ARGENTINE TANGO

As a native of Argentina, it is Nora’s mission to share the Argentine culture through tango, one of the most romantic and elegant of the social dances. You’ll learn not only the steps, but also the history, music and etiquette of the dance form, and even some lumfardo (Argentine slang). The technique classes focus on exercises that will improve your balance, posture and style of Tango walking. Men and women will separate for one-hour, followed by half an hour of mixed dancing. You will learn everything from the very basics to the newest colgadas, volcadas and changes of direction. Please bring your dancing shoes: high heels with straps suggested for women, tango or character shoes with a leather sole for men. Dance sneakers are ok. No tennis shoes please. No partner required.

BASIC LATIN PERCUSSION

Basic Latin percussion is a class based on the fundamentals of playing congas, bongos, timbales, maracas, claves and guiro. Students must bring his or her own instruments to class.

BELLY DANCE FOR FITNESS

“Belly Dance with a Latin flavor / Danza Del Vientre” is not only a celebration of Arabic music and dance but also a call to the dancing spirit of each individual. The class focuses on muscle control through body rolls, hips thrusts, shimmies and turns, while simultaneously building self-confidence and relieving physical and mental stress. The class is bilingual (Spanish and English) and previous experience in any other type of dance is not required. Students are required tp bring comfortable clothes suitable for working out and a scarf to be worm around the hips. Shoes are not recommended, however, ballet slippers are acceptable.

BRAZILIAN CARNAVAL DANCE PERCUSSION

Students of all ages and levels are invited to learn the many varieties of Brazilian dance.
Accompanied by live percussion, you will dance to the rhythms of Samba Reggae, Samba, Freno, Afro-Bloco and Afro-Brazilian musical forms.
Students will learn the fundamentals through warm-up, progressions and exciting Carnaval choreographies.

BRAZILIAN SAMBA

In this class, students will combine the fundamentals of the traditional Brazilian dance with a full body workout. Students need only exercises clothes and jazz shoes.

ETCHING & MONO PRINTING

In this class, students may learn a variety of printmaking techniques including mono-print, etching, and linocut. Printmakers of all levels are welcome. No prior printmaking experience is necessary. Participants work independently at their own pace with individual instruction. All participants will receive basic studio and press safety instructions prior to printing.
For monoprint, students are required to bring suitable cotton rag printmaking paper For etching and linocut, in addition to printmaking paper, students are required to bring a zinc or copper plate to etch, or a piece of regular or battleship linoleum. If the linoleum hasn't been carved yet, personal tools must be brought to work with.

INTRODUCTION TO FLAMENCO

IThis introductory class offers an integrated foundation for the beginning flamenco dance enthusiast. Become familiar with basic techniques, steps, styles, and vocab- ulary, and develop a working knowledge of how rhythm, song and dance are united in this dramatic and lively artform. This class is NOT footwork based and does not require flamenco shoes. It is specifically designed to be low impact and to emphasize simplicity for the sake of expression and enjoyment.

NTRODUCTION TO CANTE FLAMENCO (SINGING)

This class will introduce singers and non-singers alike to flamenco palos or styles. We will learn collective singing styles that allow every student showcase their voice, learn letras, variations, phrasing, and rhythm. Materials are provided by instructor.

FLAMENCO

Study the basic technique of castenuelas working with the rhythm of sevillanas, or traditional songs originating in Seville, Spain. Please wear flamenco shoes and boots; women please wear skirts. Students must purchase their own castenuelas.

GUITAR

(Beginner level)
Designed for students who have never played the guitar before, or who have not played in a long time. Students will learn how to hold, tune and buy the right guitar, and to play basic notes and melodies choosing favorite songs.
(Intermediate level)
Designed for students who already know how to play the guitar. Lessons include more specific styles, music theory, practicing the correct technique, note reading, ear training and improvisation. Students also get to play their favorite songs.

LATIN DANCE GROOVES

Immerse yourself in an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary Latin dance and music certain to stir your soul! Experience a variety of exhilarating Latin Dance generes including Brazilian Samba, Afro-Cuban, Salsa, Timba, Reggaeton, Mambo, Cha Cha, Meringue, Jazz and more, all in a fun and supportive atmosphere! Classes begin with a juicy warm-up, that includes core abdominal work and stretching to prepare the body to move. The class continues with luscious center floor combinations and rhythmic isolations which eventually build into sizzling sequences drawing from a variety of spicy Latin dance styles. The class concludes with a yoga-inspired cool-down. All students are welcome to this multi-level, Spanish bi-lingual class.

