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Oakland Music Complex
1255 21st St, Oakland, CA 94607

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A testimonial for Melissa Cruz dance classes:
I have been studying flamenco dance with Melissa Cruz for six years. I attend group classes, privates and participate in her annual student showcase. I also perform solo, when other opportunities from her arise. In the time that I’ve been studying with Melissa, I have crafted a personal dance style for myself, learned how to play the cajon, sing letras, jaleo and palmas. I’ve also collaborated with Melissa to mount choreography for specific artistic pieces that fuse poetry and flamenco. Currently, I am mastering a particular palo, and learning how to get out of my comfort zone and improvise. In all, I have deepened my understanding of flamenco.
The underpinnings of my accomplishments are in part, due to Melissa’s intense and challenging classes, where the focus is to build or bolster a dancer’s body of work through intricate footwork, movement variations and choreography. With this comes an emphasis on reviewing basic taconeo and braceo, so that a strong foundation is always present when learning new technique.
Other key basis for me include her innate ability to mentor her students on what it takes to emotionally, physically and spiritually, be the best dancers they can be. She discusses with us the importance of educating audiences about flamenco, by expressing our story on stage with a fiery flick of the wrist, a somber facial expression, a jaw-dropping remate—all in the name of authenticity. Also, Melissa has managed to cultivate an ambiance of equality, humility, humor and support in her classes, including a special kind of home-spun respect for flamenco, that’s immediately felt upon entering her studio. What I further appreciate about her, is that she’s big on encouraging her students to support and inspire one another—whether it be with a heartfelt Ole! or with a big belly-laugh from others to lighten the intensity of an exercise.
I will continue to study with Melissa, because I am learning how not to be afraid of flamenco, how to embrace it with warmth, laughter, community and fun. I am building my own personal repertoire while engaging with other artists to get out of my comfort zone, and trusting them to support me when I need it. The crux of Melissa’s teaching, besides all of the great classes and camaraderie, is her ongoing trust in me, that I take charge of my own flamenco destiny and pursue being the best dancer I can be. Her patience, trust and support have all played an integral part in my journey.
Vida F., Dance student

*participation in performances is at the discretion of the director.*
*payments apply only to the current session*
​*no refunds*
*new students welcome to all classes*

Class Schedule 2025

Advanced Flamenco Fridays 9:30-11am
performance opportunity June 21
April 11-June 20
resursos and tools in solea

Foundational Flamenco Thursdays 7-8:15pm
performance opportunity June 21
April 10-June 19
recursos and tools in alegrias

Cuadro Thursdays 8:20-9:50pm
(limit 6 by rsvp,
no refunds/no credits)
April 10-May 1

Beginning Flamenco Tuesdays 6-7pm
April 8-June 17
​traditional sevillanas

Intermediate Flamenco Tuesdays 7-8:15 pm
​performance opportunity June 21
April 8-June 17
recursos and tools in solea por buleria


Class Descriptions
Beginning Flamenco:
This class is appropriate for complete beginners
or anyone wanting to brush up on basics. The focus is on lines/placements/posture, basic braceo/floreo coordination, palmas and flamenco rhythms.

Foundational Flamenco:
Focused study of lines, basic turns, upper body
expression, palmas/rhythm and very basic footwork technique. Appropriate for dancers with minimum one year of experience.

Intermediate Flamenco:
More specialized study of ​footwork precision, flamenco turns, palmas+rhythm with short combinations for mental focus, internalization and execution. Appropriate for dancers with minimum 3 years of experience.

Advanced:
This class focuses on palmas/rhythmic strength, turns, coordination, speed+stamina drills. Only open to students concurrently taking foundational or intermediate technique class or by invitation. Email me to join this class.

​Cuadro:
This class is for dancers with minimum 5 years of experience who want to develop
skills in improvisation and communication with musicians. Email me to join this class.


FEE SCHEDULE FOR GENERAL GROUP CLASSES
4 classes $108
7 classes $175
8 classes $200
11 classes (one class full session special rate) $250.00
16 classes $350
32 classes $640
Single classes $30
Cuadro Class rate 4 classes $180.00/$50 drop in



Private session fees
original choreography $120/hour 4hour bundle $456
​general coaching $100/hour 4hour bundle $380
special mentoring $75/hour 4hour bundle $270
email me to schedule


in-person cash/check payments accepted
or send e-payment directly
e-payments (no fee transactions only or add 3% to your total)
Venmo @Melissa-Cruz-11
PayPal paypal.me/MeliCruz