La Peña Cultural Center

Welcome to La Peña! Promoting social justice & intercultural understanding through the arts since 1975.

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BAILA! Community. Dance. Party. (monthly!)

We are so proud and excited to be presenting our BAILA monthly community dance party, every third Friday at La Peña! Three rooms of Salsa, Bachata, Food, Drinks, Community, and much more. This party is inclusive of all cultures, ages, orientations and identities. Get your discounted advance tickets while they last, and if you are short on funds but still want to join us, sign up to volunteer! Finally, you can become a MEMBER of La Peña and enter every BAILA for FREE!

  • BAILA, Friday, October 18th, 2024. Featuring: Jesús Díaz y su QBA, Corey Raynor, Itzel Gabriela, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Food by Los Cilantros. Photos by Fred Aube.

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  • BAILA, Friday, September 20th, 2024. Featuring: Orquesta Borinquen, Corey Raynor, Cassandra, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Food by Los Cilantros. Photos by Fred Aube.

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  • BAILA, Friday, July 19th, 2024. Featuring: Eric Rangél y su Orquesta América, Corey Raynor, Itzel Gabriela, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Food by Los Cilantros. Photos by Felipe Gama.

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  • BAILA, Friday, June 21st, 2024. Featuring: VibraSón, Corey Raynor, Itzel Gabriela, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Food by Los Cilantros. Photos by Fred Aube.

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  • BAILA, Friday, May 17th, 2024. Featuring: Julio Bravo y su Orquesta Salsabor, Corey Raynor, Itzel Gabriela, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Food by Los Cilantros. Photos by Felipe Gama.

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  • BAILA, Friday, April 19th, 2024. Featuring: Orquesta N’Rumba, Corey Raynor, Itzel Gabriela, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Food by Los Cilantros. Special guest The Ecology Center. Photos by Fred Aube.

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  • BAILA, Friday, March 15th, 2024. Featuring: Rumbaché, Juliana Mendonca, Itzel Gabriela, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Food by Los Cilantros. Photos by Fred Aube.

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  • BAILA, Friday, September 15th, 2023. Featuring: Anthony Blea y Su Charanga, Inessence Dance Co., DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Food by a fully renovated Los Cilantros (come check it out Wednesday through Sunday!). Photos by Fred Aube. SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE!

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  • BAILA, Friday, June 16th, 2023. Featuring: La Mixta Criolla, Kathy Reyes, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Shout-out to Taquería Esperanza for the food! Photos by Fred Aube. SEE ALL PHOTOS HERE!

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  • BAILA, Friday, May 19th, 2023. Featuring: Louie Romero & Mazacote, In Lak’ech Dance Academy, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Shout-out to Taquería Esperanza for the food! Photos by Phil Nguyen and Tom Ehrlich. SEE ALL PHOTOS HERE!

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  • BAILA, Friday, April 21st, 2023. Featuring: Edgardo Cambón & Candela, InEssence Dance Company, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Photos by Felipe Gama. SEE ALL PHOTOS HERE!

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  • BAILA, Friday, February 17th, 2023. Featuring: Julio Bravo y su Orquesta Salsabor, In Lak’ech Dance Academy, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Special collaborator: Fundación KAJFV BUDI (Wallmapu, Chile). Photos by: Frederic Aube and Phil Nguyen. SEE ALL PHOTOS HERE!

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  • BAILA, Friday November 18th, 2022. Featuring: VibraSÓN, José Santamaría & Itzel Rodríguez, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Special collaborator: Oaxa.Cal. Photos by: Frederic Aube and Clara Pérez. SEE ALL PHOTOS HERE!

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  • BAILA, Friday October 21st, 2022. Featuring: Karabalí, In Lak’ech Dance Academy, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Photos by: Frederic Aube. SEE ALL PHOTOS HERE!

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  • BAILA, Friday September 16th, 2022. Celebrating Latin American Independences! Featuring: Orquesta N’Rumba, Inessence Dance Company, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Special Collaborator: Chiapas Support Committee. Photo credit: Frederic Aube and Clara Pérez. SEE ALL PHOTOS HERE!

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  • BAILA, Friday June 17th, 2022. Special 47th Anniversary Party! Featuring: Orquesta América, Kathy Reyes, DJ Ron Palma, and DJ José Ruiz. Photo credit: Frederic Aube and Sophia Elle. SEE ALL PHOTOS HERE!

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  • BAILA, Friday May 20th, 2022. Featuring: Danilo Páiz y Orquesta Universal, Kathy Reyes, DJ Ron Palma, DJ José Ruiz. Special collaboration with the Multicultural Institute who fundraised to fulfill their mission at our coat check. Photo credit: Frederic Aube and Clara Pérez. SEE ALL PHOTOS HERE!

