Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Class – Beginner 2: Practice & Turns

About

A series for new dancers and all who are looking for a supportive dance community! About the class This class series is your next step in your social dance journey! Hosted at La Peña Cultural Center, a beloved hub for arts, resistance, and collective joy for over 50 years, this 4-week class series is designed for dancers who want to deepen their social dance practice in a friendly space rooted in care, consent, and cultural connection. 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. Is this class for you? This Beginner Level 2 series is a bridge between beginner and intermediate, ideal if you’ve taken a handful of classes, completed a beginner series, or have danced socially and want to keep growing without feeling rushed. This class is ideal for dancers who: Understand and can consistently execute fundamentals (basic steps, rhythm, and timing). Can recognize and move with the different rhythms of Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. Want a structured, guided practice space focused on partner work, turns, timing, and confidence building. During this 4-class series, you will: Grow more confident 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. Class details and registration: Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Class – Beginner Level 2: Practice & Turns Dates: Saturdays, October 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, and Nov 21 Time: 11:00 am- 12:00 pm Location: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA (near Ashby BART) Enrollment Cost: $94 for the 4-class series (+ Eventbrite fees). No drop-ins or single-class tickets available. Bonus: Registration includes one free entry to ¡BAILA! , La Peña’s monthly dance party featuring live Salsa bands and DJ’s. The perfect place to practice what you’ve learned in a welcoming and community-centered environment. All are welcome. No partner required. — If you’re still getting comfortable with rhythm, timing, or differentiating styles, we recommend starting with our Beginner Level 1 Series first. — Questions or accessibility needs? Email us at classes@lapena.org We’re committed to making our classes welcoming and accessible. If you have questions about accommodations, registration support, or anything else, reach out to us! — Our Community Agreements At La Peña, we build dance spaces rooted in care, consent, and collective responsibility. By participating, you agree to: Be present. Avoid distractions, interruptions, and/or multitasking. Engage with openness, honor others’ experiences, and treat everyone with dignity. Practice care and consent. Look out for one another, ask before initiating partner work, and honor all gender identities, expressions, and pronouns. Practice thoughtful communication and mutual understanding, respond with intention, and contribute to a supportive, collaborative environment. Care for the space. Keep our shared space clean and welcoming, upholding requests from La Peña staff, instructors, and organizers. These shared commitments help us build trust, move with accountability, and create the inclusive cultural 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 🏳️‍⚧️ About Juliana Mendonca Juliana Mendonca is a Venezuelan dancer, choreographer, and co-founder of Raíz de Agua. Her teaching centers the mind-body connection and the cultural roots of Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. Her approach invites dancers to connect with their body’s natural rhythm before focusing on choreography, creating a powerful foundation for expressive, fluid movement. IG @ julianamendoncadance (opens in new tab)