currently offering online and outdoor limited space classes
book here~ bookedin.com/book/mcflamenco

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


payments ​


no-fee PayPal transfer: paypal.me/melicruz
venmo.com/Melissa-Cruz-11


Advanced/Intermediate flamenco AM online

what:
lines, footwork, props and palmas with daily short choreography

when: mondays and fridays 9:30-10:30am starting 1/11/21

$25 drop in
$80/4 monday class bundle
$80/4 friday class bundle
$120/monday and friday bundle



intermediate flamenco PM Online
sevillanas with castanets
+ outdoor add-on

what: intermediate level study focused generally on upper body technique/lines/basic footwork and palmas
winter focus: sevillanas with castanets

when: tuesdays 7-8pm
starting 1/12/21

$25 drop in
$80/4 class bundle

add-on: outdoor castanet technique class saturdays 12-1pm $15/class (starting 1/16)
online with add-on special price: $120

masks and distancing are required for all outdoor classes limited to 5 participants

flamenco cuadro outdoor practical lab
​


ongoing and open to current students/by invitation
​what: practical lab in rhythm and palmas accompaniment, music + cuadro structure

when: sundays 1-2:30pm
starting 1/10/21

$25/drop in/90 minute-class or $80/4 class bundle

masks and distancing are required for all outdoor classes - limited to 5 participants

flamenco Cajon Percussion outdoor Lab for dance accompaniment


ongoing and open to current students/by invitation
​what: practical lab in rhythm and percussion accompaniment on cajon with focus on dance accompaniment

when: wednesdays 5-6pm
starting 1/13/21

$25/drop in $80/4 class bundle

masks and distancing are required for all outdoor classes limited to 5 participants

​​hourly private and semi-private online sessions
choreography, dance technique, props and palmas

ongoing online and outdoors
​technique/general coaching $80/hour
choreography $100/hour
​blocks of 6 hours $70/hour

masks and distance are required for all outdoor dance classes limited to 3 participants