MARIO LUIS ALABI

Class Description:Come and learn the hottest dance craze on this side of the border. A whole lot of Salsa with a touch of Meringue, this fun-filled class will teach you the basic steps needed to get you dancing. The instructor will provide guidance and handouts. Students of all ages need to bring enthusiasm and a desire to learn and have fun!

Biography:Mario Luis has been teaching the "Popular Salsa-Merengue" class at Mission Cultural center for several years. Born in Santa Ana, El Salvador, Mario Luis went on to receive his Bachelor degree from University of Illinois at Carbondale. As a talented singer/author he offers melodies of Salsa, Meringue, Cumbia, Ballads, Pop and other rhythms on his 2 self-produced albums, "Un Poco de Todo" and "Fusion Total". Mario Luis maintain a huge performance repertoire and is currently the stage manager for Community Festivals sponsored by SAFEWAY. Mario Luis is the proud Father of National and International Salsa Dance Champions Junior and Emily. Visit Mario Luis at:
www.MarioLuis.com

BRAULIO BARRERA

Class Description: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.

Biography:Braulio was born in Peru, and at a young age he discovered his passion for music. He taught himself how to play various percussion instruments, such as the cajon (Peruvian Instrument), bongo, congas, and African drums.

To further his musical experience, he joined Acuarela Criolla (1992-1996) a musical group and percussion school inspired on Peruvian Cajon experts Eusebio Sirio Pititi and Ronny Campos. At the same time he composed jingles for Peruvian commercials and worked as a percussionist for Peruvian singers: Elsa Maria Elejalde, Fabiola de la Cuba, Felix Casaverde, Santiago Coco Linares, Coco Zalazar (traveled throughout the country through Telefonica a Peruvian phone company).

His big break came when he became a part of Peruvian singer Cecilia Barraza's ensemble, where he traveled throughout Europe, Costa Rica, and the U.S. For the past 8 years, while in the U.S., he joined Grupo INCA, which performes Andean music in various schools throughout the Los Angeles area and performs at cultural events at the Ford Amphitheatre. In 2004, Braulio contributed to the Motorcycle Diaries soundtrack, and in 2007 he performed salsa in NBC's trailer for Cane. Braulio's dream is to get signed to a music label as a songwriter. Singer, composer and percussionist

ALEJANDRA BASELER

Class Description: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.

Biography:My name is Alejandra Beseler Chilean architect; I learned this unique technique in stained glass while completing my last year of Architech School in Chile. My first jobs were for family and friends. The demand was so successful that I created my own business, by teaching classes. I was also hired to create large pieces to private residential communities which have been from small to large requests .Stained glass my passion and look forward to teaching here in San Francisco.

DANNHAE

Belly Dance for Health and Fitness! is both a celebration of Middle Eastern dance and music and a call to the dancing spirit of each individual in the class.
In this class students learn the basics of this ancient dance form, from the slow and gentle undulations to fast pulsating rhythms. Through good posture, muscle control, body rolls, hip thrusts, shimmies and turns, students get to experience a holistic way of keeping fit both physically and mentally while having fun!

Class instruction is bilingual (Spanish and English) and previous experience in any other type of dance is not required. Students should wear comfortable clothes suitable for workout and a scarf to be worn around the hips. Shoes are not recommended, however ballet slippers are acceptable. The class is structured in three parts based on the speed of the rhythms - Slow, Medium and Fast — and the total duration of the class is 1 hr and 15 minutes.

Biography:Dannhae has been studying and practicing Egyptian style Belly Dance for the past 16 years. She has studied and performed with various Bay Area professional Belly Dance instructors in different settings. In order to expand her knowledge and appreciation of this art form, Dannhae has also attended numerous workshops and lectures given by many nationally and internationally known professional Belly Dancers. She has also collaborated professionally with the well-known Bay Area Middle Eastern musician and band leader Georges Lammam. She currently continues to develop her passion of Middle Eastern dance and music by studying the Arabic language as well as enjoying trips to the Middle East.

PABLO DAVILA

Class Description:

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.

Guitar (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.

