Moving JUNTOS 2024
CUBAN MUSIC & DANCE CLASSES FOR KIDS
Our new sessions are offered twice a year. Each session will be $380 and have 18-20 classes. Drop in $20. Scholarships are available. Email contact@cubacaribe.org for information.
Session 1: Jan 14 - May 19, 2024
Session 2: Aug 11 - Dec 8, 2024
Creative Movement
(ages 4-7)
Sundays from 3-4pm
Shawl-Anderson Dance Center
Berkeley, CA
Session 1: Jan. 14 - May 19
$380 / full session
or $20 / drop-in
This dance class series introduces the sounds and steps of Cuban dance and rhythm, all while learning basic skills and coordination. Taught by Ramón Ramos Alayo with both recorded music and instruments.
Registration Process:
1. To register, please download, fill out, and email the forms to contact@cubacaribe.org
2. Pay via the link below
Afro-Cuban Music & Dance
(ages 7-12)
Sundays from 4-5pm
Shawl-Anderson Dance Center
Berkeley, CA
Session 1: Jan. 14 - May 19
$380 / full session
or $20 / drop-in
These classes expose younger generations to important cultural traditions, dance, song and rhythm. Classes divided into Music and dance section. Taught by Yoel Mulen and Susana Arenas Pedroso with drums and other instruments.
Registration Process:
1. To register, please download, fill out, and email the forms to contact@cubacaribe.org
2. Pay via the link below
Our Teachers
Susana Arenas Pedroso
Choreographer and Dancer
Teaches Afro-Cuban Music & Dance
Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Susana Arenas Pedroso began her career in dance at age twelve, studying at La Casa de Cultura de Matanzas and at Cojunto Folklorico Nacional in Havana. She danced professionally for seventeen years in Cuba with popular, folkloric and theatrical performing groups, including Tierra Virgen, Alafia Ire, Oche Olorun, Oriki, Clave y Guaguancó, Oba Wemilere, Rumberos de Cuba, and Raíces Profundas. Since her arrival in the United States in 1998, Ms. Pedroso has performed and choreographed numerous pieces that have been exhibited throughout the United States, Austria, Mexico, Morocco, Martinique, Cuba and Hong Kong with companies such as Omo Ache, Omo Oddara, Ban Rarra, Ire Ile, Alayo Dance Company, Las Que Son Son and Obini Ashe. In 1999 Ms. Pedroso founded her own dance companies, Saudunga Cubana, which specialized in Cuban Popular dance, and Olorun, which specialized in Cuban Folkloric dance. In 2004 Ms. Pedroso joined the two troupes into one, establishing Arenas Dance Company, an all-female ensemble that has developed an expertise in folkloric and popular Cuban rhythms and traditions.
Yoel Mulen
Percussionist
Teaches Afro-Cuban Music & Dance
Bio coming soon...
Ramón Ramos Alayo
Artistic Director of CubaCaribe and Alayo Dance Company
Teaches Creative Movement
Ramón Ramos Alayo was selected by the Cuban government to study dance in Santiago de Cuba at age eleven. In 1990 he earned a masters degree in contemporary and folkloric dance and dance education from the Havana's National School of Art. a graduate of Havana’s National School of Art, specializing in folkloric and contemporary dance. He was a principal dancer with several prominent Cuban dance companies, including Danza del Caribe, Narcisco Medina Contemporary Dance Company, touring throughout Europe, Belize, and Canada. His success continued after relocating to the U.S. in 1997; he has performed as a dancer with numerous outstanding companies, including Robert Henry Johnson, Kim Epifano, Sara Shelton Mann, Zaccho Dance Theatre and Robert Moses’ Kin. Ramon currently teaches Cuban popular dance, Afro-Cuban modern dance and children's movement at several local dance studios and schools.
He is respected throughout the Bay Area as a dancer, teacher, choreographer and the founder and artistic director and choreographer of Alayo Dance Company (2002) and CubaCaribe (2003). As director and choreographer, his work is an innovative fusion of Afro-Cuban modern, folkloric and popular Cuban Dance. He eloquently articulates his aesthetic vision through a synthesis of these dance styles, citing from each traditions, movements, narratives and concepts indicative of Cuban culture.
Denmis Bain
Dancer
Teaches Afro-Cuban Music & Dance
Denmis Bain was born August 9th in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. He grew up always surrounded by love which helped to stimulate his passion for the arts. Denmis was taught at a young age that happiness comes from within and the importance to live life to the fullest. He has embraced this concept and strived to pass on his love for life and express his happiness through dance.
Denmis received the majority of his formal training in Cuba. He attended Regino Eladio Voti en Guantanamo, Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana and was a part of Conjuncto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba.
Denmis is probably most known for his work with the Havana Nights Dance Company. He toured and performed in more than 16 different countries and was a lead dancer in about 450 performances of "Havana Nightclub - The Show". The performances received standing ovations and outstanding reviews from critics and audiences all around. The tour ended in Las Vegas, Nevada with intentions of returning back to Cuba afterwards.
Denmis has taught for students of all ages and backgrounds. His teaching venues have been regular scheduled classes at Stanford University and Mt Diablo Unified School District. He also has taught for festivals and workshops around the world. Dennis is currently the owner of Cuban Rhythm and Rumba Dance Studio located in Vallejo, California. With a goal to show everyone how to feel and appreciate dance, Denmis Bain is sure to get into your heart and touch your soul.
Classes made possible by the California Arts Council. Thank you!