SOLD OUT
January 28th - February 4th 2025 in the Beautiful City of Havana.
Smokin’ Hot Salsa and Saskatoon Salsa Dance Co. is proud to once again offer a unique dance excursion to the beautiful city of HAVANA, CUBA. You will experience Cuban dance, music, culture, and cuisine like never before. Don’t miss this chance to take your dance abilities to a new level, make lifelong friendships, and experience the magic of Cuba that keeps us coming back every year!
You will be paired up with your own personal, professional Cuban dancer who will guide you through over 15 hours of lessons, specifically tailored to your level of dancing. You will be taught in the styles of Salsa, Rueda de Casino, Mambo, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, and Afro-Cuban. You will also have the opportunity to practice your new dance moves during outings to Havana’s most popular dance clubs and live music venues, not to mention - the beach!
The entire trip is captured by professional photographer and videographer LeRae Shawn and each student will receive a downloadable photo album and recap video in the weeks following the dance trip. Additional highlights will be available throughout the trip over social media.
The trip also includes so many extras like a classic cars tour and photo shoot, a student performance showcase, outings to take in live Cuban music by the most famous musicians in the country, and organized dance parties for all of our participants to practice what they will learn throughout the trip.
Our students are well taken care of and we pride ourselves in creating a safe environment for everyone. We have multiple staff in Cuba who are hired to take care of the Canadians to ensure their safety and comfort for the entire week.
Smokin’ Hot Salsa and Saskatoon Salsa Dance Co. is proud to once again offer a unique dance excursion to the beautiful city of HAVANA, CUBA. You will experience Cuban dance, music, culture, and cuisine like never before. Don’t miss this chance to take your dance abilities to a new level, make lifelong friendships, and experience the magic of Cuba that keeps us coming back every year!
You will be paired up with your own personal, professional Cuban dancer who will guide you through over 15 hours of lessons, specifically tailored to your level of dancing. You will be taught in the styles of Salsa, Rueda de Casino, Mambo, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, and Afro-Cuban. You will also have the opportunity to practice your new dance moves during outings to Havana’s most popular dance clubs and live music venues, not to mention - the beach!
The entire trip is captured by professional photographer and videographer LeRae Shawn and each student will receive a downloadable photo album and recap video in the weeks following the dance trip. Additional highlights will be available throughout the trip over social media.
The trip also includes so many extras like a classic cars tour and photo shoot, a student performance showcase, outings to take in live Cuban music by the most famous musicians in the country, and organized dance parties for all of our participants to practice what they will learn throughout the trip.
Our students are well taken care of and we pride ourselves in creating a safe environment for everyone. We have multiple staff in Cuba who are hired to take care of the Canadians to ensure their safety and comfort for the entire week.
This trip is for you IF...
• You have an adventurous spirit
• You have taken some salsa lessons either online or in person and want to increase your dance abilities
• You are completely new to dance but you want to learn something new and fun!
• You enjoy unique travel experiences
• You can go with the flow and are open to trying new things
• You’re feeling like your soul needs a refresh
• You want to make new incredible and lasting memories and friendships
• You have always wanted to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Cuban dance, music, and culture
• You want to travel in a safe environment and be taken care of every step of the way
• You have an adventurous spirit
• You have taken some salsa lessons either online or in person and want to increase your dance abilities
• You are completely new to dance but you want to learn something new and fun!
• You enjoy unique travel experiences
• You can go with the flow and are open to trying new things
• You’re feeling like your soul needs a refresh
• You want to make new incredible and lasting memories and friendships
• You have always wanted to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Cuban dance, music, and culture
• You want to travel in a safe environment and be taken care of every step of the way
Here's what's included in our 7-Day Dance Excursion :
Here's what's included
in our 7-Day Dance Excursion :
• 2 meals a day and daily snacks and water provided during dance lessons
• Your own personal professional dance instructor
• 15 hours of dance classes & workshops led by professional and accredited Cuban dancers
• Daily transportation between the hotel, dance classes and evening outings
• Photography by professional photographer LeRae Shawn
• A special downloadable highlight video photo album of the entire trip
• A Welcome party with dinner, dancing, drinks and a meet and greet with all of the professional dancers
• A beach excursion complete with music, dancing, and an optional photo shoot
• A hotel dance party with a DJ and our Cuban professional dancers
• A special performance showcase including all of our students and dancers
• A Farewell pool party and dinner at the end of the trip with all of our Cuban partners
• ... And so much more!
