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Oakland Music Complex
1255 21st St, Oakland, CA 94607
goo.gl/maps/bxoTTHpSKVgmSqdh9
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

ongoing studio classes
all classes are $25 drop in/$120 6-class bundle (to be used in an 8-week period)

NO CLASS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 AND TUESDAY OCTOBER 4


beginner/intermediate flamenco
tuesdays and thursdays 7-8:15pm
technique and short choreography
youtu.be/uZx4_kb-CU4

intermediate/advanced flamenco
tuesdays 8:15-9:30pm
technique and castanets study

cuadro skills
thursdays 8:15-9:30pm
4 students required to proceed
8:15-9:30pm
practical lab in flamenco communication, cueing, soloing, and palmas accompaniment
with live accompaniment by professional singer and guitarist
youtu.be/CaWdyqjPSSk

 private sessions - all levels
original choreography $100/hour
general coaching $80/hour
4hour bundle $300 ($280 cash)
email me to schedule

payments
cash or e-payments
Venmo @Melissa-Cruz-11
PayPal paypal.me/MeliCruz