Intermediate Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Dance Class Series (Sept 08 - 29)

La Peña Cultural Centerhas been a cornerstone of the Bay Area's Latinx, Caribbean, and Indigenous communities since 1975. We preserve cultural traditions, showcase interdisciplinary creative works, and support grassroots social justice movements alongside artists, activists, and allies. Rooted in the historic "peña" tradition of South America, we challenge dominant narratives and amplify marginalized voices.

La Peña Cultural Center

Intermediate Salsa, Bachata & Merengue 4-Class Series at La Peña in Berkeley – Mondays at 7:30pm! No partner needed!

La Peña's Dance Class Series

Celebrate dance, culture, and community at La Peña! From Salsa, Bachata & Merengue to our empowering FemCumbia workshops, our classes welcome all levels and invite you to move, connect, and keep Afro-Latin traditions thriving in Berkeley.

Registrations for this class series are closed. Stay tuned for more classes coming your way soon! Visit lapena.org to see more!

<h3>Intermediate Salsa, Bachata &amp; Merengue Dance Class Series (4 sessions)</h3> <h3>Dates: Mondays: September 8, 15, 22, &amp; 29 - 2025</h3><h3>Time: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM</h3><h3>Location: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA</h3>Looking to deepen your dance practice in a welcoming, community-rooted space? This Intermediate Salsa, Bachata &amp; Merengue Class Series is designed for dancers who have the basics down and are ready to grow. Whether you've completed our Beginner Series or have experience elsewhere, this 4-class series offers the chance to build confidence, expand your skillset, and enjoy the joy of movement with others.Led by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/julianamendoncadance/" title="https://www.instagram.com/julianamendoncadance/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Juliana Mendonca</a> (she/her), a Venezuelan dancer, choreographer, and co-founder of Raíz de Agua, this class centers the mind-body connection and the rhythms of salsa, bachata, and merengue. Her distinctive approach invites dancers to connect with their body’s natural rhythm before focusing on choreography, creating a powerful foundation for expressive and fluid movement.Classes are taught using a "leaders" and "followers" framework—not gendered roles—offering a space where dancers of all identities feel welcome and supported.<h3>What You'll Experience:</h3><ul><li>Strengthen footwork, timing, and partner techniques</li><li>Deepen your relationship to Latin music and rhythm</li><li>Move in a gender-inclusive, community-centered environment</li><li>Make new connections through shared movement and joy</li></ul>Enrollment:$94 for the entire 3-class series (+ Eventbrite fees)Not ready for the Intermediate course? No problem! Check out our Beginners class series<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1571871944299?aff=oddtdtcreator" title="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1571871944299?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> HERE!</a><h3>Bonus Perk:</h3>All participants receive 1 complimentary entry to BAILA, La Peña’s monthly community dance party featuring live music and DJs!

<h3>About Juliana Mendonca</h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/julianamendoncadance" title="https://www.instagram.com/julianamendoncadance" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Juliana Mendonca</a> is a Venezuelan dancer, choreographer, and solo performance artist whose work integrates creativity, spirit, and nature through movement. Her performances primarily feature her as a solo artist, using dance as a vehicle for inner connection and creative exploration.She holds a degree in Dance from the University Institute of Caracas, Venezuela, and has taught at the Performing Arts Department of the University of the Andes in Mérida, Venezuela. Her teaching method prioritizes connecting with your body’s rhythm before mastering steps and turns—offering a refreshing alternative to traditional dance instruction.Follow Juliana: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/julianamendoncadance" title="https://www.instagram.com/julianamendoncadance" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">@julianamendoncadance</a>Learn more about her work: <a href="http://www.liquidanza.com" title="http://www.liquidanza.com" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">liquidanza.com</a><h3>🫶 Community Agreements:</h3>At La Peña, we strive to create a space rooted in care, joy, and collective responsibility. By participating in this class, we ask that you agree to:<ul><li>Be present</li><li>Treat everyone with respect</li><li>Take care of the space</li><li>Practice thoughtful communication</li><li>Practice active listening</li><li>Take care of yourself and each other</li><li>Ask for consent</li><li>Honor everybody's gender identity, gender expression, and pronouns</li><li>Honor La Peña staff &amp; organizers' requests</li></ul>These agreements help us move together in trust and build the kind of community we all deserve.🏳️‍🌈 La Peña Cultural Center is a queer-affirming, community-based cultural space dedicated to collective joy, resistance, and creative expression. We are committed to creating accessible, inclusive environments for all 🏳️‍⚧️📩 Questions? Email us at: <a href="" title="" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">classes@lapena.org</a><h3>Accessibility:</h3><ul><li>La Peña is a wheelchair-accessible venue with step-less entry, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms.</li><li>Restrooms are all-gender</li><li>Masks are strongly encouraged. If you’re experiencing COVID-19, cold, or flu-like symptoms, please consider staying home to protect our community. HEPA air purifiers operate throughout our space.</li></ul>We strive to make La Peña a welcoming, accessible space for everyone. For accommodation requests, please contact us at least one week in advance, and we’ll do our best to support you. Email us at info@Lapena.org.<h3>Getting to La Peña:</h3><ul><li>Public Transit: The 18 bus line stops directly across the street (Shattuck &amp; Woolsey), and Ashby BART is just two blocks away.</li><li>Parking: Free street parking is available, or park at the Ashby BART station for a fee.</li><li>Bike-Friendly: Bike racks are available outside La Peña.</li></ul>

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Registrations are closed

Intermediate Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Dance Class Series (Sept 08 - 29)

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Registrations are closed

Intermediate Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Dance Class Series (Sept 08 - 29)

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