OKANA - Afro-Cuban Dance & Culture
Mario López-Goicoechea - Life at a Glance

Born:	16th November, 1971
Birthplace:	Havana, Cuba
Education:	- Havana University - 1989 - 1994 BA in Language, Literature, History and Culture of the English Speaking Peoples; - Alliance Française - 1995 - 1997 Intermediate Level of French Language, equivalent to A levels; - Cathedra Humboldt - 1992 - 1997 Intermediate Level of German Language, equivalent to A levels.

Performing career: At just five years old, I started reciting poems, singing songs and acting in plays in my local primary school. Later on, I began to dance as part of the school's annual showcase and took part in other school-related activities. I joined Havana's University Folkloric Ensemble in 1994 and remained with the company until November, 1997 when I came to live in the UK. During my three years with the group I acted not as just another dancer, but also, as their PR manager and Master of Ceremonies.
		Mario leading dance workshop dedicated to the Orisha Oshún; Photo by lydiaevans.com

Some of the performances I took part in were: Orishas, Elegguá, Oggún, Shangó, Congo Cycle, Asoyí, Trinitarias or "Mirena".
Mario leading Arará workshop, South Bank, Summer 2003
Besides the ones mentioned above, I also performed Cuban popular dances, such as mambo, cha-cha-cha, son; participated in our gigantic "Rueda de Casino" (Casino Wheel) and regularly danced our "Rumba Cycle" and Abakuá choreographies. Choreographic work in the UK: Eleggua; Ayé-Soyi, Arará, Oshún: Phenomenal Woman, Babalú Ayé, Oyá, Gagá,Tribute to Rubén. In addition to being a performer, I am a professional story-teller. This work entails the different Afro-Cuban folk tales left behind mainly by the Yoruba culture in Cuba. I normally tell stories with live music and combine both word and movement. At the moment I'm working very closely with a very talented musician called Crispin Robinson.
Mario performing Dance Story-telling Session, Crouch End
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