Biography:I have been playing acoustic and electric guitar for eleven years, and teaching for the last six. I have studied music theory and composition, classical guitar, Metal, Bossa Nova and Flamenco with professional instructors / musicians. I’m also a member and songwriter for the metal band Aether, who currently play shows in San Francisco and around the Bay Area. My passion is teaching Rock, Metal & Classical styles. I love bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Testament, all the way to the classics like Bach and Debussy. I teach acoustic and electric guitar, and work well with all age groups and skill levels, always making sure the student advances on a weekly basis.
www.pablosguitar.com

FERNANDO DE SANJINES

Class Description:The class will focus on the samba feel and groove. "Learn basic drumming techniques and the foundation of Brazilian rhythms 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. Repique, caixa, surdos, timbal, congas a go go, tamborim, shaker, pandeiro and triangle. Some instruments available. Everyone welcome!

Biography:Fernando DeSanjines, has been playing drums professionally for over 40 years. His first Brazilian teacher was Paulo Farias in his native La Paz -Bolivia. In 1986 he joined the Bay Area "Escola Nova de Samba" where he studied and performed for several years with Chalo Eduardo, Dennis Brougton, Michael Spiro, Claudio Amaral, Eddy Soleta, Kim Atkinson, Carolyn Brandy, Carlos Aceituno and George Alabe. In 1991, he co-founded his own "Samba do Coracao", awarded best Brazilian group in SF Carnaval 1997 and 1998. The group also performed extensively, including the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival 1996 and 2000, Alaska State Fair and the International Music Carnaval 2005 in Shanghai China among other events. Fernando has been teaching in the Bay Area since 1992 and in the MCCLA since 2002 and has trained dozens of drummers over the years.

Website: http://www.sambadocoracao.com/classes.html

NORA DINZELBACHER

Class Description: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.

Biography:Nora Dinzelbacher received her Master of Dance degree at the National School of Dance, Buenos Aires. Upon graduation in 1973 she joined the Argentina Folk Ballet and was invited to form a dance partnership with the company's Artistic Director, Raul Dinzelbacher from whom she learned Tango and later married.
Nora teaches extensively at universities, colleges and tango associations throughout the United States and Europe and in 1999 was invited to Japan and Germany. She is the co-founder of the Bay Area Tango Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the traditions of Argentine culture.
In 1998, following the termination of Stanford University's Tango Week, Nora teamed up with Bob Moretti as business partners and launched their first Nora's Tango Week. After co-founding Nora's Tango Week — and five years of production — Bob retired from Nora's Tango Week.

MAISA DUKE

Class Description: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.

Biography:Maisa was born in the capital of Samba, Salvador, Bahia Brazil and as far as she can remember, dancing is what she enjoyed most. Maisa started entering and winning dance contests when she was ten years old. She has been teaching dance for over 10 years. In 2000, she founded the Energia do Samba Dance Company. She has performed at many celebrity functions, and was crowned the Queen of Carnaval SF in 2002. Her dream is to share Samba with the world.

STEPHANIE ECHEVESTE

Class Description:In Stephanie’s Intergenerational Art Class, students will learn the concepts and principles behind art created with found objects through art-making, discussion and writing.  They will explore identity, place, and culture through different projects utilizing a variety of media and methods, including mixed media, collage, recycled art, ecological art, etc.  They will also foster a connection with surrounding objects in everyday environments and reflect on how such objects can be re-appropriated.

Biography:Stephanie Marie Echeveste has just returned from living and working in Bilbao, Spain, where she was an artist in the Bilbao Art Foundation. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Communication and emphasis in Cultural Studies and Printmaking. Stephanie works mostly in textiles, monoprints and screenprints. She has recently thrown herself into found art objects and is exploring how to use these methods to promote cultural understanding and critical thinking.

DOMINGA GOMEZ

Class Description:Promoting the diverse genres of Nicaraguan dance. In my first class I will be teaching my student the fundamentals of the Nicaraguan dance and what movements are needed for each individual dance. Nicaragua, a country with great traditions and idiosyncrasies in their dances as varied such as: Danza del Toro Huaco, Palo De Mayo, EL Baile de Las Vaquitas, Mazurca y Polkas, Danzas Folkloricas, Cumbia, La Gigantona y el Enano Cabezon, La Purisima. All of these different dances will be taught in my class held every Friday from 4:00p to 6:00p.

Biography:Dominga Gomez was born on September 2nd, 1939 in Nicaragua. Around the age of 7 she decided to explore polka, mazorca, folklore and African Nicaraguan dance (Palo De Mayo). She is only one in a line of traditional dancers in her family. Her love and passion for Nicaraguan culture combined with her talet in dancing have made Dominga Gomez and her dance school a topic of discussion in the bay area. She started her dance school in Panama in 1978 and has been up and coming ever since Flor de Sacuanjoche is now one of the most in demand Nicaraguense folklore schools in the bay area. Dominga Gomez has come a long way and is here to stay.

