and eventually, to starting CDC Dance Academy together.


We’re Yohan & Elaine - and here’s how it all unfolded.

Yohan - Born And Raised In Havana

Yohan - Born And Raised In Havana

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 - From Volendam To Havana

Elaine - From Volendam To Havana

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.

Our Time Dancing In Cuba

We performed several times a week in Havana. We shared stages with bands like Elito Revé y su Charangón, Havana D’Primera, and El Niño y La Verdad. We danced in their music videos, concerts, and national TV shows like Premios Lucas and Cubadisco. If you’ve seen “Cuba Baila Casino,” that’s us in the video.


We also worked closely with Juanito Gómez - known as “El Abuelo” - founder of Proyecto Rueda de Casino and owner of Havana’s best salsa hotspot Club Jardines 1830.

Our Mission

Our Mission

We started CDC because we wanted to share that feeling - the one we had in Havana. Not just steps or styles, but soul. The real essence of Cuban dance. The joy of being in touch with yourself, your partner, and the music.


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.


So whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned dancer, we invite you to join us - and let this dance take you somewhere unexpected.


See you on the dance floor. 💃🏼🦋🕺🏽


Yohan & Elaine

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