Programs & Teachers at Redwood Raks
Dance Classes with Shoshanna
(707) 616-6876 • shoshannaraks@gmail.com • www.shoshannaland.com
Shoshanna has offered dance classes for all ages on the North Coast since 1997. She has danced in many styles since she was three, including ballet, jazz, modern, tap and more, before settling into serious study of the dances of the Middle East and American Cabaret Belly Dance. Shoshanna directs Redwood Raks and the Ya Habibi Dance Company and serves as part time faculty in the Dance Program at Humboldt State University.
Shoshanna is currently teaching Belly Dance for students of all ages, Creative Dance for preschoolers,
Dance Mix with Ellen Weiss
(707) 407-7715
Have fun with one hour of 15 different dance routines choreographed to upbeat eclectic music. A broad range of music and styles each class: latin, hip-hop, pop, jazz, country, swing, international, 60s/70s/80s... Drop-ins welcome but it’s also fun to learn and repeat the routines. There are usually 1-2 new songs weekly. $5-8/class
Arcata Rueda: Salsa Rueda de Casino with Jack Lewis
(707) 496-6189 • Facebook Group • Website
Arcata Rueda seeks dancers that would like to meet once or twice a week for Rueda de Casino ("wheel of casino"), either at classes or clubs, go to festivals, and perhaps do exhibitions in the community. Cuban-style salsa ("casino") is super popular in every west coast city and, until 2011, it had rarely been seen or taught in the Humboldt Bay area. Rueda is an amazing and fun way to dance casino, because of the synchronized group movement and playful interactions; all patterns and partner-switches are called out in Spanish by one of the dancers. Join us!
SALSA @ SIX
(707) 816-2809 • Facebook
Led by Miss Julie Hayes and Justin Golnik offer this great hour long multi-level class for all interested in learning or furthering their studies in LA Salsa on 1! After class there is a half hour open dance time.
Fridays @ Six = Salsa @ Six!
Miss Julie also offers periodic series in Bachata 5-6pm and Latin Dance classes for kids Tuesdays 4:30-5:30!
Monday Night Swing!
(707) 633-9031 • Facebook Group
Monday Night Swing is an Arcata tradition! Learn how to swing dance! Directed by Cailan Haliday, different topics in swing dance styles every month. There's a friendly beginning level class 7-8pm. No partner or experience necessary. Starting at 8pm there is a social dance to DJ'ed swing tunes. Come join the fun! $7 drop-in price, or $20 for a punch card for 4 nights!
Redwood Fusion Partner Dance
(707) 840-4745 • Facebook
Led by Brennan Smith, Redwood Fusion Partner Dance features weekly classes, dances, and special events for the community. Look them up on Facebook and get connected!
DANZ URBANO with Mimi Kyoko
(707) 616-9674 • Facebook
The best dance party in town is with Mimi Law on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30am! Come enjoy a custom blend of Latin dance moves, pop grooves and so much more! Mimi first became a certified Zumba instructor in 2010, and has loved every single moment of teaching ever since. Join us for an uplifting dance fitness class filled with great easy to follow moves to fun tunes based in Latin and Hip Hop. Come join us!
Humboldt Folkdancers
(707) 496-6734 • Website
The Humboldt Folk Dancers do a variety of world dance. The group meets for class and practice on Sundays from 4:00-6:00 pm, and hold a live music party with local musicians on the First Friday of every month at 8:00 pm. All ages and levels of experience are welcome, and partners are not needed. Just come and join the fun, and bring a snack to share if you would like!
SAMBA with Rocío Cristal
talavera.rocio@gmail.com
Let’s Samba! Everyone is welcome in Rocio’s class, regardless of experience level, gender or age. Rather than counts and choreography, she focuses on rhythm and musicality, encouraging her students to channel their own personality through movement. This style of dance from Rio de Janeiro is well known for its powerful character, quick, playful footwork and larger-than-life attitude—but, above all, sheer joy and celebration of life. Bring all your energy and celebrate with us!
Rocio Cristal Talavera discovered Samba when she moved from Puerto Rico to Arcata in 2010 and instantly fell in love. Shortly after, she became involved in the samba drum and dance community as a performer, creative director and teacher. She has participated in festivals and carnival parades all over the West coast and Brazil.
Humboldt Capoeira with Espaço Mendez
(415) 314-7623 • space.azania@gmail.com • Facebook
Espaço offers classes for children and adults in this Afro-Brazilian art-form.
West African Dance and Drumming
Arcatawestafrican@gmail.com • Facebook
A community facilitated class that has been gathering in Arcata for over 30 years. Our goal is to celebrate and honour the traditional culture of Guinea, Mali and Senegal through music and dance. Our class proceeds go toward hosting master teachers in Humboldt.
For information about West African Drum Practice with Steve Russin: rsnaggletooth@aol.com
Zeta Fusion Transcultural Belly Dance
(707) 407-8606 • desertliliesbazaar@gmail.com • Facebook
Basics of Bellydance - drills & phrases 6-7 pm $10 welcoming new and ongoing dancers!
Intermediate/Advanced choreo & troupe 7-8 pm - performance opportunities for ongoing dancers $5
West Coast Swing with Debbie Weist
dwdhumboldt@gmail.com • Facebook • Website
Debbie Weist has been providing the North Coast community with swing, Latin & ballroom instruction through her business ‘Dance with Debbie’ since 2006 through group classes and private lessons.
Nia with Danielle Woermann
(510) 385-8858 • Website
Nia is a mind body spirit movement class that’s based on sensing joy in your body. A powerful fusion of dance, martial arts, and mindfulness practices, Nia is a holistic movement & wellness practice addressing each aspect of your life - body, mind, and soul. Practiced barefoot, Nia’s purpose is to inspire and guide people to listen to the wisdom of the body, choose movement that feels good, and find connection in community. Danielle has been teaching Nia in the Bay Area and around the world since 2002. Drop-in $12, FIRST CLASS FREE.
Balkan Music Meetup
COME PLAY AND SING BEAUTIFUL FOLK MUSIC!
You are invited to sing and play a variety of Eastern European, Balkan, and International folk music on Wednesday afternoons 4:00-5:30 in the Bella Studio.
All instruments, voices, and levels are welcome in this community group. You can read music or learn by ear.
$2-3 contribution toward rent requested. For more information: 707-496-6784 or linneamandell@gmail.com
Zumba with Claudia Paola
Zumba is a fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. It is a great full-body workout that increases strength and cardiovascular fitness, aids in weight loss, and tones the body along with other benefits. Zumba is also fun and can boost your energy by relieving stress and anxiety.
Claudia Paula was born in Venezuela. She started ballet at 6, contemporary dance at 12, and belly dance at 15. She has performed in Venezuela, Colombia and New York, and in 2018 won an award for best dancer in the semi-professional category at the Medellin Arab Festival. She had her own dance academy in Venezuela where she taught belly dancing and Latin Rhythms to students of all ages. She is also a cyclist, certified personal trainer, fitness coach, Zumba instructor, HIIT trainer, and spinning instructor.
Oula Class - info coming soon!