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Oakland Music Complex
1255 21st St, Oakland, CA 94607
this is a private building with access by invitation only

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
e-payments (no fee transactions only or add 3% to your total)
Venmo @Melissa-Cruz-11
PayPal paypal.me/MeliCruz
​*payments due by first week of class and apply to the current session*
​*no modifications or refunds*



NEXT 6-WEEK SESSION JUNE 23 -JULY 31 2026
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Class Schedule

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Advanced Flamenco 
Fridays 9:30-11am

Beginning Flamenco 
Tuesdays 6-7pm

Intermediate Flamenco 
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-8:15 pm

Limited Offering INTRO TO CUADRO - 

The word “cuadro” refers to four sides: perhaps we visualize a stage or a table where we congregate. In the context of flamenco, it just means a group of flamenc@s together dancing, singing and playing in a natural, impromptu way.  A cuadro can come together for a performance or for a casual party. 
“Introduction to Cuadro” is a session where we can learn all perspectives of participation in a “cuadro flamenco.”  While we will focus on basics, you will be expected to participate by dancing, singing and playing palmas so that you get an immersive experience. We will focus on the palo of “tangos.” The class is for dancers with at least 4 years of flamenco experience. 

8:30-10pm Thursdays 
Minimum 5/Limit 10 participants
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Class Descriptions
Beginning Flamenco:
This class is appropriate for complete beginners
or anyone wanting to maintain 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.

Limited Session 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

6 general classes $150
12 general classes $240 
single classes $30
special cuadro class per session $200 (excluded from bundles)


Private session fees (one person)
original choreography $120/hour 4hour bundle $456
​general coaching $100/hour 4hour bundle $380
special mentoring $75/hour 4hour bundle $270
semi-private sessions=3 dancers maximum; inquire for rates