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  • BAILA, Friday April 22nd, 2022. Featuring: Edgardo Cambón & Band (special guest Fito Reinoso), In Lak’ech Dance Academy, DJ Ron Palma, DJ José Ruiz. Special Earth Day collaboration with Paraíso Plant Studio and Amazon Watch. Photo credit: Frederic Aube, Clara Pérez, Phil Nguyen, Maggie Gong. SEE ALL PHOTOS HERE!

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  • First BAILA on Friday, March 18th, 2022. Featuring: Somos el Son, In Lak’ech Dance Academy, DJ Ron Palma, DJ José Ruiz. Photo credit: Frederic Aube and Clara Pérez. SEE ALL PHOTOS HERE!

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Community Agreements

Rooted in the Latin American and Caribbean diaspora, La Peña Cultural Center has been at the forefront of the fight for social justice through the arts since 1975. Upholding this legacy, we invite you to help us make La Peña a safe and inclusive space for all by honoring our Community Agreements:

  • Treat everyone with respect
  • Utilize thoughtful communication
  • Ask for consent
  • Honor everyone’s gender identity and pronouns
  • Take care of yourself and each other
  • Practice active listening
  • Respect La Peña’s staff and organizers

If you need support during any of our events or programs, please find a La Peña staff person or send us a message at Lapena.org/contact

The most important thing for us is that we co-create an inclusive culture in our space with all of you. These community agreements are made for us and by us. If there is something you would like to comment on or add to these community agreements, please fill the form below!

Community Agreements

Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Dance Class Series!

Our popular beginners-intermediate Salsa, Bachata & Merengue dance class series is back at La Peña for 4-weeks, starting Tues. April 19th!

Join us for the first series of 2022 and explore the possibilities of your body and how to communicate with others through dance, rhythm and flavor! Partners are not necessary!

SERIES DESCRIPTION

Beginners – Intermediate Class Series (4 Weeks) Tuesdays at 6:15pm-7:15pm, April 19-May 10

This is a 4-week series designed for beginner-intermediate students to learn and enjoy three popular Latin dance styles: Salsa, Bachata and Merengue!

Classes are taught by Venezuelan dance instructor Juliana Mendonca (she/her).

Juliana’s teaching style is not a traditional ballroom style latin dance class. She first teaches her students to connect to their body and to connect to the rhythms before getting to the steps and turns. This foundation will help you loosen up your hips, knees, shoulders and arms to allow each student to get their own authentic feel for each genre and its unique rhythm.

SERIES SCHEDULE (4 weeks) 4/19/22 – 5/10/22

  • Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 6:15pm-7:15pm
  • Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 6:15pm-7:15pm
  • Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022, 6:15pm-7:15pm
  • Tuesday, May 10th, 2022, 6:15pm-7:15pm

Series Tuition Cost: $86 for entire series.

BONUS PERK! Students get a FREE ticket to an upcoming BAILA! party at La Peña (April 22 or May 19). (Promo code will be emailed after first day of class.)

Please note: Drop-ins to this series are NOT available.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Juliana Mendonca (she/her) is a dance performer, choreographer and teacher. She graduated with a degree in dance from University Institute of Caracas, Venezuela in 2005, she also served as an instructor at the Performing Arts Department of the University of the Andes in Mérida, Venezuela (2012-2015). Juliana co-founded Raíz de Agua, a music and dance company. Juliana currently lives in Oakland, California with her husband and daughter, working as a dancer, choreographer and teacher.

*COVID-19 POLICY: This class series will not require vaccinations and masks will be optional. However, if City of Berkeley health policies change at any given moment, we will be adhering to those requirements. If the class cannot be held in person due to new mandates, the class will be held online. Thank you for your understanding!

La Peña Community Agreements:

Classes are the most fun when everyone feels safe! We invite you to participate in creating a community culture in which we support and hold each other accountable for making La Peña a safe and inclusive space that we can all enjoy.

  • Treat everyone with respect.
  • Practice thoughtful communication and language.
  • Practice consent.
  • Honor everyone’s gender identity and preferred pronouns.
  • Be self-aware.
  • Take care of yourself and each other.
  • Practice active listening.

Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Dance Class Series!

Our popular beginners-intermediate Salsa, Bachata & Merengue dance class series is back at La Peña for 4-weeks, starting Tues. April 19th!

Join us for the first series of 2022 and explore the possibilities of your body and how to communicate with others through dance, rhythm and flavor! Partners are not necessary!

SERIES DESCRIPTION

Beginners – Intermediate Class Series (4 Weeks) Tuesdays at 6:15pm-7:15pm, April 19-May 10

This is a 4-week series designed for beginner-intermediate students to learn and enjoy three popular Latin dance styles: Salsa, Bachata and Merengue!

