TEACHERS
All about the wonderful teachers of Redwood Raks...
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Shoshanna :::: Raks Sharqi (Middle Eastern "Belly Dance")
(707) 616-6876 • dance@shoshannaland.com
You can find out enough about me all over this website...
I've been doing this since 1991, and have been teaching since about 1994. I love teaching a full range of Middle Eastern Dance classes from children to adults, from beginning to professional level, and really enjoy seeing my students blossom into confident, creative, inspired, technically sound dancers. I also direct the fabulous Ya Habibi Dance Company. I even have a class for babies and mommies!
I hope to see you there! More info about my current session of classes here. |
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Steve McDonald & Jesseca Waggoner :::: Swing Dance
(707) 444-2615
This dynamic duo has been teaching Lindy Hop lessons and making fun Swing Dance Nights happen for quite awhile in Arcata. What a great way to celebrate Mondays....... Check it out!
Class Mondays 7:30-8:30, Party after until 10:30pm!
Just $5.00 a person for an evening of fun. |
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Dulce Cavallo :::: West African
(707) 832-9547
West African dance and drum classes on Tuesdays & is director of the Arcata West African Drum & Dance Ensemble. These classes have been so fun for the past two years - check them out!
Ongoing ~ Tuesdays 5:30-7:00pm |
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Rex Atienza (aka Reckless Rex):::: Breakdancing
(707) 825-8735
My introduction to break dancing started at the age of 7 in Okinawa, Japan. I moved to Southern California where I danced with other breakers of all levels. I have always put my skills to the test by entering competitions, battling against legendary dancers.
I eventually worked with an organization that put out Hip-Hop work shops for the youth and we also show cased our talents at numerous events from street fairs to Hip-Hop venues.
In Nor Cal, I take the lead of the Humboldt Rockers. We have been representing as Humboldt's breaking crew for nearly 4 years. We do everything from kids camps to art shows providing the youth with a positive as well as artistic activity to be involved in.
Ongoing ~ Thursdays 7:00-9:00pm, Sundays 5:00-7:00pm |
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Brigit Fraga :::: Intermediate-Advanced Tribal Fusion Belly Dance
(707) 407-8649
Local super tribal bellydance teacher extraordinaire... Brigit is currently exploring fusion of Burlesque and Belly Dance in classes that will give you a great workout and push your technique and style to new levels.
Ongoing Classes are $10 each, or 6 for $50.
- Intermediate Tribal Fusion Belly Dance: Sundays 12-1:30pm
- Beginning Tribal Fusion Belly Dance: Sundays 1:30-3:00pm
- Int/Adv. Burlesque Belly Dance Fusion Choreography ~
Mondays 5:00pm-6:00pm
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Ku-Hsiang Lin :::: Flamenco
(707) 599-6384 • linkuku@hotmail.com
Ku-Hsiang Lin earned a bachelor's degree in child development from HSU. For the past six years she has studied the inspiring art of Flamenco dance and choreography. She takes many intensive workshops with master teachers from Spain including Concha Jereno, La Tania, and Clara. She participated in the Mi Fuego National Flamenco Contest in Taiwan in 2004 and 2005. Ku-Hsiang is eager to share her dance experience with others.
Currently, Ku-Hsiang teaches through HSU Center Activities, but rehearses at Redwood Raks with her group, Angel's Creations Flamenco Company.
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Christina McCabe :::: West African
(707) 498-0146
She's back teaching the Thursday evening West African dance and drum classes - check them out!
Ongoing ~ Thursdays 5:30-7:00pm |
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Shea Freelove :::: Intercontinental Super Clown
(707) 845-5842 • freelovecircus@yahoo.com • www.freelovecircus.com
"You are likely to find FreeLove surrounded by a crowd. If you don't immediately see him, just follow the laughs and groans of disbelief and there he will be."
