Programs & Teachers at Redwood Raks
Dance Classes with Shoshanna
(707) 616-6876 • dance@shoshannaland.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 offers dance classes for Belly Dance students of all ages, Creative Dance for preschoolers, and a new Fairy Dance class for children!
Humboldt Capoeira
(707) 223-1140 • FACEBOOK GROUP
World renowned Mestre Canguru (Domingos Melo de Figueiredo) is from São Paulo, Brazil and has over 30 years experience in the art of Capoeira. Mestre Canguru is sought throughout the U.S. and abroad for his knowledge, expertise, and attention to technique. A pioneer of capoeira in the U.S., he continues to provide quality instruction around the world, and leads his group on the north coast of California, Humboldt Capoeira.
For more information about classes please contact Mestre Canguru at (707) 223-1140
Breakdancing with Rex Atienza
(707) 832-3307 (texts best)
Kids Break Dancing and Break-a-Sweat Hip Hop Workout. Director of the Humboldt Rockers since 2004! Classes typically run March - May and October - December.
"My introduction to break dancing started at the age of 7 in Okinawa, Japan. I moved to Southern California where I danced with other breakers of all levels. I have always put my skills to the test by entering competitions, battling against legendary dancers. I eventually worked with an organization that put out Hip-Hop work shops for the youth and we also showcased our talents at numerous events from street fairs to Hip-Hop venues. In Nor Cal, I take the lead of the Humboldt Rockers. We have been representing as Humboldt's breaking crew since 2004. We do everything from kids camps to art shows providing the youth with a positive as well as artistic activity to be involved in."
Arcata Rueda: Salsa Rueda de Casino with Jack Lewis
(707) 822-2652 • FACEBOOK GROUP
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 recently, it has 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. Come dance!
https://sites.google.com/site/arcatarueda/home
West African Dance & Drumming
(707) 834-3610 •
Led by Heather Plaza since 2013, this popular class is one of the longest continually running dance classes in Humboldt County, starting WAY before Redwood Raks began in the space that used to house the Dancenter. Come be part of a fantastic dance and drum community. Joe Bishop leads the drumming!
Tuesdays 5:30-7:00pm Drum & Dance
Samba with Maria of Samba Na Chuva
(707) 845-3225
Maria studied jazz and modern dance at Humboldt State University. She fell in love with Brazilian dance in 1999. Maria has studied Samba and Afro-Brazilian Dance in both the United States and Brazil including the Escola de Dança da Fundação Cultural do Estado da Bahia and Casa de Dança Carlinhos de Jesus Rio de Janeiro. She has attended California Brazil Camp for 12 years. Her Brazilian dance teachers include Dandha da Hora of Ilê Aiyê, Ana Laidley, Rosangela Silvestre, Tania Santiago, Rodson Santos de Jesus, Alvaro Reys, Danielle Lima, Kimberly Miguel Mullen and Ananda Mounts. Currently, Maria is the co-director of the Humboldt County based Brazilian dance performance troupe Samba na Chuva which was created in 2005. This troupe has performed at numerous community events such as the North Country Fair, Mateel Community Center Summer Arts and Music Festival, Arcata Sunrise Rotary Fireman’s Ball, and the Blue Lake Annie and Mary Day Festival. She has also developed choreography for Samba da Alegria for nine North Country Parades and participated in several San Francisco Carnaval Parades with Grupo Samba Rio, Fogo na Roupa and SambaDa.
Redwood Coast Soo Bahk Do
(707) 825-9755
Our program is family run and operated, and is specially designed for families to have the chance to train together. Our close-knit group offers a strong sense of community, and a high level of care and attention goes into the training of each student. Kyo Sa Nim Teri Vodden, LCSW is certified instructor with the Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation. She has 26 years of experience training in Soo Bahk Do. Ms. Vodden is a Licensed Psychotherapist and has been teaching at Redwood Coast Soo Bahk Do since 1996. Contact Redwood Coast Soo Bahk Do at (707) 825-9755
Monday Night Swing!
(707) 633-9031 • Facebook Group
Monday Night Swing is an Arcata tradition! Learn how to swing dance! Rotating 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) 822-8045 • Website
The Humboldt Folk Dancers plan a dance party for every month. These parties offer live music by local and visiting musicians. Please bring a snack to share! You don't have to have any previous dance experience, and all ages are welcome. Just come and join the fun!
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.