• 2 meals a day and daily snacks and water provided during dance lessons
• Your own personal professional dance instructor
• 15 hours of dance classes & workshops led by professional and accredited Cuban dancers
• Daily transportation between the hotel, dance classes and evening outings
• Photography by professional photographer LeRae Shawn
• A special downloadable highlight video photo album of the entire trip
• A Welcome party with dinner, dancing, drinks and a meet and greet with all of the professional dancers
• A beach excursion complete with music, dancing, and an optional photo shoot
• A hotel dance party with a DJ and our Cuban professional dancers
• A special performance showcase including all of our students and dancers
• A Farewell pool party and dinner at the end of the trip with all of our Cuban partners
• ... And so much more!
Dalena
Dalena
I have been to Cuba many times, and no trips compare to the experience I have had with Saskatoon Salsa. If you are looking for the typical tourist week lounging on the beach and sipping drinks, this trip isn’t for you. If you crave genuine connections with both Canadian and Cuban people, want to learn from the world’s best dancers, and are ready to give back to the Cuban community as much as you receive, then this IS the trip for you.
From the moment you commit to the trip, Kim and her staff are working for you to make sure you have the best week possible. Every detail is taken care of, and for a group of 60 people that is no small task! You are fully free to immerse yourself in the experience and it is so refreshing.
This isn’t a vacation, it’s a life-changing opportunity to embrace the richness of Cuban culture, dance, and the incredible people that live there. It is so hard to put into words, but every time someone new joins the trip, they realize that when we come home and say it was “life-changing”, we really mean it! I can’t recommend this trip enough and hope to go year after year!
Lori
Lori
"I am so grateful to have invested in this trip because it was truly one of the best weeks of my life. I will always be grateful for this week of learning, rediscovering the passion of dance, and being surrounded by a big group of absolutely, beautiful people who love to dance and laugh.
I learned about salsa, rumba, mambo, cha cha, and other dance styles. I was paired with a wonderful human being and dance teacher who had patience to teach me all that I needed to learn: to dance, to relax, to have fun, to think less and just feel the music more. I cannot believe how much I learned during 1 week when it came to dancing salsa and releasing old thought patterns and habits.
This dance trip truly was a game-changer for me and it reignited my desire to dance and to keep investing in myself and what makes me live big, laugh big, think big, believe big and love big. This week was just one marvellous opportunity to decorate my life with dance.
If you are even pondering signing up, I recommend it. Thank you, Kimberly Parent for all the work you do to bring dance to this community and to provide avenues for people to ignite passion and love for life through dance and friendship!"
Limited space available!
Choose between 3 payment options and secure your spot now!*
Choose between 3 payment options and secure your spot now!*
OPTION #1
1-PAY - $1797 + GST
OPTION #2
6-PAY - $329 + GST
OPTION #3
8-PAY - $249 + GST
Register by May 31, 2025, you will receive a
FREE SSDC Havana t-shirt or tank top
to wear during your dance lessons and keep as a souvenir!
OPTION #1
1-PAY - $1797 + GST
OPTION #2
6-PAY - $329 + GST
OPTION #3
8-PAY - $249 + GST
Register by May 31, 2025, you will receive a FREE SSDC Havana t-shirt or tank top to wear during your dance lessons and keep as a souvenir!
*flights and accommodation sold separately
By the end of this trip, you will have...
• Learned or improved in 7 different Cuban dance styles including Salsa, Rueda de Casino, Mambo, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, and Afro-Cuban dances
• Been instructed by your own personal, professional Cuban dance instructor throughout the course of the week
• Attended 3 organized dance parties with all of our Cuban teachers and Canadian friends
• Experienced live music by some of the world’s most famous Cuban musicians and artists
• Performed with our Cuban instructors at our special farewell dance showcase
• Enjoyed delicious and authentic Cuban cuisine
• Danced on the beach
• Made lifelong connections and friendships with both the Cuban and Canadian dancers you met on this trip
• Learned or improved in 7 different Cuban dance styles including Salsa, Rueda de Casino, Mambo, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, and Afro-Cuban dances
• Been instructed by your own personal, professional Cuban dance instructor throughout the course of the week
• Attended 3 organized dance parties with all of our Cuban teachers and Canadian friends
• Experienced live music by some of the world’s most famous Cuban musicians and artists
• Performed with our Cuban instructors at our special farewell dance showcase
• Enjoyed delicious and authentic Cuban cuisine
• Danced on the beach
• Made lifelong connections and friendships with both the Cuban and Canadian dancers you met on this trip
Lacy
Lacy
I had been thinking about this trip for a long time, but I always felt like it was out of my price range and too much of a “scheduled trip.” When I finally bought into the idea of investing in a once in a lifetime trip, and one that was solely all about dance, I was able to make the commitment.
