3 words : Unique, Amazing and Incredible. I had the chance to take multiple classes with Francesca, starting with regular one she was doing with a partner (Casino & Rumba). At that time it was already spectacular as she brought musicians to the class every two weeks! After that, as we were all asked to stay home, I had the chance to take private lessons where she shared historic knowledges about the Cuban culture and the roots of the dances. When we had the chance to meet again, I took Son Cubano classes, Rumba classes and Afrocuban classes and it was the best classes I’ve ever had! It was full of context, how people used to dance those dances and cultural context on how people were interacting at this time. Technically speaking, she was able to precisely spot the level of each participants, what we could immediately improve and what would require a longer time and multiple classes to learn. She was able to give us some special tips with the movements we had to do by give us examples (“Do it like you have wings on your back”). She had a specific structure in the class so we could have a proper warmup, then practice practice practice and a come back to a more chill rhythm which would help us to finish the class. She also invited musicians to play at those classes. She was able to explain with details how musicality works for each dance, using instruments (clave) to play while we were dancing and give us the name of different rhythms. She’s a teacher that take always the time to answer questions, as she’s sharing her passion and knowledge with us. She was also available after the class to answer the questions we had. To me, she’s the BEST!
Dilshard Mohamed Saly
“I had the pleasure to take private Cuban salsa lessons with Francesca. She is a great teacher, really knowledgeable and able to put you at ease during the lessons. I am a total beginner and really recommend her. She’s really able to adapt the lessons to your level and pace and I was always looking forward to new lessons to learn new moves and tips about salsa. I was able to discover Cuban salsa with her and like it more and more after each lesson.”
Dimitri Jeangérard
I had no idea what to expect when I was recommended Francesca's class. I was quite hesitant to learn Rumba from someone who was not Cuban. I quickly learned never to doubt Francesca. Her pedigree is impeccable, living in Cuba and learning from the great Domingo Pau himself! Moreso, I realize that Francesca going to Cuba as a foreigner and learning directly from the greats empowers her with a well of empathy and well-learned ability to teach to other people not born and raised in Cuba, for that was her path as well. She is passionate, patient, demanding, warm, knowledgeable, and is able to improvise and adapt to any class of any level. If you have the opportunity to learn with her, do it and let me know so I can come!
Andres Arango
Francesca es, en pocas palabras, amiga y colega de trabajo. Muy profesional y con grandes conocimientos de danza.Como persona es , la más humilde que he conocido y ha sido un placer para mi compartir espectaculos juntos. Se ha sacrificado por hacer lo que le gusta ,esta en constante renovacion y aprendisaje y eso dice mucho. Me siento muy honrado de ser y seguir siendo su mejor amigo. Como profesora es excelente, su metodologia de enseñanza va desde niño hasta adulto.
Hector Marquez Herrera
Francesca's informal and spontaneous approach to classes is informed in deep understanding of rhythm, soul and culture. A groove that is physically and spiritually engaging. Her classes brings me closer to home "Africa"
Antony
Getting to know Francesca was one of the best things that could possibly happen to me in relation to learning and practicing Cuban Salsa and Afrocuban Dances in Portugal. I am completely in love with her charisma and teaching approach; attending her class is not only acquiring profound and detailed knowledge about the myths, characters and historical development of the dance or a particular style, but also practically feeling the movement, sensing the ambience, fusing with the music. Francesca is not only showing the move and knows precisely how to do it technically but through approaching your senses and her bright performance explain how you should move, what do you have to feel like, which role to take to make this particular move how it should be. I enjoyed very much the way she was choosing the music for the class and especially when we had live percussionists during the Afro class. I was also able to get a very good understanding of Son Cubano, learned to hear the music and be able to apply the figures and techniques she was teaching us. Francesca is one of the rare kinds in the Afrocuban teaching world and I highly recommend taking the chance to learn with her, watch her and definitely dance!
Oksana Zinchenko
When I started taking lessons with Francesca a little over a year ago, I didn’t see myself as a dancer at all. I felt clumsy, tense, and embarrassed when dancing. Francesca is an extraordinary teacher. What sets her apart is her vast knowledge of movement, her mastery of the fundamentals, the history of dance, its biomechanics, and the psychology behind it. Her passion and knowledge are an incredible source of inspiration. Her teaching has created ripples in my life far beyond the dance floor: I’ve learned about leadership, communication, and so much more. With her guidance, I’ve been learning salsa en línea and salsa cubana. Today, when I go to dance events, I feel a new sense of freedom and joy. Francesca has taught me so much, and for that, I will always be grateful. Working with her is a privilege, and I cannot recommend her enough to anyone curious about discovering the beauty of dance.
Andrea Pavan