Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

South America

Tropicana

Photo by Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

El Tropicana nightclub is a Havana iconic location. The club opened in 1939 and features over 50 dancers in the cabaret. Tropicana has two complete sets of stages, table areas and dance floors for their performances. Many people don’t know that the showgirls in Las Vegas actually drew their inspiration from this renowned club.

The Tropicana is located in the Miramar neighborhood, the most glamorous section of Havana during the 1950s. During the 1940’s and 50’s the club was also a casino and it was at the center of the jet set lifestyle when it had heavy ties to the mob scene. Many people may only know if the club from the scene in Godfather II, but when you step inside you can just imagine those nights with Nat King Cole performing and Ernest Hemingway, Errol Flynn and other Hollywood royalty at the bar. As I was researching the club in more detail last night I found a great article in Vanity Fair with first hand accounts of life at the Tropicana. It is a such an interesting read.

During my second trip to the island we decided to check out the club and the famous show. I was extremely excited because I love a great dance performance and this show delivered. Tropicana became one of the highlights of all my trips to Cuba. Upon arrival you see a beautifully maintained 1950’s car at the entry and women are given roses and men cigars. When you walk in you feel like you are stepping back into that time of glamour in the 1950’s.

The singers and dancers performed for over two hours with number after number. Dances ranges from updated ballet routines high energy show girl performances with ladies balancing chandeliers on their headdresses in elaborate costume designs. At the end of the show it becomes time for audience participation to dance with the performers on stage. I sat on the aisle so I was so happy to be able to photograph the show and capture the live performance.

This is activity can be a little expensive by Cuban standards but it is a must do if you make the trip to the island.

Latest Articles

Trending Travel

National Cheeseburger Day is September 18 and this year you can celebrate the American classic and score big deals at Burger King and Wendy’s...

Interviews

As we head into Bourbon and Beyond 2023, we wanted to re-visit one of our favorite chef interviews from 2023 with Top Chef alum...

News

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell announced the addition of an extra day to the 2024 Festival as the event...

News

As summer draws to a close, Walt Disney World is preparing for fall fun with a variety of family-friendly experiences at the park. This...

News

Marriott Bonvoy is currently running a promotion that will help its guests rack up bonus points this fall. Registered members can earn 1,500 bonus...

News

Holland America Line’s 2025 European season is now open for reservations, offering travelers the opportunity to embark on unparalleled journeys through the most diverse...

You May Also Like

Interviews

The series “Departures” chronicled two Canadian friends Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach as they quit their day jobs to make their way around the...

North America

While covering MGK “Machine Gun Kelly” Day which took place on August 13 I visited the musician’s local coffee shop, 27 Club Coffee. It...

Interviews

Cincinnati-based chef Christian Gill has been taking on every challenge that the Food Network has to offer this summer. He is currently competing in...

Interviews

Ministry has paved a unique path for the past four decades, from its early days melding elements of dark wave, synth pop and metal...