# Event Details - **Event Name**: Cumbia Beginner Dance Classes at La Peña! - **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 09 May, 2026 at 12:30 pm – Sat, 09 May, 2026 at 01:30 pm (-07:00) - **Event Description**: 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 this EventAbout the ClassCumbia (Mexico City Style) Dance Class Series - 4 sessionsSaturdays, May 9 - June 6, 2026 | 12:30pm - 1:30pmExplore cumbia through the vibrant lens of Mexico City (CDMX) in this four-session series blending foundational technique with social dance skills. Open to beginner and intermediate dancers, this course focuses on building musicality, partner connection, and confidence; both dancing with others and on your own.At the heart of this series is joy: enjoying the learning process, feeling uplifted, and cultivating positive energy through movement. We work closely with each student to help you discover your own rhythm, style, and authentic expression.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.Over four classes, you’ll learn essential partner steps, turns, and communication, along with solo footwork and variations for the social dance floor. Each session includes guided practice so you can integrate what you learn with ease and confidence.By the end of the series, you’ll feel more connected to the music, your partner, and your own movement.All are welcome. No partner required!Class DetailsDates: Saturdays, May 9, 16, 30 & June 6 - 2026Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pmLocation: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA (near Ashby BART)Enrollment Cost: $100 for the 4-class series (+ Eventbrite fees)✨ Bonus: All participants receive one complimentary entry to , our monthly Cumbia dance party featuring dance classes and live DJs spinning sounds from México, Perú, Colombia y más. The perfect place to practice what you’ve learned in a joyful, community-centered environmentWhat You’ll LearnPartner coordination and communicationMusicality: how to hear and interpret cumbia rhythmsFoundational steps, turns, and partner dynamicsSolo footwork for social dance settingsWhat to ExpectA supportive, fun, and welcoming environmentSpace to challenge yourself and move beyond fearGuided practice to build confidence and ease on the dance floorDance & Music StyleA range of cumbia styles with a strong Mexico City (CDMX) Cumbia Sonidera influence: playful, rhythmic, and rooted in social dance culture.Teaching StyleWarm, inclusive, and body-aware. Classes emphasize observation, repetition, and connection, supporting each student in developing their natural rhythm, expression, and confidence in social dancing.🏳️‍🌈 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.orgInstructorsDonaji LonaDonaji 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” PeñalozaChavita 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.📩 Questions? Email us at: We look forward to seeing you soon on the dance floor! - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/berkeley/cumbia-beginner-dance-classes-at-la-peña/100001987021483747 - **Event Categories**: workshops, contests, parties, entertainment - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 107.73, max: 107.73, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Berkeley - **state**: CA - **country**: United States - **location**: La Peña Cultural Center - **lat**: 37.85282 - **long**: -122.26587799999999 - **full address**: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Cumbia Beginner Dance Classes at La Peña! - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/cc4de13ff3b8f0cbf9bf5640c5e858acf90b0195243f52231bbaa24ab667a720-rimg-w1200-h600-dcde2c8b-gmir.jpg?v=1775797333 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Cumbia Beginner Dance Classes at La Peña! being held? - **A:** Cumbia Beginner Dance Classes at La Peña! takes place on Sat, 09 May, 2026 at 12:30 pm to Sat, 09 May, 2026 at 01:30 pm at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, United States. - **Q**: How much do tickets cost for Cumbia Beginner Dance Classes at La Peña!? - **A:** Tickets for Cumbia Beginner Dance Classes at La Peña! are priced at USD 108 per person. Here's a full breakdown of available ticket types:Ticket TypePriceAvailability$100 - Class SeriesUSD 108 + USD 8 feeAvailable - **Q**: Who is organizing Cumbia Beginner Dance Classes at La Peña!? - **A:** Cumbia Beginner Dance Classes at La Peña! is organized by La Peña Cultural Center. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Cumbia Beginner Dance Classes at La Peña! is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Berkeley, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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