Obiniza set reflects the different transformations of the orishas— a spirit that reflects one of the manifestations of God in Yoruba religion— of the Yoruba pantheon with their powers and spirituality through the female essence. Connections of music, drums, Afro-Cuban songs and dances are the elements that will demonstrate the evolution of women from our ancestors to the contemporary time.
Hailing from Havana, Cuba, Freila began her professional career at the age of five, dancing with her grandfather, Fransisco “Tato” Castañeda, in the group Liberacion 75. She was raised in a milieu of Afro-Cuban cultural traditions, becoming a practitioner as well as performer. She gained national recognition in 1990 when she joined Raices Profunda under the direction of Juan de Dios Ramos. During her tenure with Raices (1990-2005) Freila ascended to the position of principal soloist and choreographer, traveling to France, Belgium, Japan, Mexico, and Switzerland as an invited artist and teacher. She has also performed with Yoruba Andabo, NG La Banda Ballet Español de la Habana and has numerous other credits as an actress and choreographer.
