An interview with Felix Bambury Webbe

I'd like to introduce to you Felix Bambury Webbe a dancer from Cuba now living in Alaska with his wife and teaching Cuban dance. Felix was part of many known groups in Cuba and in this interview he shares with us some of his personal thoughts and experiences. Thank you Felix for sharing a part of your heart and passion. And for the rest of you - Enjoy!

When did you decide that you wanted to be a dancer?

My decision to become a professional dancer with much respect and confidence came in 1994 with the guidance of my parents. They guided my life as a professional artist from its beginning on the "Isla de Juventud" until my arrival to the capital of Cuba, La Habana.

Who were your teachers?

When speaking of my teachers I cannot neglect to mention my first teachers, my parents, George Lloyd Bambury and Aurora Aurelia Webbe, who taught me from my childhood in to my 40's. Afterwards, through school clubs my teachers were Ernesto, Luis Valverde, Isaia Rojas and Benedisto.

During my years as a professional I studied with: Margarita Avilera and Estevan Delgado of Danza Nacional de Cuba, Yoyi Dias and Juan de Dios Ramos of Conjunto Folklorico Nacional and Isaias Rojas of Ban Rarra.

What schools did you attend in Cuba?

Since I had knowledge and abilities in the knowledge of Afro Cuban and Cuban Popular Dances I was interested in obtaining a scholarship in the National School of Dance in Havana but unfortunately I didn't pass the aptitude tests.

How many years have you been dancing?

I have been dancing since I was in my mother's womb and then when she breast fed me, I danced against her chest. So I have been dancing all of my life including in my sleep for I sleep with music and rise in the early morning hours to write choreography for presentations.

What forms of Cuban dance do you dance?

I can dance all of the Cuban and Afro Cuban dance styles including Danzon, Son, Mambo, Chachacha, Casino (salsa), Cuban Country dances, Yoruba dances and Franco-Haitiano dances.

What do you like the most about Cuban dance?

Of the Cuban dances it is Cuban Son and the Folkloric dances that I like the best.

Which style of Cuban dance do you like the most and why?

I feel like a complete, traditional Cuban man personifying my culture when I dance Son. I am dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of our culture, inspired by my natural talent, through this old style that maintains its rich melody.

Are there any dancers that you especially respect?

I have much respect for the following dancers; because of them I have succeeded in my life as a professional artist. They include Margarita Avilera, Estevan Delgado, Joyi Dia, Juan de Dios Ramos, and Isaias Rojas.

What is it like being a professional dancer in Cuba?

The life of a professional dancer in Cuba is very difficult at first because of the underdeveloped economic situation in Cuba. We have many limitations for going to other countries. They ask us if we live on air but no, we strive to make ends meet through construction jobs, or earn extra change through odd jobs, afterwards they have to endure long rides on the famous camellos.

After living a sacrificial life of a dancer one rethinks his position: Many are left collecting bottles in the street or in the Market because they never had an opportunity to be evaluated or because the evaluation they sought did not serve them well to continue other avenues of dance.

Do you miss the lifestyle?

I miss so much the life of a professional dancer in Cuba mostly because the groups I've had an opportunity to work with have been like a family during the good times and through the most difficult times. When I think of them I'm touched with sadness because they aren't a part of my life but even though I am far from them they are always present.

What would you like to create in the world as a professional Cuban dancer?

As a professional dancer my message to the world is that they know the depths of our culture, that isn't only that of the Indigenous inhabitants of Cuba, or our African traditions influenced by the Spanish. I await the day that our tradition is known in every corner of the world they speak of Danzon, Son, Mambo and Chachacha.

What are the biggest challenges you face?

The biggest challenge of my life has been the power to leave my country legally and to be able to exercise my profession with success.

As a well established dancer, instructor and choreographer, what would you recommend to beginner dancers and experienced ones?

• Understand the origin of the dance that you want to learn.
• Each dancer should interpret their dance steps within the music like an instrument in a musical group.
• Dancers should recognize the details of posture, the correct angle between partners, the interrelationship, the delicacy of maintaining the steps while listening to the rhythm of the music.
• To enjoy the dance, there is an inseparable tie between the enjoyment of the rich rhythm of the music that is man, woman and music.

What would you recommend to people that haven’t even tried Cuban dance?

To all those who haven't danced yet I recommend that they don't waste any more time and think about enjoying the rich dance of Casino (salsa). None should miss out on it for it is like enjoying a rich cup of hot chocolate without regret.

Do you have any unique experience you can share with us about your dancing or the process of learning?

Based on my experience and hours of dancing with my parents and through the workshops of different Afro Cuban and Cuban dances that I participated in I have the ability to create different forms of practicing depending on the dancers. I have developed a complete system of rehearsing the traditional and popular dances of Cuba inspired by the methods of my professors. I am very proud that God has put me in an artistic environment where I can maintain a vital and active connection with the art.

What is the most magical experience related to Cuba that you can tell us?

From the point of Maisi to el Cabo de San Antonio the people of Cuba live magical lives because of the influences of the religions of Africa and the Catholic Religion that came from Spain.

With the experience that I have had in my beautiful Cuba I cannot respond with an exact answer but the most magical moments for me were that I was able to obtain a house, and I was able to obtain an exit permit from my country, that I still can't believe and that I could work with prestigious national and international groups.

What is the most difficult experience related to Cuba that you can share with us?

The most difficult experience of my life was the death of my parents when I could not give them the medicines they needed when they needed them.

The following question was answered by Mary Christensen, his wife who is working with Felix to organize the Havana in Alaska Cruise which they are launching for the first time this summer.

What makes the “Havana in Alaska” cruise unique?

The Havana in Alaska cruise is unique among dance cruises because it specifically celebrates the Cuban culture beloved by Felix and I and all who are participating. For me it is an opportunity to enjoy the music and dance that we love with members of this community from around the world while delighting with them in our national treasure which is Alaska. For those dancers who have always wanted to see Alaska but are like me and love to dance when they travel this trip will create lifetime memories. In Cuba as well as in the US wherever Cubans gather there is an infectious and spontaneous joy that comes from the enjoyment of music and good company. The atmosphere on the Havana in Alaska cruise will be casual, non competitive and joyful. Felix looks for opportunities to share and enjoy his culture wherever he finds himself.

Last night, I witnessed a spontaneous Rumba jam of Cuban and Puerto Rican drummers while Felix danced Rumba Columbia style. We were in a tiny upstairs dance cafe in North Pole, Alaska that is not unlike the coziness of some places in Cuba. I was reminded that the Puerto Rican and Cuban cultures have much in common. We also hope to share the enjoyment of Latin dance and music on the Havana in Alaska cruise with an openness to different dance styles and cultures. What each person brings creates a "mezcla" (= a mix) that will make this cruise a journey of pure magic and joy.

Click here to find out more about the Havana in Alaska Cruise.