Though queuing outside on a rainy Edinburgh evening is not normally associated with the phrase ‘Soy de Cuba’, the latest Havana dance craze is certainly heating up even the coldest Scottish nights. Literally translated as ‘I am from Cuba’, this dance act is as much a homage to Havana as the title itself. The show combines traditional Cuban dance with modern culture, exploring times gone by with genuine talent and perfectly rehearsed footwork.Upon taking their seats, the audience are initiated in to the Havana club via the medium of film. Composer, Rembert Egües, leads the camera on a walking tour of Havana, before his real life counterpart seamlessly takes to the stage. Famous for his musical talent and family heritage, Egües is charmingly proud of his accomplished musicians and ensures that their talent is recognised with a personal applause for each player as the night progresses. A highlight of the evening is a performance from Cuban singing sensation, Jenny Sotolongo, with powerful solos and pitch-perfect background music ensuring that the musical quality of the show is always superb.Egües’ music is not lost on the talent of the dancers. Twelve highly skilled performers meld traditional Cuban music with modern dance, combining African and Latin influences into a unique formula which encourages even the most sceptical audience member to clap their hands in time with the relentless drums. Energy levels never drop and, as one audience member was overheard muttering, ‘it was such a happy show, it was impossible not to enjoy’.Though all the musicians and dancers are exceptionally talented, the show’s main fault lies with the structure of the storytelling. The narrator, sheepishly holding a Cuban cigar, tells the audience unconvincingly of life in Cuba, of the success of the stars such as Egües and Sotolongo, whilst appearing somewhat misplaced on a highly charged and professional stage. Though the narrator lacks conviction, the stories told through music and dance more than make up for a shaky outline. Enthusiasm and sheer talent bring this joyful production to life and, as the audience did the conga to exit, there wasn’t an unhappy face in the house.
