Cumbia Dance Class Series – Beginner – CDMX style – Berkeley, CA

About

Learn to dance CDMX style Cumbia in our newest 4-week class series at La Peña in Berkeley! All are welcome, no partner needed. About the Class Cumbia Beginner Dance Class Series — CDMX style When: Saturdays, October 3, October 10, October 17, & October 24, 2026 Time: 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM Where: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA (near Ashby BART, #18 bus line) Cost: $100 full series registration (+ Eventbrite fees) | Drop-ins not available — Explore cumbia through the vibrant lens of Mexico City (CDMX) in this four session series blending foundational technique with social dance skills. You’ll build musicality, partner connection, and confidence dancing with others and on your own. Unlike traditional dance classes, we use “leaders” and “followers” instead of gendered roles, making space for everyone to feel seen and empowered on the dance floor. — What You’ll Learn Partner coordination and dance communication Musicality: how to hear and interpret cumbia rhythms Foundational steps, turns, and partner dynamics Solo footwork for social dance settings ✨ BONUS: All participants receive one complimentary entry to La Cumbia, our monthly Cumbia dance party featuring live DJs spinning sounds from México, Perú, Colombia, y más. — Teaching Style Warm, inclusive, and body-aware. Classes emphasize observation, repetition, and connection, supporting each student in developing their natural rhythm, expression, and confidence in social dancing. Instructors Donaji Lona brings over two decades of experience as a dancer and more than 20 years of community organizing and collective coordination. For 13 years, she has worked as a somatic coach and teacher, supporting individuals and groups in developing body awareness, listening, and coordination. She has been teaching cumbia for the past three years, integrating her deep love for the dance with her somatic approach. For Donaji, cumbia is a pathway to resilience, healing, and connection to the heart. She sees dance as a powerful way to reconnect with vitality and aliveness. Her teaching weaves together somatic practice, community, and expressive movement, creating spaces where students can feel supported, empowered, and fully present in their bodies. Rosalba “Chavita” Peñaloza discovered her passion for dance at a young age, training in her hometown and later in Mexico City. There, she built strong foundations, learned from experienced choreographers, and fell in love with baile de barrio . She began choreographing early on for performances, quinceañeras, and weddings, developing her own distinctive style. With over 18 years of experience in the Bay Area, she has taught choreography and multiple dance styles, including Mexican folkloric dance, and has performed in community events and celebrations. She also participated in the San Francisco Carnaval for three consecutive years. Her intention is to create a joyful and welcoming space where students feel energized, confident, and inspired. She focuses on understanding each student and supporting them in discovering their unique rhythm, style, and expression. Her goal is to share the rhythm and flavor of cumbia while fostering learning, harmony, and self-confidence. 🏳️‍🌈 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: classes@Lapena.org