Jose is half Cuban, half Haitian. He grew up within the Haitian community in Ciego de Avila in Cuba and started dancing and performing in carnivals at the age of five. For many years, he danced with the dance group ‘Nago’ representing ‘Haitian Ceremonial Dance’ at the International Caribbean Festival in Santiago de Cuba.

He specializes in all forms of traditional Afro-Haitian dance and Haitian performance. He is also a percussionist, a singer and an accomplished fire-eater.

In 1998, he founded the dance group ‘Banlame’ in Trinidad and he continues to manage them today. Since coming to the UK in 2007, he has taught Afro-Cuban/Haitian dance as well as Cuban Salsa, Rueda and Reggaeton. His shows draw from his Haitian background but often include other elements as he strives to portray his different influences. He is known for his ‘raw’ and ‘passionate’ performances and his endless energy. If you’re taking a class with Jose…be prepared to sweat!

Jose Heranandez Lynn

The Artists