Participants in our dance classes experiment with various dance styles while experiencing a great workout. From Argentine Tango to Salsa, and everything in between, you can learn how to heat up the dance floor. Dancing is a great way to learn about a different culture and acquire health benefits in a fun environment!
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Argentine Tango
The original version of the Tango, the intense and magnetic Argentine Tango boasts a dramatic flair. This class will focus on the fundamentals of the Argentine Tango. This class is geared toward beginning dancers but it is open to everyone who would like to continue to improve the basic elements of this dance. We start with exercises in balance, coordination, body posture and continue with tango walking, lead and follow communication, navigation on the dance floor, musicality as well as the following steps.
Bachata
This style of dance originating from the Dominican Republic is easy to learn and easy to dance and it is a very popular dance around the world. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced dancer, you can be sure that you will learn the Bachata and take it to the next level.
Ballet
Ballet - Beginning
Ballet slippers are required. Students will be introduced to the basic vocabulary of ballet including the five-positions of the feet and arms. Emphasis will be on proper alignment and correct execution of turnout. In this class, students will learn the basics of barre work to warm-up the muscles and to prepare for the following centre work where adagio, allegro, and turns will be introduced. The class will be responsive to the needs and level of the current students but is designed to be a class for students with no training or up to 2 years of recent ballet training.
Ballet - Intermediate
Ballet slippers are required. This class will be a continuation of Beginning Ballet. Students should have a minimum of 1-1 1/2 years (3-quarters if at UCSB) of Classical Ballet training prior to taking this class. This class will continue to emphasize proper alignment and correct execution of turnout. Students will build on the basics of barre work learned in Beginning Ballet with longer and more elaborate combinations at the barre. Centre work will include adagio, allegro, additional turns and grand allegro. The class will be responsive to the needs and level of the current students but is designed to be a class for students with a minimum of one year of recent ballet training.
Ballet - Intermediate / Advanced
This class is designed for students who have had a minimum of 4-5 years of recent ballet training. Emphasis will continue to be on proper placement and correct execution of turnout. Building on the fundamentals of ballet, combinations at the barre and in the centre will focus on movement of arms, legs, and head as a coordinated whole. We will continue to work on developing correct alignment, core strength, and stretching to increase range of motion. The class will be responsive to the needs and level of the current students but is designed for dancers with at least intermediate level experience, allowing you to develop your ballet technique and art as a dancer.Ballet slippers and fitted dance attire are required.
Ballet - Advanced
This class is similar to the Intermediate/Advanced class but is targeted for the Advanced student with a minimum of 6 years of recent classical ballet. Emphasis will continue to be on proper placement and correct execution of turnout. Building on the fundamentals of ballet, combinations at the barre and in the centre will focus on movement of arms, legs, and head as a coordinated whole. We will continue to work on developing correct alignment, core strength, and stretching to increase range of motion. The class will be responsive to the needs and level of the current students but is designed for dancers at an advanced level, allowing you to develop your ballet technique and art as a dancer. Ballet slippers and fitted dance attire are required.
Ballroom, Latin & Nightclub Dancing
Have you watched Dancing with the Stars and thought “Man, how do they do that?” Well here is your chance to come and learn how to ballroom dance! We will cover the basics of the main ballroom dances such as waltz, tango, cha cha and rumba, so you can feel comfortable getting your groove on, no matter what the song. No partner or experience necessary.
Belly Dance
Belly Dance
Come explore the enchanting world of Middle Eastern dance in a fun, supportive, and relaxed environment while gaining a stronger core, toned muscles, active hips and rhythm! We will work on the concept of body isolations (hips, shoulders, head and chest), essential in this dance style, muscular training, a variety of steps and dance combinations. Cris! brings a different belly dance theme/routine to this beginner class every quarter.
Belly Dance - Tribal
Blending the tribal dances of North Africa with flamenco, Indian dance and classical belly dance, Tribal Belly Dance is a communal, improvisational style that is fun and exciting! Bring zills (finger cymbals) and lots of energy!
Contemporary Dance
In this class, dancers will focus on exploring and finding their voice as a dancer within the context of contemporary dance. Come as you are! Open to everyone from complete beginners to advanced dancers. Emphasis on improvisation and how codified techniques such as jazz and ballet are interpreted through contemporary movement.