METZI HENRIQUEZ

Class Description: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.

Biography:Ms. Henriquez is a graduate of San Francisco’s School of the Arts Dance Department with extensive training in Modern Jazz Blues, Ballet, Jazz,Modern, Pilates and Dance Kinesiology. After years of formal and classical training, Metzi found inspiration in Afro-Latin dances and began training in Afro-Brasilian dance and folklore with Mestre Carlos Aceituno at Mission Cultural Center and performing with Fogo Na Roupa performing company. Currently she is co-artistic director and choreographer of Fogo Na Roupa Grupo Carn avalesco and teaches weekly classes at Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts.

JAIME MARTINEZ

Class Description:Jaime A. Martinez's Personal Training Service provides a one-on-one workout in a supportive and non-competitive atmosphere. He will teach you how to use exercise equipment, free weights and the body's own resistance to improve flexibility, increase endurance, strengthen muscles and improve your metabolism.
Jaime will help you to develop proper form, breathing, warm-ups, cool downs, flexibility and injury prevention.
Dance! – An alternative to Conventional Person Training: Jaime A. Martinez is a professional dancer and choreographer as well as a certified aerobics instructor. He can fashion a workout program tailored to your personal tastes incorporating dance steps and the exercise techniques used by professional dancers to stay limber and prevent injury. Learn dance steps while you get in shape: Jaime teaches samba, cha cha cha, rumba, salsa, mambo, tango and more. Jaime can also design a program similar to the barre or center exercises used in ballet, modern or jazz dance disciplines.

Biography:Jaime Martinez has been a professional dance artist and teacher for over 15 years. He is one of San Francisco's most sought after instructors. Jaime Martinez is a Certified Aerobic Instructor from CSU-Hayward, a member of International Dance Exercise Association and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. He is the designer and owner of Latin American Workout headquartered in San Francisco, CA.
Jaime conducts master classes and training workshops throughout the United States, Central America and Europe. He has also founded and directs Pan American Dance Company, which offers a full repertoire of dance entertainment, popular, modern, folkloric, ballroom and extravaganza performances.

NORBERTO MARTINEZ

Biography:Norberto Martinez was born in the Yucatan's great colonial City of Merida where he graduated from the Instituto Mexicano de Artes and Instituto de las Bellas Artes of Merida. He has performed professionally in Europe, South America, Mexico and the U.S.A. as a principal dancer of Jorge Faz Dance Company and Ballet Folkloric Group of University of Yucatan. Since arriving in the Bay Area, he has established his local dance career performing in a number of high quality, diverse productions including the chamber opera Queer, the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, the Opera Carmen, People Like Me and many other productions. He was voted King of Carnaval in 2002.

VICTOR MIJANGO

Class Description:The class is theoretical in the sense of teaching principles of morality, and in particular respect and practice. I would like to teach my students what the name of tae kwon do means and the history in general.

Biography:From over 27 years of experience in providing knowledge in the art of tae kwon do. Especially for all who want to know and practice, physical training both mental and especially full of philosophical values such as respect, integrity, morality and so is the discipline of true martial art. The practice has both theoretical and practical, given in practice for the personal use and self defense. The Monday class is 5 to 7 pm and Wednesdays from 4 to 6 pm. There are also degrees or gradations of color change of belts according to their progress in practice.

RAUL NEVAREZ

Class Description:This class focuses on an introduction to Capoeira through movement and traditional rhythmic steps. The first 40 minutes will be spent learning the basics and fundamentals. The next hour is spent exercising and practicing the movements and kicks, the most important aspects of this art form. Students will learn a series of attack sequences and improve self-defense. Each class will conclude with a group circle where students clap, sing, play music and rehearse the movements they have just learned.

RICHARD NYHAGEN

Class Description:This class focuses on experimental and innovative processes for silkscreen image creation. As a student, you will utilize various types of ink including ceramic glazes, oil, plastisol and other water-based substances. Printing will take place on various materials including paper, acetate, glass, metal, fabric and ceramic tiles.

ALFONSO OCHOA

Class Description:This class aims to teach piano basics. With an emphasis on rhythm, harmony and note-reading, students will gain a grasp on the musical beauty of the piano. Students will learn techniques for playing both alone or in groups or orquestras. The class focuses on both classic and contemporary music.

RUSSEL PACHMAN

Class Description: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.

