About Us
Helsinki-based dance studio offering international level afro cuban dance instruction
At Sentimiento Manana you will not just learn to dance, but the “why” of dancing.
In his teaching, Jesús shares with the students the history and roots of each dance. He stresses how the dancer can help themselves and others to grow and excel.
Our teaching philosophy is based on a sense of community, harmony and union. We invite you to enjoy your life, body and the people who are dancing with you.
Teacher - Jesús La Rosa Pérez
Afro-Cuban dancer, teacher, choreographer and musician.
Before relocating to Europe, Jesús formed part of the artistic direction of Ballet Folklórico del Oriente, one of Cuba’s most prestigious professional dance companies. Due to his talent, he received a recognition of the highly valued UNEAC for his work as choreographer. His choreography Cimarrón earned several recognitions and had the most spectators of any dance shows in Cuba in 2017.
Jesús has toured Cuba, the US and Europe performing and teaching in 2012-2018, performing for example at the Brooklyn Academy of Music Festival and in the Siete Mares production that was awarded the NALAC price. He has performed with Cuba’s most famous rumba orchestras, such as Muñequitos de Matanzas, Afro Cuba, Clave y Guaguancó, Yoruba Andabo and with some of the most famous music groups of Cuba, including Charanga Habanera, Los Van Van, Manolito Simonet, Adalbérto Álvarez, los Clasicos del Son, and Septeto Santiaguero.
In his twenties, he dedicated time to do in-depth research in settlements in different provinces in Cuba to learn about dance, culture, and religious roots of a range of Afro Cuban dances: yoruba, arará, abacuá, bantú, franco-haitiana, peasant dances such as zapateo, zumbantoneo, el papalote, doña Joaquina, popular dances like son, danzón, danzonete, mambo, pilón, chachacha, mozambique, casino, and rumba. His superior knowledge earned him a seat as a member of the panel of the 6 most valued professional dance teachers in Cuba that created the new curriculum of all Cuban professional art schools. As a certified teacher (maestro) he has formed hundreds of professional dancers in Cuba. Jesús’s methodical and clear teaching style draws groups from Germany, Italy, Mexico, France, Sweden and the US to study with him.
“Finnish dancers, you are so lucky to have the unbelievably gifted, inspirational and knowledgeable maestro Jesus La Rosa Perez with you. Don't miss the opportunity to dance with him.”
— Charlotte Rieback, Rieback Dance, Stockholm, Sweden