The Full Story
AbouT NINA & LOLO
In the heart of the Dominican Republic, we found not just a new home but a profound purpose. We are two souls who left our past lives behind to embrace the vibrant culture and warm-hearted people of this beautiful island. With backgrounds in salsa, Afro, fusion, Cuban rhythms, and Caribbean dances like soca and zouk, we discovered a deep love for authentic bachata here.
Our passion led us to create Leonas, a project dedicated to promoting and teaching traditional bachata. This dance is more than just steps and rhythms; it’s an expression of self, fostering confidence, grounding, and unity with nature and others.
A cornerstone of our journey is NinaFrika, who has been developing the traditional bachata scene in Cabarete on the north coast for over 14 years. Her tireless support through NinaFrika Dance School has created a thriving community where it previously did not exist, it is now recognized and well known in all Dominican Republic.
Through Leonas, we organize immersive cultural tours, bringing people from around the world to experience authentic bachata in various cities and villages. These tours celebrate culture, involving genuine dance, local cuisine, and natural wonders. With our deep connections in the Dominican Republic, we offer unparalleled expertise and introduce our guests to local teachers, dancers, and hidden natural gems.
Our vision extends beyond the dance floor, creating a loving and supportive community. We aim to share the joy, authenticity, and profound connection of traditional bachata, enriching lives one dance at a time.
Want to know more about our tours & retreats
NINAFRIKA
Ninafrika is my Dancer & school name .
I had taught dance for over 14 years in Cabarete. Specializes in Cuban Salsa , Bachata Tradicional, Bachata Moderna , African dance ( and other influenced like Afro Cuban & Afro Brazilian ) .
I began my journey in African dance since a very young age, as my Father is from Cameroun and I'm born in the Capital .
My Salsa & ORISHAS training was both in Cuba ( La Havana ) & Paris and I also dance LA Style On1 & New York Style, On2 . I am a lead dancer and teaches both Men's and Women's Styling.
MY ORISHAS training and workshops are focus into healing and connecting with the gods and goddess of Yoruba Tribe. I believe they are strong & full of love
Each orishas can connect you to mother hearth , water , fire & more inside each of us.
My Bachata journey began in France
(Moderna ) & continues in the Dominican Republic for 11 years ( Las TERRENAS , Santo Domingo , Bonao ....) . I am incredibly passionate about teaching BACHATA TRADITIONAL & I'm proud to have my own dance school in Cabarete, Dominincan Republic for 14 years. I feel so passionate that i know I'm the real deal.
I am a formally trained dancer in many styles of Latin dance with masters worldwide and I love to share the passion I have for dance with as many people as possible. I continue my training so that I can bring my students, the best of the best training and also to hone my own skills on the dance.
I focus more and more on giving special traditional bachata , rumba & healing through Orishas workshop at bit everywhere ( USA , Europe , DR ) .
I can't wait to share my strength , love & passion with you !
LOLO
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Hi, I am Lolo, dancer & teacher of Bachata, salsa on 1 & 2, Cuban style, Merengue and Zouk.
Growing up in the French Caribbean, with its unique culture, infectious rhythms, and island life, had a profound impact on me.
I started dancing as a self-taught individual while drawing inspiration from others which was for me a wonderful way to develop my unique style.
Observing and learning from those who inspire me while keeping a free space of nothing to self express helped me expand my dance vocabulary and find my own artistic voice.
Dancing is all about embracing this creative journey!
Traveling and experiencing dance within various cultures and countries added a profound dimension to my own movement and emotional connection. It's through these encounters that I grasped the beauty and diversity of human expression. It allowed me to uncover new facets of my own identity and establish meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds, all through the universal language of dance.
Dance has had such a profound impact on my life, reaching beyond just physical movements.
Teaching it is like guiding souls through a symphony of emotions, where every step and gesture becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of their inner world, allowing them to paint their stories with grace and passion.
