Beginners Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Dance Series at La Peña (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

Learn Salsa, Bachata & Merengue this fall! A 4-class beginner dance series at La Peña in Berkeley. 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>About the Class</h3>Beginners Salsa, Bachata &amp; Merengue Dance Class Series (4 sessions)Looking for a fun and welcoming way to start dancing? Join our Beginner Salsa, Bachata &amp; Merengue Dance Class Series this fall at La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley! This 4-class series (Sept 8–29) is perfect for newcomers or anyone ready to refresh their skills in a supportive, inclusive space.Unlike traditional classes, we use “leaders” and “followers” instead of gendered roles, making space for everyone to feel seen and empowered on the dance floor. You’ll learn to tune into your natural rhythm, build confidence in your movement, and connect joyfully with others through music and dance.This 4-class series is designed for everyone, from absolute newcomers to those looking to refresh their dance skills.<h3>Class Details</h3>Dates: Mondays: September 8, 15, 22, &amp; 29 - 2025Time: 6:15 PM – 7:15 PMLocation: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA (near Ashby BART)Enrollment Cost: $94 for the 4-class series (+ Eventbrite fees)✨ Bonus: Registration includes one free entry to our monthly community dance party, <a href="http://bit.ly/bailaparty" title="http://bit.ly/bailaparty" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">¡BAILA!</a>All are welcome. No partner required.<h3>Why take classes at La Peña:</h3>🔸 Build Confidence: Move with ease and feel good in your body.🔸 Explore and enhance your dance skills with expert guidance from Juliana Mendonca (she/her).🔸 Dive into the basics of salsa, bachata, and merengue through your body's natural movements.🔸 Join a welcoming community and make new friends on the dance floor!Already taken this class or want to dive a little deeper? Check out the Intermediate class<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1571846678729?aff=oddtdtcreator" title="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1571846678729?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> HERE</a>!🏳️‍🌈 La Peña is a Queer affirming space: We strive to create an empowering and supportive environment for everyone 🏳️‍⚧️<h3>Questions?</h3>Contact us at:<a href="https://classes@lapena.org" title="https://classes@lapena.org" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="mailto:classes@lapena.org" title="mailto:classes@lapena.org" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">classes@lapena.org</a><h3>About Juliana Mendonca</h3>Juliana's performances primarily feature her as a solo artist, integrating creativity with spirit and nature through dance. 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 distinctive teaching method prioritizes connecting with your body's rhythm before mastering steps and turns.IG @<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> | Website: Liquidanza.com<h3>Community Agreements</h3>We prioritize creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can learn and grow in a supportive space.We ask that you:<ul><li>Be Present</li><li>Ask for consent</li><li>Honor everybody's gender identity, gender expression &amp; pronouns</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 &amp; each other</li><li>Honor La Peña Staff &amp; organizers requests</li></ul>By registering for this class, you agree to uphold our shared community agreements.

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Registrations are closed

Beginners Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Dance Series at La Peña (Sept 08 - 29)

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Registrations are closed

Beginners Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Dance Series at La Peña (Sept 08 - 29)

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