Classes are taught by Venezuelan dance instructor Juliana Mendonca (she/her).

Juliana’s teaching style is not a traditional ballroom style latin dance class. She first teaches her students to connect to their body and to connect to the rhythms before getting to the steps and turns. This foundation will help you loosen up your hips, knees, shoulders and arms to allow each student to get their own authentic feel for each genre and its unique rhythm.

SERIES SCHEDULE (4 weeks) 4/19/22 – 5/10/22

  • Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 6:15pm-7:15pm
  • Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 6:15pm-7:15pm
  • Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022, 6:15pm-7:15pm
  • Tuesday, May 10th, 2022, 6:15pm-7:15pm

Series Tuition Cost: $86 for entire series .

BONUS PERK! Students get a FREE ticket to an upcoming BAILA! party at La Peña (April 22 or May 19). (Promo code will be emailed after first day of class.)

Please note: Drop-ins to this series are NOT available.

 

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Juliana Mendonca (she/her) is a dance performer, choreographer and teacher. She graduated with a degree in dance from University Institute of Caracas, Venezuela in 2005, she also served as an instructor at the Performing Arts Department of the University of the Andes in Mérida, Venezuela (2012-2015). Juliana co-founded Raíz de Agua, a music and dance company. Juliana currently lives in Oakland, California with her husband and daughter, working as a dancer, choreographer and teacher.

*COVID-19 POLICY: This class series will not require vaccinations and masks will be optional. However, if City of Berkeley health policies change at any given moment, we will be adhering to those requirements. If the class cannot be held in person due to new mandates, the class will be held online. Thank you for your understanding!

La Peña Community Agreements:

Classes are the most fun when everyone feels safe! We invite you to participate in creating a community culture in which we support and hold each other accountable for making La Peña a safe and inclusive space that we can all enjoy.

  • Treat everyone with respect.
  • Practice thoughtful communication and language.
  • Practice consent.
  • Honor everyone’s gender identity and preferred pronouns.
  • Be self-aware.
  • Take care of yourself and each other.
  • Practice active listening.

Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Dance Class Series!

Our popular beginners-intermediate Salsa, Bachata & Merengue dance class series is back at La Peña for 4-weeks, starting Tues. April 19th!

Join us for the first series of 2022 and explore the possibilities of your body and how to communicate with others through dance, rhythm and flavor! Partners are not necessary!

SERIES DESCRIPTION

Beginners – Intermediate Class Series (4 Weeks) Tuesdays at 6:15pm-7:15pm, April 19-May 10

This is a 4-week series designed for beginner-intermediate students to learn and enjoy three popular Latin dance styles: Salsa, Bachata and Merengue!

Classes are taught by Venezuelan dance instructor Juliana Mendonca (she/her).

Juliana’s teaching style is not a traditional ballroom style latin dance class. She first teaches her students to connect to their body and to connect to the rhythms before getting to the steps and turns. This foundation will help you loosen up your hips, knees, shoulders and arms to allow each student to get their own authentic feel for each genre and its unique rhythm.

SERIES SCHEDULE (4 weeks) 4/19/22 – 5/10/22

  • Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 6:15pm-7:15pm
  • Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 6:15pm-7:15pm
  • Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022, 6:15pm-7:15pm
  • Tuesday, May 10th, 2022, 6:15pm-7:15pm

Series Tuition Cost: $86 for entire series .

BONUS PERK! Students get a FREE ticket to an upcoming BAILA! party at La Peña (April 22 or May 19). (Promo code will be emailed after first day of class.)

Please note: Drop-ins to this series are NOT available.

 

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Juliana Mendonca (she/her) is a dance performer, choreographer and teacher. She graduated with a degree in dance from University Institute of Caracas, Venezuela in 2005, she also served as an instructor at the Performing Arts Department of the University of the Andes in Mérida, Venezuela (2012-2015). Juliana co-founded Raíz de Agua, a music and dance company. Juliana currently lives in Oakland, California with her husband and daughter, working as a dancer, choreographer and teacher.

*COVID-19 POLICY: This class series will not require vaccinations and masks will be optional. However, if City of Berkeley health policies change at any given moment, we will be adhering to those requirements. If the class cannot be held in person due to new mandates, the class will be held online. Thank you for your understanding!

La Peña Community Agreements:

Classes are the most fun when everyone feels safe! We invite you to participate in creating a community culture in which we support and hold each other accountable for making La Peña a safe and inclusive space that we can all enjoy.

  • Treat everyone with respect.
  • Practice thoughtful communication and language.
  • Practice consent.
  • Honor everyone’s gender identity and preferred pronouns.
  • Be self-aware.
  • Take care of yourself and each other.
  • Practice active listening.