Let Rhythm Move Through You
Penelope facilitates a dance class/party where participants work out, build community, and express ourselves prompted by World Afro Rhythms. The class moves between enlivening warm ups, improvisation prompts that support the learning of Afro moves, and easy choreography. You are free to follow her lead or dance in your own way. That’s what makes it a party! Penelope offers a few basic container practices to keep the energy flowing with focus on the task: DANCE!
What to Expect:
Warm-Up: The class begins with an enlivening warm-up to get your body moving and ready to dance. These movements are designed to energize your muscles and connect you to the rhythm.
Learning Afro Moves: Penélope guides you through improvisation prompts that help you learn Afro dance moves. You’ll explore the rich and diverse styles of World Afro Fusion music.
Easy Choreography: Penélope offers simple choreography that you can follow along with, or you can choose to dance in your own way. The focus is on freedom and dancing together.
Community Collaboration: The class fosters a spirit of shared creativity, where participants of African or Latin descent or with extensive experience in African dances, are encouraged to collaborate with Penélope in choreographing and teaching during the session. This is where the community truly comes alive, as everyone contributes to the collective energy.
Party Atmosphere: Throughout the class, the vibe is that of a dance party. You’re free to follow Penélope’s lead or improvise on your own—either way, you’ll find yourself immersed in the joy and freedom of dance.
Penélope's dance class is open to all, regardless of experience level. The class spirit is of hospitality for all movers, risk taking as you explore moving differently than what you are used to, and shared creativity, where folks who are of African and/or Latin descent or have studied African Diaspora dances for a long committed time, are invited to choreograph and teach during the class, in collaboration with Penelope.
Meet Penélope
Penélope Baquero, born and raised in Colombia, is an interdisciplinary artist dedicated to fostering ecosocial change, cultural diversity, and personal healing through her work in Dance, Theater, Visual Art, and Mindfulness. Since 1998, she has been learning, working, and growing in various countries around the world, bringing a global perspective to her art and education. Penélope's work lies at the intersection of the arts and ecology, where she uses her creative talents to inspire transformation and awareness.
From a young age, Penélope was drawn to dance, particularly the dances of the African Diaspora, which have deeply influenced her artistic journey. Growing up in a culture rich in music and diverse dance styles, she embraced this passion and has since trained in West African dance for 25 years. Penélope's multifaceted approach to art and education reflects her commitment to using creativity as a powerful tool for social change, cultural expression, and personal growth.
We want everyone who feels called to join us! Please contribute whatever amount feels right for you—your presence is what matters most.
Suggested donation with sliding scale options based on income:
Annual income 0-30K: Pay $5
Annual income 30K-40K: Pay $10
Annual income 40K-50K: Pay $20
Annual income 50K+: Pay $25
When registering, please select the "Add a Pay What You Want Amount" option and enter the amount you wish to pay to complete your payment and registration.