A new Ikaalinen dance studio & venue: El Cubinato!
Ikahani now has its own Cuban-Finnish dance studio and dance venue!
Written by Iliana Julian
11/1/2024
I'm thrilled to announce we have some wonderful plans in the works! Not least of which is a completely new dance studio and dance venue, 'El Cubanito.' a brand-new dance studio and venue, El Cubanito. The name has a few fun meanings: a cubanito is traditionally a delicious treat—a cylindrical wafer filled with dulce de leche or cream, according to Turing.com.
It’s also the word for a young Cuban guy. And a cocktail made with rum and tomato juice! If you’re curious, the drink combines light white rum, tomato juice, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, shaken with ice and strained into an ice-filled glass. It's lovely.
Why did I choose this name? I love it. I dare you to look up the treat or the cocktail and not be intrigued! Or to meet a livelyyoung Cuban and not feel a spark of curiosity.
And that’s exactly what El Cubanito will bring to Ikaalinen: an exciting, intriguing dance experience! Our Cuban and Finnish dance studio and venue will offer lessons in Rumba, Zumba, and Cha-Cha-Cha, along with more traditional Finnish Iskelmä and pop dance events.
Over the past two months, between catering and other commitments, we’ve been setting up the studio space—painting, polishing, installing mirrors and panels—all to make it perfect for anyone who loves dance or is about to fall in love with it.
For a little "photo proof," you can see me hard at work on the refurbishments in the picture above. In the background, you’ll spot boards and cans of paint—just a glimpse of the effort going into making this dream space a reality.
Soon, El Cubanito will host a Cuban male dance teacher, who will be teaching salsa, cha-cha-cha, tango, and rumba, and a Finnish teacher who will cover Finnish dance moves. We’ll have regular dance events with Finnish music too. My goal is to see people filling this space, dancing, and celebrating both Cuban and Finnish traditions.
This is my vision. I will see it happen!
And now, I’m excited to announce that our grand opening is set for November 9, 2024! We’re hosting an early Christmas party and dance event, complete with music, dancing, and Finnish Christmas food—all for just €29. The festivities start at 19:00, and if you’re in the neighborhood, come by and celebrate with us!
So, put on your best dancing shoes and come on over to join us. I can’t wait to see you there!
Me a few weeks ago. The upcoming dance floor behind me!