Biography:Russell Pachman received a BFA from California Institute of the Arts. He has been teaching at MCCLA since 2007. He is represented by Geras Tousignant Gallery in San Francisco.

SERGIO RANGEL

Class Description: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.
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.

Biography:Sergio Rangel is an experienced weight-lifter and fitness Instructor. In 2007, he earned his Zumba teaching credential in Mexico City, and he’s been teaching Zumba ever since. His most dedicated students have discovered how to move in new ways, cross-trained for other sports, and above all, have smiled throughout these sweaty workouts. Sergio is dedicated to creating enjoyable workout sessions and helping his students improve their lifestyles.
His e-mail is: latinserch@hotmail.com

JOSE RIVERA

Class Description:The class will focus on Afro-Brazilian percussion and movement techniques to prepare students for parading. The instructor will provide all instruments. By the end of the term, each student will have an introductory understanding of the various rhythms and dances of Afro-Brazilian culture, with a strong emphasis on the styles from the annual celebration of Brazilian Carnival. All ages and levels welcome!

Biography:Jose Rivera began his studies of Afro-Latin music and culture in his native Lima, Peru. He encompasses various forms of folkloric rhythms of Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean. Jose Rivera is currently directing Fogo Na Roupa Grupo Carnavalesco Cultural dedicated to the legacy of founder, Mestre Carlos Aceituno. The award winning Fogo Na Roupa consists of a performing company and a Grupo Carnavalesco (Carnaval Contingent) of upto 200 participants of all ages, and backgrounds.

CALIXTO ROBLES

Class Description:This class is open to everyone from beginner to advanced screen printer working on paper and textiles. Students will learn all the aspects of screen printing from preparation of positives, to screen preparation, burning of images, registration and printing of one or multicolor images. Students should bring paper or textiles, masking tape, and water soluble inks. Studio provides instruction, reclaiming area, screens (used on site), emulsion (for one small screen), exposure unit, and studio space.

Biography:Calixto Robles was born in Oaxaca, Mexico. He is a painter, printer, and sculptor .. His work, which is inspired by the myths and symbols of the ancient traditions of Mexico, has been exhibited in galleries in Mexico, America, and France. Robles has been a member of the Society of Printmakers of California since 1993 and has taught silk – screen at Mission Grafica since 1992. For more information check, www.calixtorobles.com

CLARA RODRIGUEZ

Biography:Clara Rodriguez has dedicated the last 20 years to the study of flamenco dance and music, along with parallel training in classical piano. She began her dance training in her native Santa Barbara and continued her studies in Los Angeles and most recently in Andalucia, where she resided for the past two years.
While living in Granada she performed regularly at such venues as Tablao Albayzin, Venta el Gallo, Eshavira, Zoraya de los Jardines, and has per- formed in Valencia and Portugal.
She has studied flamenco dance in Spain with Concha Vargas, Juana Amaya, An- drés Marín, Isabel Bayón, Andres Peña, Úrsula Lopez, Alicia Márquez, Ana Calí, Luis de Luis and Patricia Guerrero.
Cante teachers include Inés Bacán and Miguel Ángel Vargas Rubio, both of Lebrija in Andalucia. She has performed regularly in the Los Angeles area at the Fountain Theater “Forever Flamenco” series, Kodak Theater, Greek Theater, and Alex Theater. She was a soloist in the Benise “Nights of Fire” PBS Special and twenty-city US tour.
Other filmwork include a feature on Dance Channel TV, Iron and Wine “Boy with a Coin” music video, and trailer for “The Spiritual Tourist”.
As a classical pianist, she has been awarded various scholarships and won 2nd prize in the Alice Nelson Concerto Competition.
She has performed as soloist on three occasions with the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra for the “Young Soloists Showcase” and again with the Goleta Chamber Orchestra. She has taught piano in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Sevilla, Spain. She holds a B.A. from UCLA in Ethnomusicology.

CARMEN ROMAN

Class Description:Undulating hips, isolated body movements, this class will focus on Afro-Peruvian rhythms from the coast of Peru such as the Festejo, Alcatraz, and Lando. The class will include proper stretching and warm-up activities to strengthen the body, and across the floor combinations leading up to fun and exciting choreographies.

Biography:Carmen Roman is a founding member of De Rompe y Raja Cultural Association, a music and dance troupe dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Afro-Peruvian culture. She has been performing with the troupe since 1995 at various venues and festivals including SF International Arts Festival, Encuentro Del Canto Popular, International Body Music Festival, and several appearances at the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival including the 2008 performance of Homenaje a Mis Maestros (A Tribute to the Masters) which earned an Izzie Dance Award nomination for “Outstanding Achievement in Performance”.