-Times-Standard (Eureka, CA, USA)
"In two words, visual feast, FreeLove knows exactly where he wants to take his act"
-Lumberjack (Arcata, CA, USA)
Facts:
An Intercontinental Super Clown.
Has stuck over 1,000 nails in his nose.
Has performed in 11 US states, 4 countries, 2 continents and counting.
No current classes, but be on the lookout! |
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Marjhani :::: Gothic Bellydance, Traditional Tribal Style Belly Dance
(909) 486-4878 • marjhani@yahoo.com • www.marjhani.com
Marjhani recently relocated to Humboldt County from Southern California, where she creator and directed “Oojahm Tribal Dance™” and founded “Deliverance Gothic Belly Dance.” Her love of belly dance began when she first laid eyes on the tribal dancers at the Southern California Renaissance Faire. Her passion for the dance and her love of the Gothic/Industrial scene has given Marjhani a style like no other. She is known for her Pops & Locks performances and captivating stage presence.
Currently, she has one 5 week session of Traditional Tribal Style Belly Dance classes on Wednesdays 7:45-9:00pm from Jan 14 - Feb 11. Stay tuned for more classes! |
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Tien Tai :::: Salsa
(707) 845-6480 • salsarcata@yahoo.com
Salseros de Arcata Facebook Group •
Salseros de Arcata Google Group
In January 2000, Tien was introduced to various Latin Music and Dances, into which he has dedicated vast amount of time ever since. The On 1 style salsa is his main focus of Latin Dance, even though he has also been exposed to Cha-cha-cha, Merengue, Bachata, Rueda de Casino, and On 2 New York Style Salsa.
Over the past years Tien has choreographed and performed at the Two Left Feet Dance Project, HSU Evening of Dance, Redwood Jazz Coast Festival, and HSU Spring Concert. He also has four years of teaching experience in salsa dancing, and has been a regular attendee of San Francisco Bay Area International Salsa Congress since 2006. Recently, he started a dance company called La Salsa Organica, with which he hopes to achieve great success!
Beginning On 1 Salsa Lesson - Thursdays at 7 pm
Intermediate On 1 salsa Lesson - Thursdays at 8:15 pm
Beginning Rueda de Casino - Fridays at 5 pm |
RENTING SPACE
Space for your Classes, Events, Meetings, Rehearsals and more...
space - rates - get started - rules - promotion
ABOUT THE SPACE...
We're happy to offer a well managed and maintained space and
look forward to helping make your class or event a success!
Rates subject to change.
Info current as of October 21, 2008.
- 2,400 square feet of hardwood dance floor
in an historic building
- Plenty of room for large classes and groups
- Newly repainted interior, 40' of new mirrors
- Recently paved parking lot, more lights at night
- Close to downtown Arcata
- Now with theatrical lights and a black curtain to cover the mirror!
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RENTAL RATES FOR CLASSES...
Rates are in 3 categories for classes: Prime Time, Other Times and Rehearsal, with discounts for paying ahead.
- $25.00 / hour - Weekday Prime Time (5pm and later) and Weekends
- Ongoing or short term classes, gatherings, private lessons, etc.)
- $5.00 / hour discount if you pay for the month in advance (by the 7th). Wow!
- $20.00 / hour - Other Times (Weekdays until 5pm)
- Any purpose (classes, gatherings, private lessons, workshop series, etc.)
- $5.00 / hour discount if you pay for the month in advance (by the 7th). Cool!
- $10.00 / hour - Rehearsal Rate
- I know how hard it is to find good dance space to practice!!!
I hope this helps dance companies and others prepare for ongoing or upcoming events.
- Non-income generating, and may be "bumped" by a regular class or special weekend event (we'll give you notice if a special event wants the space. We'll give you a chance to pay the regular rate before canceling your time slot for an ongoing class).
- OK for class prep, ongoing or short term rehearsals. Not for parties, classes, etc
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Here's the RENTAL APPLICATION FORM for ongoing or short term classes: Microsoft Word / PDF |
RENTAL RATES FOR WORKSHOPS OR SPECIAL EVENTS...
