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Javier Jeffer Cumbrera, born in Havana, began dancing, singing and playing percussion at a young age with the support of his parents, and inspiration of his ancestors. His career began at the renowned Teatro America children’s performance program, and at De Okan a children’s folkloric music & dance ensemble. By the age of 10, he was accepted into Cuba’s National Art School program, and also began competing in national and international dance competitions, earning awards as both a dancer and choreographer. After the 8-year course of study, Javier graduated with honors and a degree as a professional dancer and educator, and was selected for an internship at Danza Contemporánea de Cuba--the country’s National Contemporary Dance Company. Javier is an uplifting and uniquely gifted dancer, musician and teacher, who is passionate about sharing his love for dance and music with students of all levels and audiences from around the world.

 

Javier specializes in performing and teaching Afro-Cuban folkloric, traditional and modern music and dance genres, as well as Cuban modern, ballet, and improvisation techniques. His passion is creating unique fusions that honor the roots, celebrate creativity and connect deeply to the music, rhythms and spirituality.

 

In 2021, he became a founding dancer, choreographer and musician for the Madreagua Folkloric Company. One of his works was for their album launch, featuring top Cuban artists like Alexander Abreu and El Noro. In 2022, Javier joined Danza Contemporánea de Cuba, where he has performed in major works such as Sulkary and Cristal, toured Russia, and was honored to become their youngest teacher. In both companies he was proud to receive recognition as “Primer Bailarin” after a year of hard work, training and performance. In 2023, Javier was looking for a way to give back, and he began teaching children in his community who dreamt of attending the National Arts Schools and becoming artists like him. His students blossomed, he loved the work, and began to dedicate most of his free time to his growing youth program.

 

In 2025, Javier was granted a special artist visa for a one-year residency and U.S. Tour with MetaMovements Artist Collective. He is excited to be embarking on this new venture, and is thankful for this opportunity to share his culture and art with new audiences in Boston and across the U.S.  Javier’s mission is to help people from different backgrounds to connect, learn, heal, and experience the same uplifting joy in dance and music that he has, to live fuller, happier, healthier lives, crossing boundaries and borders in ways they had never known were possible!