And let me say, I am SO grateful that I did. During my first full day of being in Havana, I could see that every penny I invested was coming back to me 10-fold. It’s true that the schedule is full on, but that’s because there is so much to experience, and Kim and her partner do everything possible to make this an unforgettable trip.
The amount of planning, passion and intention Kim puts into this trip is mind blowing and awe inspiring. The dance partners and instructors create this beautiful learning space full of love, admiration, and culture, where you can’t help but stand in awe of the magic happening in front of your eyes.
You build fast friendships not only with those from the studio, but the Cubans who share their love for dance and friendship.
My favourite day had to be going down to Old Havana with our Cuban friends and dancing at all of the different bars to live salsa musicians. The energy was incredible and the social dancing unforgettable!
As a fairly advanced Latin dancer (competitor for the last several years), I gained so much technique, knowledge and dance experience on this trip. 10/10 would recommend everyone who’s ever loved salsa dancing to take this trip.
Lisa
Lisa
"Trip of a lifetime!
Kim and I have been friends since we were 5 years old. I am not a dancer at all but have been to several SSDC events. Kim has gushed about her trips to Cuba in the past, so I finally decided to join and am extremely happy I did. I am brand new to Salsa- even though the Cuban instructors were experienced, they very patient with me, and super fun! The trip was very organized, excursions were already planned, and we were all well taken care of. My heart is so full from all of the memories and new friendships I made.
I cannot wait to go back again!"
Flights and Hotels :
Saskatoon Salsa has secured a special group rate of $1418 + Taxes (based on double occupancy) with our travel agent.
This includes a Round-trip flight to Varadero including bus transfers to and from Havana with 7 nights hotel accommodation at Memories Miramar!
Saskatoon Salsa has secured a special group rate of $1418 + taxes (based on double occupancy) with our travel agent.
This includes a Round-trip flight to Varadero including bus transfers to and from Havana with 7 nights hotel accommodation at Memories Miramar!
A PAYMENT PLAN IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE FLIGHT & HOTEL BOOKING!
You may also purchase other available add-ons, such as Elite Plus, Single Supplement, Cancellation insurance, Travel insurance and many more!
To take advantage of our group travel rate, all you have to do is click REGISTER HERE, then you will receive an email once you submit payment with a registration form. The travel agent will contact you from there.
A PAYMENT PLAN IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE FLIGHT & HOTEL BOOKING!
You may also purchase other available add-ons, such as Elite Plus, Single Supplement, Cancellation insurance, Travel insurance and many more!
To take advantage of our group travel rate, all you have to do is click REGISTER HERE, then you will receive an email once you submit payment with a registration form. The travel agent will contact you from there.
TENTATIVE ITINERARY*
*Subject to change!
Are you wondering what our days will look like in Havana? Here’s an example itinerary below. Please note this itinerary will be edited and finalized the month before the trip.
Are you wondering what our days will look like in Havana? Here’s an example itinerary below. Please note this itinerary will be edited and finalized the month before the trip.
DAY 1 - Tuesday January 28, 2025
‣ DAY 1 ITINERARY - PRESS HERE TO EXPAND
• 8:45am - Depart Saskatoon (other cities please see travel agent email)
• 5:30pm - Arrive in Havana (from Saskatoon. If other city check email from travel agent)
• 8:30pm - Welcome Dinner
• 9:30-11:00pm - Welcome party where you will meet all the Cuban instructors and be paired up with your dancer for the week
DAY 2 - Wednesday January 29, 2025
‣ DAY 2 ITINERARY - PRESS HERE TO EXPAND
• 7:00-8:30am - Breakfast
• 9:00am-12:00pm - Dance Lessons (take place in hotel this year)
• 12:00-1:00pm - Lunch
• 1:00pm-5:00pm - Free time
• 5:30pm - Concert and dancing at Casa de la Musica
DAY 3 - Thursday January 30, 2025
‣ DAY 3 ITINERARY - PRESS HERE TO EXPAND
• 7:00-8:30am - Breakfast
• 9:00am-12:00pm - Dance Lessons
• 12:00-12:30pm - Lunch
• 12:30-5:00pm - Pool day
• 8:00pm-11:30pm - Hotel party
DAY 4 - Friday January 31 2025
‣ DAY 4 ITINERARY - PRESS HERE TO EXPAND
• 7:00-8:30am - Breakfast
• 9:00am-12:00pm - Dance Lessons
• 12:30-4:30pm - Beach Day Excursion (lunch included)
• FREE NIGHT - we recommend taking in Tropicana, live music or social dancing
DAY 5 - Saturday February 1, 2025
‣ DAY 5 ITINERARY - PRESS HERE TO EXPAND
• 7:00-8:30am - Breakfast
• 9:00am-12:00pm - Dance Lessons
• 12:00-5:00pm - Free Time
• 5:30pm - Concert and dancing at Casa de la musica
• 8:30pm - Dinner at paladar
DAY 6 - Sunday February 2, 2025
‣ DAY 6 ITINERARY - PRESS HERE TO EXPAND
• 7:00-8:30am - Breakfast
• 8:30am - Bus leaves to farewell location
• 9:00am-12:00pm - Dance Lessons and final performances
• 12:00-5:00pm - Awards and recognitions, farewell pool party, farewell feast
• FREE NIGHT - we recommend taking in a dance show, more social dancing with your partner, or a live concert
DAY 7 - Monday February 3, 2025
‣ DAY 7 ITINERARY - PRESS HERE TO EXPAND
• 7:30-10:00am - Breakfast
• 11:00am - Classic cars tour and photoshoot
• 12:30pm - Farewell lunch
DAY 8 - Tuesday February 4, 2025
‣ DAY 8 ITINERARY - PRESS HERE TO EXPAND
• 6:45pm -Depart Cuba
• 11:25pm - Arrive
BONUS T-SHIRT!