LIFE DRAWING

Life Drawing is for beginning to advanced students who want to sharpen their abilities to see and draw through an artist’s perspective. The creative and challenging poses of live models will allow students to improve and perfect their drawing skills. Each drawing session begins with several one-minute and two minute gesture poses followed by a break to view work and stretch. Next we will work with 5 minute and 10 minute poses, followed by another break which should be utilized as an opportunity to criticize one’s own work. The remaining time will be filled with twenty-minute poses. While students generally direct their own exploration of drawing, the teacher provides advice upon request.

NICARAGUAN FOLKLORE

Dominga Gómez gained a great part of her knowledge about Afro-Nicaraguan folklore from Mr. Policarpo Aleman, Director of the Viva Managua Folkloric Ballet. In 1979 Dominga moved to Panama City where she formed a small Nicaraguan dance group until 1984 when she came to the United States. With the task to form a folkloric group, she founded Flor de Sacuanjoche in June 1994. This group has performed in numerous venues such as schools festivals, quinceaneras and other larger functions. The dance group is supported by qualified teachers such as Juana Puerto and Judy Camey.

PERUVIAN CAJÓN

In this class you will learn the basic techniques for playing the Cajon. Drumming exercises will include recognizing high and low pitches; and techniques on usage of fingers, hands, and arms to properly play the Cajon and move on to the next level in your technique. By the end of the semester, students will have acquired enough knowledge to give a demonstration of the various Afro-Peruvian rhythms such as the Festejo, Lando, Zamacueca, etc.

SALSA MERENGUE POPULAR

COME AND LEARN THE HOTTEST DANCE CRAZE THIS SIDE OF THE BORDER!!
A Lot of Salsa with a touch of Merengue. This fun-filled class is sure to get your feet moving. It is for all ages and it covers basic steps and a little more. No Partner needed! Come join the fun!

SALSA & MERENGUE

Learn dance steps while you get in shape! Jaime’s salsa beginners class will teach students the basic salsa steps while maintaining an aerobic workout. Students will leave the class more confident in their step and ready to hit the San Francisco salsa scene.

SAMBA JAM BRAZILIAN PERCUSSION

Beginning to Intermediate. The class will focus on the samba feel and groove. "Learn basic drumming techniques and the foundation of Samba and then develop on your own". You will also learn other Brazilian rhythms and some songs that make the classes even more interesting and fun.
Instruments: Repique, caixa, surdos, timbal, congas a go go, tamborim, shaker, pandeiro and triangle. Some instruments available. The class has been performing for the end of Semester Shows at MCCLA for the last three years. Everyone welcome!.

SILKSCREEN-TEXTILE

This workshop will introduce students to the stencil printmaking method of screen-printing. Students will learn various image making methods including paper stencils, monotype techniques, drawing fluid techniques, screen filler, frottage and direct emulsions photographic stencils. Students will work with color in multi-run editions and become familiar with the mark-making possibilities of screen-printing, while expressing and expanding on their personal style and conceptual concerns. This class will include printing on paper and textiles. Beginning and advanced students are welcomed.

STAINED GLASS

In this general stained glass course you will begin by learning how to handle and cut stained glass; to see its different colours, textures and sizes to create light reflection in a harmonious composition without the use of lead. By the end of this course you will learn to create different object such as glass coasters, suncatchers, window panels and doors and any decoration for you own artistic realisation as well as an understanding of business practices related to this form.

ZUMBA

Zumba is a dance fitness program. The class combines a fusion of Latin and International music that creates a dynamic, exciting and effective fitness system. The Zumba workout provides fitness benefits because its routines feature interval training sessions with fast and slow rhythms in addition to resistance training: intended to tone and sculpt the body while burning fat. Music is the key ingredient to Zumba classes. The score, created with specific beats and tempo changes, transitions the workout from one toning, strengthening or cardio move to another, thus targeting every major muscle group in the body. The Zumba program borrows Latin flavor from dance styles such as, Cumbia, Salsa, Merengue, Mambo, Reggaeton, Samba, and Hip hop music, it is offered through a licensed instructor. There is no material requirement for this class. Students only need exercise clothing and tennis shoes.