- $30.00 / hour with a 2 hour minumum - Workshops or Special Events
This rate is for "one time special events." For ongoing or short-term classes see above.
Set-up/take-down time is $15.00 / hour. Ask about rental amounts and policies for performances.
$100 security deposit and proof of insurance for the event are required.
Use of theatrical lighting and dressing room cost extra - please ask.
There's no extra charge for turning on the mirror ball and christmas lights! :-)
- If you're an established renter who would like to put on a workshop, show, or event please ask before submitting application - you might not need to turn it all in, and we may waive the security deposit.
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Here's the RENTAL APPLICATION FORM for Workshops/Special Events: (coming soon) |
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GET STARTED...
Figure out the times you'd like to rent (check the CALENDAR page first). Contact Shoshanna at (707) 616-6876 or dance@shoshannaland.com to set up a meeting & chat. You'll need to:
- Have proof of insurance. Protects you and us! I know it's an expense, but it's worth it and part of your overhead as a teacher. See this page for the reasonable company Shoshanna recommends.
- Fill out Rental Application: Microsoft Word Doc - Adobe PDF
- There's a $20 key deposit.
- Meet with Shoshanna for a studio orientation, signing Studio Rules sheet, getting a key, etc.
- Once you've turned in the application and key deposit and have figured out all the important details you're good to go... create some flyers and let everyone know about your class!
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STUDIO RULES...
Not as fun as teaching a dance class, but important nonetheless. Aside from the obvious "don't run with scissors" type of thing, here's the complete list of renting rules for your enjoyment! Click Here |
SHOSHANNA'S TOP TEN TIPS FOR HAVING SUCCESSFUL CLASSES:
I'm certainly no expert, but I have developed a steady stream of dancers to my classes over the years and have included the following tips that will hopefully be helpful to you. I want your classes to be successful, too!
- 1. BE PATIENT
Creating a successful program is like starting a garden. You've worked hard at your craft and have honed your skills. Now you begin with a seed of inspiration and desire to share... it takes time and lots of nuturing to really make your garden grow and flourish.
- 2. PLAN OUT YOUR CLASS WELL
- Write a good title and clear description of your class.
- Know if you'll be teaching an ongoing class or a series of sessions.
- Make sure the time and location are appropriate for your class.
- 3. HAVE A MARKETING STRATEGY
- Who do you want to draw to your class? Kids? College Students? Adults? Seniors? Know who you want to target so you can do advertising that actually reaches the people you want.
- Take advantage of the many free and low-cost opportunities around, like listings on the studio website, use the studio bulletin board. Post flyers everywhere. Laundrimats are good for posting flyers that usually stay up for a very long time, and all sorts of people hang out there and crave things to read. Why not something about you? Coffee shops, the board at the Co-Op.... you get the idea.
- I've found the best advertising is in the phone book Yellow Pages, my listing in the Northcoast Journal workshop page ($8/issue), flyers I constantly put up all over the place, and the OH SO IMPORTANT word of mouth.
- Use Tribe.net, Craig's List, MySpace, Facebook... target local people.
- Advertising in programs for local performing arts events are great - it's a pretty targeted audience, ads are usually cheap, and they help support our artistic community.
- Collect info from your students and develop a database that you can send updated schedules to.
- 4. DO YOUR HOMEWORK (AND THE MATH) BEFOREHAND
- Who else is teaching similar classes to yours? How will you differentiate yourself? What makes you and your classes special? Why are they successful (or not)?
- Don't undercut other teachers! Find out what other teachers are charging and try to devise a similar structure. Finding just the right price is important.
- 5. KEEP REALLY GOOD RECORDS
- A good system of payment & recordkeeping will let you enjoy teaching without stressing over being able to pay the bills.