If you register by May 31, 2025, you will receive a FREE SSDC in Havana t-shirt or tank top to wear during your dance lessons and keep as a souvenir!
What are you waiting for? Press the button below to sign up!
If you register by May 31, 2025, you will receive a FREE SSDC in Havana t-shirt or tank top to wear during your dance lessons and keep as a souvenir!
What are you waiting for? Press the button below to sign up!
HAVANA FAQ
Get the answers to all your questions right here below :
When will itinerary be finalized?
- You will get an updated version of the itinerary a month before the trip and then a final itinerary when you arrive. The days are always subject to change in case of weather or extenuating circumstances.
Will there be a meeting where I can get all my questions answered?
Yes, we will meet approx one month before the trip to discuss all details and questions
Will you provide a packing list?
- Yes, we will provide you with a full packing list the month before the trip.
What if i don't like (not compatible with) my cuban instructor?
- If you feel like you are not compatible with your instructor, let us know by Day 2 of the trip and we will accommodate you.
How much spending money do I have to bring?
We recommend bringing $300-$500 USD in case you want to buy food (2 meals are provided), souvenirs, attend additional tours or shows, and to pay for the night outings/drinks for you and your instructor.
Is Cuba safe?
Cuba is generally a safe country to travel to, according to the latest report from the US Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). It is rare for travelers to experience safety issues in Cuba, although minor crimes like pickpockets and currency scams do happen.
What currency do I bring?
- Cuba has experienced significant changes in their currency as well as prices the past 3 years. At this point, we recommend bringing USD but we will advise closer to the trip date in case anything changes.
What is NOT included?
Your flight and hotel cost is separate but we do have a discounted group rate available or you can book on your own.
Any extra tours you decide to go on
You will need to pay for you and your Cuban instructor’s entrance and drinks to the two concerts we attend (it’s optional to attend and optional to bring instructor).
You will have to pay for your own drinks at the welcome and farewell party (we provide 2 drinks, you pay for additional)
Can you accommodate food allergies/preferences?
- Yes, we can accommodate allergies, vegans, and vegetarians.
Do I need to purchase insurance?
- Yes, you MUST provide proof of travel health insurance to be able to attend our trip. This must be submitted 2 weeks prior to travel.
Is the trip refundable?
- The dance portion of the trip is non-refundable. The Flight and hotel portion is refundable if you purchase the insurance.
Can I book my own flights and hotel?
- Yes, you may do so at your own risk.
Can I come if I’m a complete beginner?
Absolutely! We have 3 levels of dance classes available and your personal cuban instructor will help you every step of the way.
What will I get out of this if I’m an advanced dancer?
We have advanced classes available and there are so many amazing social dance opportunities. You may also book private lessons with our principle instructors.
Do I need to tip my instructor?
- If you are happy with your instructor at the end of the trip, you may tip them if you wish. We also do a gift exchange with our instructors and we recommend you bring a small gift item for them. We will provide some suggestions during our trip meeting.
Garry & Alanna
"This is our second time travelling to Havana with Kim for week of Salsa dance instruction by amazing dancer leaders. We were your usual all inclusive travellers but were finding we were not seeing the countries and all they have to offer the way we wanted to. Resorts are beautiful to go to, but it doesn’t show the real beauty of a country. This year we feel very blessed to part of the group of participants that travelled to Havana this year for dance instructions. All we can say is they were an amazing group of people and felt like family within the first day of travel. We looked forward to the morning breakfast at the hotel catching up with everyone and talking about our day ahead.
