Cuban cabaret, Tropicana, Parisian, Rakatan

Rakatán
Although little known at home, this company, founded in Havana in 2001 by choreographer and dancer Nilda Rodríguez, has been very successful internationally. Open to a wide diversity of styles within modern and contemporary dance, its repertoire includes energetic and theatrical stagings in which African dances, flamenco and Cuban rhythms are harmoniously combined.

INTRODUCTION
The first known manifestation of dance and music in Cuba was a ceremony called areito performed by the island's indigenous population, but due to their rapid extinction, they left no substantial cultural traces; it would be Spaniards and Africans who would shape the individualities of a people who, since colonial times, from slaves' quarters to aristocratic halls, would exhibit a true passion for dance. During the 19th century, performances by professional dancers-both Spanish folk dances and ballet-in Havana's theatres would reinforce this gusto for

dance, which remains to this day. However, Cuba's first ballet company was created during the 1940s by Alicia Alonso, and only after 1959 would modern dance groups and other ensembles which dramatized folk dances appear. For the first time, these disciplines were taught in a systemic manner; thus, theatricalized dance is a relatively recent phenomenon. At present, there are around 50 dance companies, and new companies continue proliferating in keeping with the love for dance of the Cuban people.

Tropicana
Opened in 1931 the Tropicana has played host to Benny More, Nat King Cole, Jack Nicholson and ‘Lucky’ Luciano—and many, many more. This is a Vegas style extravaganza with seating for 1,400 people and 10 performers going through the full range of popular Cuban dance. As you’d expect the dancers are beautiful and the costumes, choreography and routines are excellent, but the food is poor, the show lasts forever and it is seething with tourists. A recent revamp seems to have changed everything and nothing with the basic formula remaining as it has been for years.

Hotel National
The Parisien is located within the Hotel Nacional and benefits from the same rich history. The show is on a much smaller scale than the Tropicana with much fewer dancers, which makes it more intimate and cozy. The dancers are as beautiful as ever, and the costumes, choreography and routines excellent. Make a swift exit shortly after midnight before the comedian begins his routine and the disco gets going.