AfroCuban Dance Workshop with Toto and Leo
with Workshop Instructor

Israel “Toto” Berriel (Vancouver/Cuba).

Israel "Toto" Berriel was born in the city of Matanzas, Cuba, and began his professional music career as a member of “Grupo AfroCuba de Matanzas” in 1988. After two years with AfroCuba, Toto was invited to join the ranks of the iconic Grammy award-winning Rumba group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, unexpectedly following in his father’s footsteps. As a youngster, Toto dreamed of becoming a percussionist and pursued his studies with drums in mind. A naturally gifted vocalist with a distinctive sound, the singer in Toto was rapidly discovered and put to use in the world’s best-known Rumba group. Toto has toured worldwide not only singing and playing, but also teaching classes. His easy charm, curious mind and characteristic Cuban warmth place Toto affectionately in the minds and hearts of his students, creating a comfortable and productive working environment. A renowned Afro-Cuban percussionist, vocalist, and educator, Toto brings deep musical knowledge and passion to all his projects. He has perfected the Afro-Cuban traditions. Known for his soulful vocals and virtuoso percussion, Toto effortlessly blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz, soul, and funk.  He has made Canada his home since 2001.

Leo Gonzalez (Edmonton/Cuba).

Born and raised in Havana, Leo was selected to study at the prestigious National College of Art and Music Shows in Havana, where he became a professional dancer and choreographer with extensive knowledge of traditional Cuban and international dances, including Afro-Cuban, Afro-Haitian, ballet and contemporary. After moving to Edmonton he started the Cuban Movements Dance Academy in 2013 to share his passion and love for Cuban dance and culture with the Edmonton community. In 2022, Leo was selected for the inaugural cohort of RISER Edmonton with The Power of the Drum, a dance theatre production created as a homage to the power of the drum as a reflection of the resilience, adaptability, creativity, and autonomy of the Cuban Diaspora in the midst of struggle, crisis, and uncertainty. In 2023, Leo presented “Ay Candela! A Cuban Dance adaptation of the Chicago play” at the Edmonton Fringe Festival. He was also a recipient of the 2023 Edmonton Artists' Trust Fund Awards.

In February 2024 he was one of the lead dancers of “Paper Ship: A Choreographic Odyssey of Struggle and Liberation”, presented by Eric Awuah at the University of Alberta’s Pan-African Symposium. This choreographic piece skillfully weaves together poignant narratives of pre-slave trade Africa, the haunting journey across the trans-Atlantic, and the indomitable spirit of those who triumphed over adversity. From the depths of despair to the heights of resilience, "Paper Ship" is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. In April 2024 he co-founded the Cuban Movements Non-profit with the mission to (1) to preserve, advance and raise awareness of the African roots of Cuban dance, and (2) to promote meaningful connections with other dances from the African diaspora.