About Herencia guantanamera
Our Mission
Herencia Guantanamera's mission is to preserve, celebrate, and share the rich cultural heritage of Guantánamo, Cuba. Through our diverse range of events, educational programs, and artistic endeavors, we aim to honor the traditions, music, dance, and history of the region, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of Guantanamera culture for present and future generations.
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Our Vision
Herencia Guantanamera embodies the cultural heritage and legacy of Guantánamo, a province in Cuba. It encompasses the traditions, music, dance, cuisine, and way of life that have been passed down through generations. The vision of Herencia Guantanamera revolves around preserving and celebrating this unique cultural identity, honoring the history and values of the region while embracing modern influences. It's about maintaining a connection to the past while looking towards the future.
About angel
Angel "Yoel" Mulen-Robert learned traditional and popular Afro-Cuban, percussion, and song from master musicians and dancers while growing up in Guantanamo, Cuba. He is a respected lead vocalist, composer, arranger, percussionist and director of forkloric band of Afro-Cuban Yoruba, Abakua (Calabar), Rumba, Arará (Dahony), Palo (Congo), and Franco-Haitian music.
Yoel is also a lead vocalist for traditional dance music: Boleros, Son , Changui etc. Before coming to the United States in 2013, he had worked with Danza Libre of Guantanamo Cuba and Habana Sonlar Dance Company. During this time, he had travelled abroad extensively for performances and workshops in UK, London (Royal Opera House), Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal. In addition, Yoel had worked with Seven Potencias Dance Company in Havana, Cuba right before coming to US.
Since his arrival in US, Yoel has been continue teaching song classes, percussion classes performing at local dance theaters and playing with a few local music bands throughout the Bay Area.
About royland
Royland Lobato is originally from Guantanamo, Cuba, and is a founding member of the Havana-based dance company, 7 Potencias, an Afro-Cuban Folkloric dance and music ensemble. With over 20 years as a dance educator, Royland has been teaching Afro-Cuban and Cuban popular dance throughout the Bay Area. He is also an Artistic Director and Choreographer of several acclaimed dance companies. Royland has also participated as a principal dancer and instructor and is an invited guest in performances, workshops and classes throughout the greater Bay Area, Hawaii, New York, Cuba, and Mexico.
MEET THE BOARD of directors
Sanie Brock
Sanie Brock is an accomplished dancer, who performs with companies that celebrate the rich traditions of Afro-Cuban, Haitian and Cuban-Haitian dance. She has worked with several Bay Area performing arts organizations as a project manager and business manager for more than 10 years. Sanie is passionate about helping organizations execute their mission and vision and bringing deeply rooted cultural traditions to audiences in the Bay Area and beyond.
Cora Barnes
Cora Barnes (she/her) has over 15 years of engagement with the Bay Area dance community as a dancer and advocate. She has performed widely with Cuban dance companies and supported local festivals and dance organizations with logistics, fundraising, and hospitality. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for Arenas Dance Company and on the Board of Directors for Herencia Guantanamera. Cora works in Programming and Development at World Arts West, an artist-centered, service organization for culture bearers who preserve and innovate the world’s dance traditions.
HOW TO BEST SUPPORT US
Donate to Herencia Guantanamera to preserve culture. Your support ensures the conservation of traditions, stories, and artistic expressions. Cultural festivals, programs, and other initiatives thrive with your contribution. Your donation sustains the rich tapestry of Guantanamera heritage for future generations.