- Make all students sign a Liability Release. Also, collect Registration Info like address, phone, email, etc. (good for marketing, too).
- Keep a roll sheet, and use it every time. It's good to have #'s and payment notes there, so it's easy to see where everyone's at. Also, if you have numbers right there you can let people know if class is canceled.
- Keep track of expenses / income. You need to report the income, but you can also deduct the expenses (rent, insurance, teaching supplies, music, etc) so keep those receipts. Contact the Small Business Development Center for more info. Also, then you'll know if your classes are profitable.
- 6. BE REALISTIC ABOUT MONEY
- How much do you need to cover your investment of insurance, advertising, and rent? How much time do you have to put into advertising and promotion?
- 7. BE REACHABLE
Be easy to reach by phone and email if you plan on posting flyers all about town to teach a class. Be careful with your personal information and if you give an address be sure it's a PO Box or the studio address. A cell phone with voice mail is an excellent tool.
- 8. BE PROFESSIONAL
- Always call people right back when they inquire about classes. Leave informative, brief messages when you get a machine. Same goes for email.
- Start and end your classes on time, being respectful of times rented by other teachers.
- Encourage your students to wait quietly before and leave quickly after your classes.
- Try to NOT cancel class without a really good reason. The break in continuity really loses students, especially if you don't let them know ahead of time.
- 9. THE PERSONAL TOUCH
People are amazed and flattered if you remember their names. It's a skill that you can learn to do pretty easily enough. It's really valuable. If people feel that they're important enough to you that you know them and they also have a good class experience they really do come away with a positive feeling from the class. This is like gold to you. And it doesn't cost you extra!
- 10. GENERALLY...
Love your students, teach them safely and well, ensure that they have a good time in class safe from negative energy, descrimination, etc., and be a professional all the time. It takes awhile, but you'll hopefully develop a great group of people happy to learn all you have to teach. Good luck!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Something's always happening around here!
Check the calendar for upcoming events right now... thanks!
PAST EVENTS
Some of the great things that have happened (or will soon happen) at Redwood Raks... so far...
NOVEMBER 2008
- Tribal Belly Dance Workshops with Frederique David
- Synapsis Warehouse Puppet Feast
- Concert with Eliyahu Sills and Qadim
- Gypsy Alchemy Cabaret show
OCTOBER 2008
- Redwood Coast Belly Dance Festival Fashion Show After Party
- WoMama CD Release Party
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Halloween Dark Fusion Belly Dance Show
SEPTEMBER 2008
- DVD Shoot of Bahaia's instructional video series
- Gothic Belly Dance Workshop with Marjhani
AUGUST 2008
- Benefit show for Redwood Raks (we purchased 8 lights and the curtain for the mirror!)
JULY 2008
- Arts Arcata featuring the paintings of Carla Hayes (still!)
- Shoshanna's 2008 Belly Dance Boot Camp
- DVD Shoot of Shoshanna's Fabulous Four Yard Veils instructional video
JUNE 2008
- Arcata Chamber of Commerce Mixer
- Shoshanna's 11th Annual Spring Hafla / Student Showcase, starring Leyla Lanty
- Uzbek dance workshop with Elena Bell
- Arts Arcata featuring the paintings of Carla Hayes
- Freelove Circus Fashion Fiasco with Freelove Circus, Ya Habibi Dance Company, SambAmore and more
- Burlesque Extravananza
MAY 2008
- New World Ballet Spring Carnival with Samba Da
- Synapsis & The Studio present The Dream Project
- West African dance workshop with Sandor Diabankouezi
- West African dance/drum workshops with Naby Bangoura and Bolokaba
APRIL 2008
- Synapsis Presents Tsirkus Burlesque
MARCH 2008
- Shoshanna Presents Brass Menazeri Balkan Band
- Tribal Fusion Bellydance workshops with Deb Rubin and Rose Harden
FEBRUARY 2008
- Grand Opening, February 26th. Yay!