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
Rueda de Casino (Cuban-style salsa in the round) with Jack Lewis
(707) 496-6189 • Facebook Group • Website
Cuban salsa ("casino") is popular in most urban areas but, until 2011, it had rarely been seen or taught in the Humboldt Bay area. Rueda de Casino (literally "wheel of casino") is an amazing and fun way to dance salsa, 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 @ 6:00 EVERY Friday - On1 Salsa, Bachata, Casino Salsa
(707) 816-2809 • Website • Facebook Page • Instagram • FBGroup
Led by Miss Julie Hayes, Brian Draeger, and Justin Golnik! All levels welcome at our 6:00 Salsa on1 class. No experience or partner required. Just bring smiles and plan to meet friends! At 7:00 we offer a rotating class of intermediate salsa, bachata or casino style salsa. See you FRIDAY! $10 drop-in or 5-class pass -$40
Monday Night Swing!
(707) 362-6561 • 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! Sliding scale $5-$15 drop-in price, or $30 for a punch card for 4 nights!
Balkan Music Meetup
(707) 496-6784 • linneamandell@gmail.com
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.
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!
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.
BootScoot with Contessa
Instagram
I started line dancing as a kid weekly with my family, some of my best memories are dancing and watching my parents two step. I got back into it last year. After my amazing teacher got her dream job and quit teaching I decided to start!! I teach line dancing every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. 6pm-7:30, $10.
You will sweat! Bring water and be comfy! Cowboy boots are not required, but always fun. All levels welcome! There will be review as well as a new dance or two every class. Come have fun and burn calories as a bonus!
Yoga Wednesdays with Jillian Lee
(207) 807-1098
Beginnners, All Levels, Grounding Practice, Realign, Rejuvenate, Meditate, Catch your breath. 5:30-6:30pm $10. Private sessions available (sliding scale).
SAMBA with Rocío Cristal - ON BREAK
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. NOT CURRENTLY TEACHING AT REDWOOD RAKS.
Classic Burlesque with Anna Grant
(385) 770-0846 • annamariegrant9@gmail.com • Facebook
An all level-of-experience class that teaches the classic art of Retro/classical burlesque choreography. This class focuses on combos, posture and placement, stage presence and self-esteem building. All humans over 18 welcome, safe and respected. Come learn the art of the tease, get a great workout, get lots of positive feedback and enjoy being in your body! Be sure to bring water, flat shoes or bare feet for the choreography classes, heels come later. Appropriate for all styles of performer, the combos can be used in all kinds of performances. This is a body-positive, all-inclusive, safe and fun space! Come join us!