Now we need to mention that Kim is an excellent leader who really knows and loves Cuba! She has made dance friends, both small town residents and others in Havana Cuba. Kim ensures that the best dance instructors are paired up with all who have taken the journey from Saskatoon to Cuba for this dance experience.
During the week besides salsa dance instructions, arrangements to visit the dance clubs at night to see live and very famous Cuban bands, late night dinners at amazing restaurants, daytime tours of Old Havana, a beach afternoon and artist area visit are just a few of the items to mention of the overall amazing week of experiences.
Thank you Kim for being you! An amazing leader, business owner, dancer but most of all a friend."
Shannon
Shannon
"Dinners, beach time, night clubs, and so many laughs. I had not had this much fun on consecutive days for years. If ever? Our nights out were full of music, movement, laughter, and connection. The only thing better than a night of dancing in a Cuban club, is when there is an absolutely incredible band to accompany it. We enjoyed the musical stylings of Pupy y Los que Son, Son, Alain Perez, and a pile of local artists doing their thing. There was a feeling of electricity in the air everywhere we went.
I was so proud of myself for putting my desires and my health at the top of my list and taking this much-needed adventure to replenish my soul. And it was a wonderful reminder to always come back to my roots. Dance was my first passion - before I could even walk - and dance always brings me back to my center."
Erica
Previously, I heard several people say this trip was a great experience. And their recommendations were so true! This trip was such an amazing time, it's hard to put into words. The trip was well organized. Every morning we had dance lessons for 3 hours. The afternoon was typically free time to visit by the pool or tour around Havana. In the evening events were optional yet for me was a highlight... going out to Cuban nightclubs and dance parties. I also enjoyed getting to know my dance community more, as well as the Cuban instructors. What makes this trip special is the exchange of friendships and culture over a shared love of dance. I liked knowing that I was supporting people in need (instructors and their families), and now have a better understanding of the beautiful and challenging reality of life in Cuba, meanwhile dancing every day with the people who live through those realities. What did I learn in dancing? Among many things, it was to smile more, think less, and just feel the music on the dance floor. I would highly recommend this trip!
On a final note...
You have no idea what kinds of memories you'll leave our trip with. It's truly difficult to describe but each and every person who has taken the leap has left feeling inspired and grateful with a full heart!
The Havana Dance Excursion is a unique and transformative dance experience that you just won’t find anywhere else.
Imagine being immersed in Cuban culture with like-minded individuals who are all here to laugh, learn and live a little.
So I'm asking you - what's holding you back?
Is it the finances? We have payment plans for you.
Could it be that you feel you're not a good enough dancer? There's nothing you need to be, do or have to be there with us. We have a staff of patient instructors there to help every step of the way.
Could it be that you're afraid that you might not enjoy yourself? We facilitate the most amazing experiences for our students but in the end, it is always you who chooses to get the most out of it.
Listen...
These spots reserve very, very fast (we sell out every year)- and I wouldn't want you to miss your one shot at starting 2025 with a mind-blowing adventure.
So here's my final appeal : Do it for you.
Do it because you care about yourself and about living experiences you'll remember forever.
Do it because you want to fully express yourself in the flow of dance.
Heck, do it because you simply need a getaway to reinvigorate your soul!
If you want to do it, and feel convinced that this trip is meant for you...
You have no idea what kinds of memories you'll leave our trip with. It's truly difficult to describe but each and every person who has taken the leap has left feeling inspired and grateful with a full heart!
The Havana Dance Excursion is a unique and transformative dance experience that you just won’t find anywhere else.
Imagine being immersed in Cuban culture with like-minded individuals who are all here to laugh, learn and live a little.
So I'm asking you - what's holding you back?
Is it the finances? We have payment plans for you.
Could it be that you feel you're not a good enough dancer? There's nothing you need to be, do or have to be there with us. We have a staff of patient instructors there to help every step of the way.
Could it be that you're afraid that you might not enjoy yourself? We facilitate the most amazing experiences for our students but in the end, it is always you who chooses to get the most out of it.
Listen...
These spots reserve very, very fast (we sell out every year)- and I wouldn't want you to miss your one shot at starting 2025 with a mind-blowing adventure.
So here's my final appeal : Do it for you.
Do it because you care about yourself and about living experiences you'll remember forever.
Do it because you want to fully express yourself in the flow of dance.
Heck, do it because you simply need a getaway to reinvigorate your soul!
If you want to do it, and feel convinced that this trip is meant for you...
Join the Waitlist and Be the First to Gain Immediate Access to Smokin' Hot Salsa!
Opt in today and reserve your spot!