Cumbia Beginner Dance Class Series – CDMX style at La Peña Cultural Center – Berkeley, CA

About the Class

Cumbia Beginner Dance Class Series – CDMX style – 4 sessions
Saturdays, July 18 – August 8, 2026 | 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM | $100 Registration fee — Full series enrollment, 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. 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 Details

• Dates: Saturdays – July 18 • July 25• August 1 • August 8

• Time: 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
• Location: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA (near Ashby BART)
• Cost: $100 for the 4-class series (+ Eventbrite fees). Drop-ins not available.

✨ Bonus: All participants receive one complimentary entry to La Cumbia, 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 environment.

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

What to Expect

• A supportive, fun, and welcoming environment
• Space to challenge yourself and move beyond fear
• Guided practice to build confidence and ease on the dance floor

Dance & Music Style

A range of cumbia styles with a strong Mexico City (CDMX) Cumbia Sonidera influence: playful, rhythmic, and rooted in social dance culture.

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.

️‍ 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