Cuban heels: Havana Rakatan

Havana Rakatan's performances are choreographed by Nilda Guerra Photograph: Congas Productions

Stretch the imagination ... one of the company's dancers in rehearsal Photograph: Congas Productions

The company is known for its bright and elaborate costumes Photograph: Congas Productions

Music for Havana Rakatan's productions is supplied by the eight-piece son band Turquino, who - like the company - are based in Havana Photograph: Congas Productions

Amarylis Pons (in the blue dress) is one of Havana Rakatan's lead dancers Photograph: Congas Productions

Last year, Sanjoy Roy gave Havana Rakatan four stars in his Guardian review, praising the 'brilliant band' and 'a versatile troupe of dancers' while noting 'plenty of shameless playing to the gallery' Photograph: Congas Productions

Cuban dance offers a fusion of Spanish culture and African spiritual beliefs. Havana Rakatan's shows are designed to present a variety of styles from folk, mambo and salsa to chachacha, bolero and flamenco Photograph: Congas Productions

Havana Rakatan perform at the Peacock theatre in London, May 21-June 22 2008 Photograph: Congas Productions