Havana Rakatan

This show has now closed, click here for a listing of current and future London shows

Dance show from 23 May to 23 June 2007, returned 21 May to 22 June 2008, returned 5 to 23 May 2009, returned 4 February 2010 to 6 March 2010 at The Peacock Theatre in London.

One of Sadler's Wells' most successful productions, Havana Rakatan returns to the Peacock Theatre by enormous popular demand for a fourth year!

"Rip-roaring entertainment. Expectations were fulfilled to the point of a full-throated standing ovation" Time Out

Mambo, jazz, bolero, son, cha-cha-cha, rumba and salsa all come alive in a dazzling dance display of Cuban passion that is guaranteed to get heads nodding and feet tapping. Set to live Cuban music courtesy of Cuba's well-known son band Turquino, Havana Rakatan is a captivating journey through the dance and music of a truly unique country.

"A stunning slice of Havana life" The Indepedent

Originally the dream of Cuban choreographer Nilda Guerra, Havana Rakatan has now toured around the world where it has been enjoyed by thousands. Set to live Cuban music courtesy of Cuba's well-known son band Turquino, this show promises a captivating journey through the dance and music of a truly unique country. Founded in Havana in 2001 by director and choreographer Nilda Guerra, Ballet Rakatan strives to explore new frontiers creatively and commercially as a rare independent Cuban dance company. The company received national accreditation in June 2002 for its artistic achievements. Since then the vision has evolved into what today is certainly one of the most versatile, exciting collections of dance talent to come out of Cuba in some time.

"The hottest, the coolest, the sexiest dancers in town. Irresistible" The Sunday Express

"Salsa classes around the country are packed and the phenomenal success of Buena Vista Social Club still resounds, so a show about Cuban dance and music is almost guaranteed to attract attention. But Nilda Guerra's upbeat Havana Rakatan doesn't simply surf that wave of popularity; it works hard to earn its audience, with an abundance of captivating costumes, a brilliant band, a versatile troupe of dancers and plenty of shameless playing to the gallery. Though the format is standard - set-pieces tracing music and dance history from folk roots to urban styles - the vivacious performances and brisk pacing bring it to life." The Guardian

"It was a DVD sent from Havana that tempted Sadler's Wells boss Alistair Spalding to book this young company for a month-long summer season at the Peacock. And you can absolutely see what attracted him to them. They are full of energy and enthusiasm, and if the show they present is both over-long and rough round the edges, it merits forgiveness because of its heartfelt vitality." The Daily Telegraph

"This Cuban song-and-dance extravaganza wears its heart on its commercial sleeve... The members of Guerra's Ballet Rakatan dance like luscious demons. You expect nothing less from an entertainment originating in Cuba, but it does mean that there are few, if any, surprises. The show is also too long and, for my taste, too loud. But it's hard to remain unaffected by its infectious energy and generous spirit... The cast indulge in copious costume changes, their apparel generally on the right side of vulgar. But it's the swerving, sexy bodies inside the clothing that matter the most." The Times

Havana Rakatan in London at the Peacock Theatre from 23 May to 23 June 2007 (extended season, originally scheduled to finished on 10 June 2007), returned 21 May to 22 June 2008, returned 5 to 23 May 2009. Returns from 4 February 2010 to 6 March 2010.