She earned her B.A. in Dance from San Francisco State University in December 2009. Her participation in the program brought her opportunities such as: receiving intensive training in Dunham Technique; acting as a lead teacher for the Village Dancers, a program that brings dance to inner city children; and traveling to El Salvador with the Colima Project to offer for the first time in the project’s 7-year history, dance workshops for the children in the rural area of Colima.
Carmen is currently a teacher of Afro-Peruvian dance for children and adults and is an Artist in Residence for Leap…Imagination in Learning.

LOUIE ROMERO

Class Description: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.

Biography:Latin percussion legend Louie Romero first came to salsa fan’s attention on recordings with Willie Colon, Hector Lavoe, Ruben Blades, Celia Cruz and on dozen’s of other classic Fania record releases. Now living in San Francisco, Romero leads Grupo Mazacote, one of the areas most respected Salsa and Latin Jazz ensembles. He and his group just released an album, Timbalero.
www.louieromero.com

NORM ROSENBERGER

Class Description: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.

Biography:Norm Rosenberger is the instructor for the Friday Night Life Drawing class at MCCLA. Norm’s brief list of interests include the studies of drawing , composition, painting , sculpture, printmaking , Screen print , photography, filmmaking and artistic materials, all of which have provided him with the basics to understand the visual language of art. After working towards a BFA at the University of Oregon , and spending a summer with the Yale Music and Art program, Norm completed his MFA in painting and drawing at Stanford University.

SHAROLYN SALAS

Class Description:This class combines the traditional dance forms of Bachata and meringue. Bachata.

Biography:Sharolyn Salas is a native of San Francisco. Her passion for dance and music of the Latin Caribbean has lead her to several visits to the Latin Caribbean, in particular the Dominican Republic where she immediately fell in love with the music, dance and culture of the country. Returning home after her first taste of traditional bachata during her first trip to Santo Domingo, in 2006, she soon joined a local bachata group in San Francisco, The Rodchata Project, which she danced and performed with for 2 years. She continued on to choreograph and perform in her own dance pieces for concerts at City College of San Francisco where she completed a certificate of dance and fitness. She is the creative director of the group Bachata Mania which performed for the very first San Francisco international bachata festival that recently took place July 2009. Sharolyn also recently started her own dance company Sol Caribe.

MARSHA SHAW

Class Description: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.

Biography:Marsha Shaw received a B.A. and M.A. in Studio Art from California State University Northridge and an MFA in printmaking from California College of the Arts in San Francisco. She has lectured and taught courses in bookmaking and printmaking at California College of the Arts, San Francisco Center for the Book, Kala Art Institute in Berkeley and The Museum of Children Art in Oakland California.  Marsha Shaw's work has been exhibited both regionally and nationally.

DANICA “La Mora” SENA

Class Description:Class is focused on an in-depth understanding of Flamenco rhythms and music through basic exercises, combinations, vocabulary and styles.  Technical aspects include: palmas and taconeo (percussive hand-clapping and footwork), hand, arm and torso placement, turns, emotion, energy and expression.  Beginners welcome.  Adult men/women.  Please wear Flamenco shoes/boots, character shoes or low-heeled dress shoes.  Women please bring a skirt.

Biography:Danica Sena Gakovich is an internationally-known performer and teacher of Flamenco and Spanish dance. She has performed throughout the U.S., Asia, Europe and South America receiving critical acclaim for work. She is the founder and artistic director of Andanza Spanish Arts company and since 2000 has premiered over 50 original programs/works including the highly-acclaimed sold out performance of "Aire y Gracia" at Theater Artaud/ODC in 2008 and "Pergoleto" at Dance Mission Theater in 2009. In 2009 Ms. Sena Gakovich performed at the SF Opera's Opening Night Season Gala celebration at City Hall and was one of the featured performers in Counterpulse's "Performing Diaspora" festival. She appeared as featured soloist in Kansas City Ballet's 2009 version of "Carmen."