Country Line Dance
Country Line Dancing is so much fun and everyone can do it!! In this class, each week you will learn a sequence of choreographed steps that repeat to match a specific song. Country Line Dancing is great because you don’t need a partner to participate and yet often friends dance together. It’s also a really good way to meet new people of all ages and it’s super popular in night clubs all over the country. In this class you will learn dances that are known and enjoyed in the Southern California area. We will start with fundamental country line dance steps and simple beginner dances and as the class progresses the dances will progress as well. Line dancing is great for increased fitness and body movement, brain stimulation, memory improvement, and social interaction. Come join in the fun!
Hip Hop
Hip Hop - Beginning
This is a beginners class designed for dancers who are new to hip hop and want to achieve a basic understanding of the fundamentals. The class will incorporate beginner techniques to help develop rhythm, coordination, musicality, at a slower pace in a stress-free environment. Students will also be exposed to multiple styles of hip hop dance such as locking and popping, in addition to learning how to pick up choreography. This class does not require any prior dancing experience and will allow students to explore their own creativity while relieving stress through dance!
Hip Hop - Intermediate
This is an intermediate class for those who have some body awareness and would like to explore hip hop grooves and technique. You will learn hip hop foundation, ranging from party grooves to isolation/waves, as well as some of the history of the hip hop culture. Previous dance experience is recommended but not required, as the class will accommodate all levels of dance experience. Look forward to a fun and exciting class, but most importantly that you will be able to call yourself a hip hop dancer by the end.
Jazz
Craving the exhilaration of dance? Longing for that electrifying sense of performance and confidence? Join us for an unforgettable dance experience where we'll immerse ourselves in the diverse styles of jazz, unraveling the intricate dynamics it adds to the dance realm. From deliberate, powerful movements to rapid-paced rhythms and razor-sharp lines, we'll delve into the rich layers of jazz. Don't miss out—come dance your heart out with us!
Jitterbug Swing
Learn to Swing Dance! Discover the fun and enjoyment of Swing Dancing, a truly original American social dance form. In this 8-week progressive beginning-to-intermediate level class you will learn the basics of the East Coast Style Swing Dance and will also be introduced to some of the popular variations, such as The Lindy Hop, The Charleston, and The Balboa. This class will work on technique, style, and timing. As a bonus, you will also learn some Swing Dance Line Dances. We will also review and practice the fundamentals of social dance etiquette. If you have never danced before, come on out and give it a try. No partners or prior dance experience needed.
Salsa Dance
Salsa - Beginning
Learn timing, rhythm, partnering, connection and footwork. Along with a series of turns and fun patterns. All taught in a fun atmosphere while preparing you for social dancing. You're sure to have fun and meet great people while learning your salsa skills. Partner is not required.
Salsa - Intermediate/AdvancedLearn timing, rhythm, partnering, connection and footwork. Along with a series of turns and fun patterns. All taught in a fun atmosphere while preparing you for social dancing. You're sure to have fun and meet great people while learning your salsa skills. Partner is not required.
Instructors
Aaron Nishikawa
Intermediate Hip Hop Dance Instructor
Aaron is currently in his third year at UCSB studying Communication. He has a passion for dance and has been doing it for about five years now. He has trained primarily in hip hop and street styles, such as popping, housing, and party grooves.
Mai Ono
Beginners Hip Hop Dance Instructor
Mai Ono, a fourth-year Biopsychology student, has been training in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop since the age of six. She has been dancing with UCSB’s hip-hop team, Urban Dance Company, since her freshman year of college and also works as a dance instructor for Everybody Dance Now!
Mariano Silva
Brazilian Dance Instructor
"If you can walk, then you can dance" is his motto; and dance he does. He has danced his way from Bahia Brazil into the hearts of many in Santa Barbara. “It’s in my soul,” he says. “It has nothing to do with color or race. You don’t need technique to dance with me.” For most of his life Mestre Mariano has danced and been a student of Capoeira. His diligence as a capoeirista and commitment to his community earned Marcos Mariano the respect and recognition of renowned Master Amen Santo, who invited Mariano to tour with the world-traveling Ballet Folclorico Do Brazil. He nurtures the body, mind, heart and spirit by enlightening and sharing the origins of the dances and Capoeira customs, which are deeply rooted in the African cultures of the millions of slaves brought to Brazil during the Triangular Slave Trade. The history of Brazil lives through him and is the oral tradition we only read about. Mariano Silva is an accomplished Capoeira and Dance Master, currently teaching and sharing his vast knowledge in Santa Barbara and throughout North America.
