El Cubanito, Step 2: Our December Megaparty, 7.12!

It was a long road to the El Cubanito opening event—full of late nights, painting, and arranging—and I'm ecstatic to write that it actually happened: the Ikahani Pikkijoulut, a concert, dance night, and Christmas party, wrapped into one. And it was great! But first things first. A huge thank you to everyone who celebrated with us, bringing their friends, uncles, aunts, boyfriends, and best dancing shoes. Every one of you is very much appreciated.

It was fantastic to see so many people there! And a huge Gracias to everyone who took the time to call and share feedback and support afterwards. Some people even asked very touching questions, like, "When will the next evening happen?" and "What's next for El Cubanito? So far, my reply has been 'I don't know yet!' But now I do: read on to know more!

In November, El Cubanito was a melting pot of dance, languages, music and visitors from Ikaalinen and beyond Ballroom pink and red lights flickered across the walls. Hit choruses echoed from wall to wall: Irwin Goodman, Eija Kantola! Visitors hailed from every origin: Hämeenkyrö, Kankaanpää, even Estonia and Cuba. No event is without its hiccups, of course. A loose screw here, a temporary shortage there—but overall, things went better than I could have imagined.

All of this left me with one thought to rule them all: there’s magic in neighbours finding each other on the dance floor. Isn't there? Dance is movement, connection, expression. And it's been a dream of mine to make Ikahani somewhere folk can let loose, relax, and make friends. Since the moment I stepped through these hotel doors, I've vowed to set dance at the heart of Vanha Kauppala's weekly hustle and bustle.

Our new Cuban dance teacher: Silvito Vázquez

With that in mind, I’m thrilled to announce our new dance Cubinato dance instructor: Silvito Vázquez—or you can call him by his artist name, Silvito El Nórdico! Originally from Cuba, Silvito has been teaching salsa in Finland since 2008, after founding his KotiSalsa dance centre. Over the years, Silvito has arranged salsa festivals to carnivals, workshops, Zumba marathons, and salsa nights all over Finland—in places like Lahti, Tampere, Hämeenlinna, Vaasa, Akaa, and Turku, to name a few, and with performers such as Leonel Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, or Havana D’Primera.

Silvito is a relaxed, happy professional - and someone I trust to bring the best of Cuban dance to Ikaalinen and beyond!

Annoucing our December MEGAPARTY!

With Silvito on board and El Cubanito now open, I can move to our second big announcement: El Cubanito's upcoming December megaparty and historical first dance lesson! Why mega? The word is from the Greek mégas, meaning “large” or “great.” And in the El Cubanito Megaparty on December 7, starting 18.00, you'll encounter everything you could want from your Saturday evening.

Let’s break it down. You can expect the following:

1. A hot food buffet starting 19.00, featuring chicken, steak, salads and more—guaranteed to warm your stomach on a winter's night.

2. Live music by Manti ja Mainingit, from 20.40, back by popular demand to perform their blend of iskelmä and pop hits.

3. El Cubanito's dance floor, ever ready for your best moves.

4. A cuban dance class with Silvito to kick off the evening, from 18.00-19.00.
   

That's right: to begin the evening, Silvito will be there to teach El Cubanito's very first dance class: salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and bachata from 18.00 to 19.00—all included in the same price. What could be better? I think I need to lie down, thinking about it all. Or go immediately to the cupboard only I know about, to retrieve my gold dance attire with the extra sparkles.

So please come along for the next El Cubanito instalment! Grab your dancing shoes, bring all your friends, and join us for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and cheer. It’s the next evolution in El Cubanito’s journey—and something you won’t want to miss. Let’s make memories together.

See you on the Cubanito dance floor, December 7!

OUR INAUGURATED DANCE FLOOR, DURING A SLOW BALLAD.