Advanced Beginner Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Dance Classes (Oct 27 - Nov 17)

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

A series for BIPOC dancers and all who are looking for a dance community!

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.

<h3>About the Class</h3> Advanced Beginner Salsa, Bachata &amp; Merengue Dance Class Series (4 sessions) Mondays, October 27 - November 17 | 7:30 - 8:30pmThis is your next step in your social dance journey, guided by community! This series is designed for dancers who want to deepen their social dance practice in a space rooted in care, consent, and cultural connection. Hosted at La Peña Cultural Center, a beloved hub for arts, resistance, and collective joy for over 50 years! <h4>Is This Class for You?</h4>This Advanced Beginner (Beginner Level 2) series is a bridge between beginner and intermediate, ideal if you’ve taken a handful of classes, completed a beginner course, or have danced socially and want to keep growing without feeling rushed. This class is ideal for dancers who:<ul><li>Can recognize the difference between Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue rhythms and feel comfortable with the basic steps.</li><li>Want a supportive, structured space that adapts to the group’s level and interests, focusing on partner work, turns, and confidence building.</li><li>Are interested in building confidence and connection through movement and joy in a welcoming, gender-inclusive, community-centered space.</li></ul> If you’re still getting comfortable with rhythm, basic steps, or differentiating between styles, we recommend starting with our <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beginners-salsa-bachata-merengue-dance-series-oct-27-nov-17-registration-1739000028899?aff=oddtdtcreator" title="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beginners-salsa-bachata-merengue-dance-series-oct-27-nov-17-registration-1739000028899?aff=oddtdtcreator">Beginner Series</a> first. <h4>Class Details</h4>Dates: Mondays: October 27, November 3, 10, 17 - 2025Time: 7:30PM - 8:30pmLocation: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA (near Ashby BART)Enrollment Cost: $94 for the 4-class series (+ Eventbrite fees) ✨ Bonus: All participants receive one complimentary entry to <a href="http://bit.ly/bailaparty" title="http://bit.ly/bailaparty" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">¡BAILA!</a>, La Peña’s monthly dance party featuring live salsa, dance classes, and DJs. The perfect place to practice what you’ve learned in a joyful, community-centered environmentAll are welcome. No partner required! <h4>How You’ll Grow in This Series</h4>By the end of the 4-class series, you will: 🔸 Develop confidence in leading, following, and connecting with partners🔸 Deepen your sense of rhythm, timing, and familiarity with salsa, bachata, and merengue🔸 Strengthen your muscle memory through guided repetition and partner work🔸 Explore new turn patterns and combinations for social dance settings🔸 Build a strong foundation for intermediate-level classes 🏳️‍🌈 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" 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>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>