Stephen Hu
Break Dance Instructor
Stephen Hu has been a dancer for ten years and a B-Boy (breakdancer) for seven years. He has competed in various competitions throughout the West Coast and has represented UCSB at the largest intercollegiate competition in the world for the past two years. He is currently a board member of UCSB’s breakdancing organization, UCSBreakin’.
Katelyn Carano
Hoop Instructor
Katelyn Carano is a trained hoop dancer and has performed with the vivacious group, The Hoop Unit, at circus shows and festivals all over the southern U.S. She has taught workshops for Lucidity Festival, Serenity Gathering, Hoopnotica, and more. Katelyn is excited to introduce you to the enjoyment of hooping. Her goal is to help each student discover something new about the connection between themselves, the hoop, and the world around them!
Steve Carlan
Jitterbug/Swing Dance
Steve Carlan has been teaching for over 21 years at UCSB and has over 28 years of dance experience in all forms of Swing Dancing. His specialties are in the East Coast Style, the Lindy Hop and the Balboa. He studied the Lindy Hop for over 15 years under his mentor and Lindy Hop Master, Frankie Manning. Steve currently organizes and instructs for the Swing and Ballroom Dance Club at UCSB.
Caroline Schmidhouser
Contemporary Dance Instructor
Caroline began her dance training at the age of three. Growing up, she trained and competed with Classical Dance Center and Platinum Dance Academy, and currently trains with dance majors at UC Santa Barbara and at Montecito School of Ballet. In pursuit of widening her artistic experience, she attended the Orange County School of the Arts in the Integrated Arts Conservatory. Caroline has taught and choreographed for Long Beach Theater Company, the Santa Ana High School show choir, the Orange County School of the Arts summer programs, and for Odyssey Dance Academy. Some of her accomplishments include winning $10,000 for her high school through her choreography, starting an arts conservatory program at Santa Ana High School, and helping her students become the first-ever public high school to perform at the Teacher of the Year Awards at Downtown Disney.
Diana Replogle-Purinton
Ballet Instructor
Diana Replogle-Purinton started her dance career as a young child studying a variety of disciplines and soon moved onto the study of classical ballet. She has performed, taught and coached with both the Goleta Civic Ballet under the direction of Robert & Carol Hanlin (former dancers with American Ballet Theatre) and the Santa Barbara Festival Ballet with Denise Rinaldi, Michele Hulse & Valerie Huston; appearing in The Nutcracker at the Arlington, for over thirty years. During that time, she worked with artists from American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Florida, Ballet Next, Ballet West, and many more. In addition to teaching ballet, Diana is the founder and director of the Santa Barbara dance company—Baile de California; a member of the National Dance Education Organization, and Santa Barbara Dance Alliance with whom she was nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.
Cris! Basimah
Belly Dance Instructor
Cris! Basimah has studied belly dancing for 20 years in addition to Classical and Modern Ballet, Middle Eastern Folkloric, Latin and Bollywood styles. Cris!’s passion is to bring joy, movement, higher self-esteem and self-expression to others through performance and teaching dance. She is the Artistic Director for the UCSB Middle East Dance Ensemble and enjoys bringing a new section of this art form to her students at UCSB every quarter. Cris! invites you to come experience the magical world of belly dance and fusion dances at BellyDance Land - bellydanceland.com
Hector Sanchez
Salsa Instructor
Hector has been dancing and performing for 15 years. His love of dance and music originates from growing up in a household and culture where dancing is the main element of life. He began his teaching career ten years ago when he started the first Salsa dancing club at Dos Pueblos High School called Salsalvajes. Continuing the tradition of dancing and seeking to perfect his skill, he joined the Salsa Barbara Dance Troupe with cumbia maestro Joel Sanchez in 2002. He has trained with three-time world Salsa champion, Zulmara Torres and her performance team LA Fusion. Shortly after joining the SBDC, he began training with the owner, Latin and Ballroom dancing extraordinaire, David Alvarez. Hector’s goal is to become a universal Latin and Ballroom dance instructor, breaking all types of psychological and socioeconomic barriers . Hector teaches Salsa at UCSB and SBDC. He teaches private lessons in Salsa, Cha Cha, Rumba, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia and a variety of other Latin dances; and also organizes wedding and Quinceanera choreography.
Cotillion Dance Club Leaders
Cotillion Dance Instructors
The Cotillion Dance Club is a student organization at UCSB that teaches Ballroom, Latin, and social dancing, and many other forms of partnership dancing, in addition to providing opportunities for social dancing and performing art.