SHEFALI SHAH

Class Description:Students will learn Bomba dances from the regions of Santurce and Loiza Puerto Rico. Class content includes basic steps unique to each regional rhythm, different dance styles particular to each rhythm and region, songs, and Bomba history and its significance and place in Puerto Rican and Afro Caribbean culture. As the class progresses, students will learn dynamic and expressive improvisation techniques through sound and movement, musical dancing strategies, and creative choreography. Students will have the opportunity to create and present choreographies within the class and to incorporate choreography vocabulary into an improvisation structure. The class will progress quickly from basics to energetic musical movement techniques. Attire: Please wear comfortable workout clothes and sneakers/dancing shoes. This class is open to both men and women. Women should bring dancing skirts or a lightweight shawl for dancing.
Bomba is a music and dance style that originates in the sugar plantations of Puerto Rico over 300 years ago. It was used as a form of release for enslaved Africans on the island to express what they were experiencing on a daily basis as well as an organized means of resistance against colonial powers.

Biography:Shefali Shah is an accomplished performing artist, dance instructor, and choreographer. Shefali has studied and danced Bomba since 1999. She trained extensively and performed with members of the legendary Cepeda Family at “Maestros de Bomba en la Bahía” (2005 and 2007) and event that she co-founded and co-produced, featuring master drummers and dancers from Puerto Rico. She performed at the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival with Grupo Folclórico Paulé (2004) and was featured at the West Wave Dance Festival in 2008. For four years she served as Artistic Director and Choreographer for performing group Cacique y Kongo. Shefali currently performs as principal dancer with Hector Lugo and La Mixta Criolla. She directs Aguacero, a performance and education project focusing on the traditions and contemporary creative expressions of Afro Puerto Rican Bomba music and dance. Shefali also trains in Odissi, a classical Indian dance form from Orissa, India with Guru Sri Vishnu Tattva Das, and performs with Bay Area’s Odissi Vilas. In Bomba, Shefali performs and teaches various regional styles including those from San¬turce and Loíza, Puerto Rico. As an instructor, choreographer and artistic director in Bomba, Shefali leads dance workshops and performance rehearsals teaching basic steps, and techniques and strategies for executing improvised movements marked by the lead drummer and for creating music through rhyth¬mical and precise body and skirt movements. Shefali teaches two Bomba classes at La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley, one for adults and one for children. She is an experienced instructor of dance and has taught extensive workshops at schools (elementary-high school), universities in the Bay Area and Humboldt, and at the Eselen Institute in Big Sur. For more information: bombayplena@sbcglobal.net or 510-681-1036. Credit to photographer - Malaika Kambon

ELIZABETH SOBERANES

Class Description: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.

Biography:Elizabeth Soberanes holds a bachelors degree in Dance Ethnology from SFSU; and has been teaching Rhythm and Motion's fusion rhythms dance workout since 2001. She is a graduate of the Performing Arts Workshop Artist-in-Residence Program and a student of Dunham Technique, modern, Hip Hop, Jazz, Haitian, Brazilian and Cuban dance forms. She has worked with several local dance companies, performed on stage in Carnaval San Francisco and in 2001 was crowned Queen of SF Carnaval. She traveled to Brazil in 2000 and to Cuba in 2001 & 2008 to study dance and participate in their Carnaval celebrations. She regularly travels to New York and Miami to study dance, and most recently, began studying Patricia Moreno's IntenSati Mind/Body Workout.

Guest Instructor:- Bianca Coleman has been dancing since the age of 7 when she began studying classical ballet at the SF Academy of Ballet. By the age of 9 she began studying and performing Brazilian dance and since then discovered that dance was her true passion. She participated in SF Carnaval for 11 years and performed and choreographed with various Brazilian dance companies in the Bay Area. For 10 years, Bianca has been studying Afro-Cuban dance and performing in SF with various instructors. She is a founding member of Emese: MOTAD, an Oakland based dance collective founded 1998. Bianca has 15 years of teaching experience and currently co-teaches Afro-Cuban dance on Sundays at the Malonga Center for the Arts.

OMAR VAZQUEZ

Class Description:Classes are divided into two sections. The first consists of physical training which will help the student strengthen the muscle groups necessary for ballet. The second section focuses more on academic technique, or the actual steps and positions of the dance form. The class primarily focuses on positions of the hands, feet, legs and head. In more advanced levels, students will learn turns and jumps through impersonation and other visual instruction. Please bring: a leotard and ballet slippers. For women with long hair: please wear it up and in a tight bun.

Biography:Omar Vazquez has 17 years of experience teaching ballet. He is also an accomplished choreographer and dancer. Omar received a diploma from the Academy of Art College in San Francisco in 1985. He has been teaching at MCCLA for many years, and looks forward to seeing you in class!