Redwood Raks Mission Statement:

Founded in February 2008 by Shoshanna, Redwood Raks strives to bring diverse dance forms to a diverse group of people. We provide high-quality, positive dance instruction with an eye to community building, cultural education and personal development. Besides having a full schedule of dance and movement classes offered by many instructors, Redwood Raks also provides space for rehearsals, gatherings, performances, and professional photo shoots and filming. So far we have had dvd shoots, photo shoots, Fashion Shows, CD Release Partiesand many great performances. We are the official rehearsal site for Shoshanna's Ya Habibi Dance Company, CADA (Company of African Dance Arcata), Humboldt Rockers, Angel's Creations Flamenco Company, and many independent choreographers and groups. Local groups such as Sambamore/Womama, Synapsis, 2 Left Feet and Nightshade Serenade often have their shows at Redwood Raks.

A note from Shoshanna, director:
Since beginning my dance training at age 3 I can't remember a time when I haven't had adance studio in my life. I began in ballet, and took that about as far as I felt I could go, studying at numerous local dance studios (including The Dancer's Studio, Humboldt Dance Academy, Academy of Ballet Arts, Studio of Dance Arts, and especially many years and many styles at Dance Expressions in McKinleyville. Later, when I began teaching, I've had the pleasure of being hired by or renting space at Dance Expressions, Common Ground Community Center, A Pure Space, Sacred Palace, Studio of Dance Arts, New World Ballet, North Coast Dance, Humboldt State University, and The Dancenter.

The Dancenter was always a place I loved for all the sense of community it brought to the dance community, the amazing hardwood floor, and the rich history of the studio space and the Old Creamery Building it is housed in. Since the early 90's I have studied, taken classes, and performed many times in that studio. As I have built my own dance business as an instructor, performer, company director and event producer I found myself more and more excited about the idea of somehow directing a dance and event space of my own. When The Dancenter closed after about 25 years I was shocked along with the rest of the local dance community. I'm so excited to be able to begin my studio in such a beautiful space already loved and treasured by our local dance community. Since opening in early 2008 we have made many wonderul changes and I am delighted to welcome you to a revitalized space celebrating dance and movement from around the world. Lots of wonderful classes and events are happening now!

Along with my multi-talented husband Adam, I am happy to not only direct a fully equipped, 2400 square foot lovely dance class facility, but also a performance and event venue that is affordably priced, ready to go with lights and sound equipment, and an art exhibit space. We try to offer you the very best service around ... we look forward to helping make your vision a reality.

Happy Dancing,
Shoshanna & Adam
Directors of Redwood Raks World Dance Studio
est. 2008

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