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,
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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
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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 and is gaining a following 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 on Wednesday nights!
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Miss Julie Hayes SALSA @ 6:00 EVERY Friday - On1 Salsa, Bachata, Casino Salsa, Kids camps, private lessons and more!
(707) 816-2809 • Website • Facebook Page • Instagram • FBGroup
Led by Miss Julie Hayes. All levels welcome at our 6:00 Salsa on1 class and bachata at 7:00. No experience or partner required. Just bring smiles and plan to meet friends! Julie also is proud to offer private lessons, and special event lessons and performances. Each August, she runs a wonderful and magical dance and music camp for boys and girls ages 7-12. She can't wait to see you on the dance floor. Call today for more Information
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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
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West Coast Swing with Justin Golnik & Debbie Weist
(707) 464-3638 • dwdhumboldt@gmail.com • Facebook • Website
Dynamic and playful, enjoy learning West Coast Swing on Wednesday evenings at Redwood Raks 6:30-7:30pm. Debbie & Justin also offer private lessons in Ballroom, Latin & Swing in Eureka through Dance with Debbie
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Movement classes with Mo Harper-Desir
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Healing Movements is a group movement class that involves guided meditation, somatic release session, full body stretch and some group dancing. Class uses stretching, bouncing and dancing for somatic healing and FUN!
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FREE Every Thursday 4:00pm - 5:15pm
All ages, body types, abilities and dance levels are welcome. Please come 5-10 minutes early to prep for class.
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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.
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