Classes & Workshops
Classes – Individual Classes
Music Classes
All music classes are offered on an individual basis.
Music classes available include Percussion, Guitar, Trumpet & Voice.
The price of classes varies with the level at which the class is taught.
Classes for Beginner and Intermediate are available all the time.
Advanced and Master Classes must be booked 3 months in advance to ensure the availability of the teacher. Many of our teachers travel to perform, or have long standing commitments.
We provide percussion instruments and space to practice. Guitar and Trumpet, please bring your own instrument. It is possible to rent an instrument.
Minor percussion instruments and guitars can be purchased in Santiago. A guitar takes time to make.
Dance Classes – Individual Classes
Dance classes are on an individual basis If you come with a partner we will make sure that you can dance together and with other partners.
Your classes are run by an experience teacher and professional dancer, and include a dance partner. Two evenings out on the town with your teachers to take your new skills out onto the dance floor.
Dance Classes include Danson, Salsa, Mambo, Rumba and Chachacha. Afro-Cuban dance is available on request. Choreography for casino salsa is available on request. Want to learn something else – let us know.
Art Classes – Individual and Group Classes NEW
Led by internationally acclaimed Art Naif painter, Luis El Estudiante, these classes are a great introduction to the decorative and fun Art Naif painting style. Observations of the world around you, or decorative interpretations of the natural world, lend insight into the fascinating Cuba scene.
Classes available for children and adults
Group accommodations available in historic setting.
Ceramics
Led by one of Cuba’s outstanding ceramacists, these classes offer a variety of technics. Out of town workshop and accommodations.
Classes available for children and adults.
Spanish Classes – Individual Classes Only
Intensive Spanish courses with highly experienced teachers. Your language classes are your key to Cuban culture. Beginner and Intermediate levels available all the time. Specialized and Advanced classes require advance planning.
Cooking Classes – Individual, Family and Friends
At Hostal Atardecer we believe in lots of good food; fragrant veggies, colourful dishes from around the world.
And we are learning to grow our favourites on our terraza! Purple okra, zuchinni, squash, really big and really tiny tomatoes, sugar peas, multi-colour swiss chard. Why be boringly green, when so much colour is available.
Cuba Beyond the Beaches is pleased to announce its COOKING CLASSES.
Vegetarian Food
This is no cult. All regions have wonderful ideas for vegetarian food. All you need is imagination, some basic spices, some really good tomato pasta sauce, sea salt, and a list of things you enjoy.
Traditional Cuban Food
Full of great root veggies, treats like tostones, and congris. For Cubans meat is at the centre of the meal. Balanced by a splendid congris or potage, and a big salad. And for desert – a traditional favorite – creamy rich rice pudding, hearty bread pudding, and delicate flan.
Middle Eastern Food
Full of great proteins; fruits and softly fragrant spices. Fill up your lunch box with wonderful dips and mouthfuls of meat or vegetarian snacks.
Freezing
A great way to ensure that you have ingredients at hand. Frozen veggies have all the vitamins and minerals of fresh food. Most of the frozen veggies you will need are available in the supermarket, but it’s a great feeling when you have prepared your own and maybe from your own garden. I prepare vegetables watching a favourite movie. So go out to your favourite farmers market – don’t buy too much of any one thing – and sit and enjoy chopping beans.
Cooking for One or Two
Most pots and recipes are too big for one or even two people. Leftovers often become science experiments at the back of the fridge. There are two solutions –cook a standard amount and plan a menu around frozen packages. Or – better still find recipes that will accommodate cooking smaller amounts and pack maximum flavour.
Decoration
For years I struggled with those fiddly bits of decoration which can make a buffet so pretty. Then I realized that chefs go to school! So here is a class with a chef to learn how to decorate.
Kids can Cook Too
Do you remember scraping out the cake bowl at Grandma’s, making your first jelly mold, seeing the magic of meringue. What better way to learn about wonderful food, than in a class designed for small fingers? Salads, fruit deserts, dips and easy main courses! Let your children surprise you on your birthday!
Workshops (variable lengths)
The following workshops can be offered on an individual basis.
Papier Mache
An exciting workshop for those who love to create in paper. Perform marvels with different papers, different techniques. Led by a professional artisan, these workshops are not only an exploration of the craft, but also an exploration of the vital cultural mix of the island. Exploration of the influence of Aboriginal and African cultures on the Arts and Religions of Cuba. Afternoon excursions to collect materials.
Workshops for young families, craft and hobby workshops, professional artisan workshops.
Guitar Making
Make your own guitar under the guidance of an expert craftsperson. The workshop includes selection of the various woods, design and making of the guitar and decoration.
Small Instrument Making NEW
Maracas, guiras, claves, and chequere Did you know that Cuba grows most of these musical instruments – on a tree! Each is carefully shaped as the fruit of the guira grows. Visits to the instrument trees and the workshops of instrument makers. Learn how to carve and decorate these instruments. Percussion lessons available.
Kite Making Workshop NEW
These fun and easy to make Kites are a great workshop for a rest day. Learn a little about the birds of Cuba, and those that visit during the cold winters. Colour and fly a kite.
Wood Working COMING SOON
Make your own humidor! Currently under development