Urbana Dance Company

Come check his Latin Dance Nights at UDC- second and fourth Friday of the month.

My dance canvas is diverse, ranging from the rhythmic embrace of salsa on both counts, the intimate artistry of bachata, the enchanting melodies of zouk, to the alluring sway of Kizomba. My teaching ethos is rooted in the power of connection, musicality, and the pure expression of body movement. As an easygoing and friendly instructor, my passion lies in helping others embrace dance's transformative magic, and I'm eagerly anticipating the chance to dance with new partners, collectively taking our dance journeys to new heights.

Cinnamon Trammell: (Ballroom, Latin, Club, Hip Hop, Stepping), Cinnamon started his dance career at the age of 5 in Manhattan, New York. With roots beginning in tap and ballet, hip-hop and freestyle were added to his dance repertoire. In 1997, Cinnamon was introduced to ballroom and soon became a professional. Cinnamon has taught ballroom for a number of franchised schools and independently.

Mary has been practicing yoga since 1997 and teaching since 2001. She has studied with master yoga teachers from around the world. Mary has taken teacher trainings with various well known instructors since 2001 (such as Deb Lister, Daren Friesen, Gary Kraftsow of Vini-Yoga, Seane Corn, Natasha Rizopolous, Scott Blossom, Kino McGregor, and Lino Miele).

Christian and Rachel are both PHD students at UIUC. Dance enthusiasts with a love for Salsa dance, Christian and Rachel bring precision, fun, and passion to learn to their weekly classes.

Jackie has been dancing since 2 years old and teaching since 2009. Her love of dance is contagious and her command of the form makes learning enjoyable and fun. Jackie has studied: Ballet, lyrical, jazz, Irish, hip hop, poms, contra, waltz, fox trot, rumba, salsa, mambo, bachata, cumbia, merengue, polka, belly dance and pole dance.

Joe Grohens and Carlota Bullard, from Champaign, Illinois, have taught tango throughout Central Illinois for more than twenty years. They have put hundreds of tango dancers on the dance floor. Joe and Carlota trained primarily in two tango schools – those of Eduardo and Gloria Arquimbau and Mingo and Esther Pugliese.

Spencer began as a beginner at Urbana Dance Company in 2021. During this time, he also trained with and performed with UIUC’s dance team Island Touch. From 2022-2023, he was the president of Illinois State University’s Latin Dance Club Redbirds en Ritmo. There, he taught for three semesters for free and organized events for the university to give Latin dance opportunities in an area that did not offer any others.

DoMonique Arnold has been belly dancing since 2004 and began her teaching practice in 2013. She has been trained in American Cabaret style belly dance, and currently maintains her practice by studying Urban Fusion style. Urban Fusion Belly Dance is where traditional Belly Dance styles (Egyptian/Arabic and more) meets Urban Dance styles and combines elements of (Hip/hop, African, and Dancehall/Reggae and more) style dances.

Continue your tango journey, open to all beginners, focusing on Vals & Milonga Rhythms for dancers who’ve completed Tango 1A, 1B & 1C.

Level Beg/Intermediate class for dancers who’ve completed Tango 1A, 1B & 1C, taught by En-Chi Lin, with assistant Amanda Ramey.

Lesson 8:00 – 9:00p Social 9:00 – Midnight

Latin Dance Nights with a lesson from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, followed by a social dance from 9:00 PM to Midnight. This event occurs on the second and fourth Fridays of the month.

Starts May 19

Social dance nights featuring music, light snacks, and BYOB, with an included introductory tango lesson.

6:30 - 7:30p March 8 and 15

starts April 17

7:30 - 9:00p March 8 and 15

For dancers who’ve completed Tango 1A, 1B & 1C, focusing on various tango topics with instructors Joe & Carlota.

Starts April 15

Practice nights with guidance and music for all levels, a great opportunity to refine your tango skills with Joe & Carlota.

Salsa workshop with guest dancer and teacher Chris Rios, who is at the top of his field. This workshop takes place on November 15.

Bachata Sensual workshop with guest dancer and teacher Salomeja, who is at the top of her field. The date is to be announced.

Bachata Sensual workshop with guest dancers and teachers Alex Sanchez and Ashely Cooley, who are at the top of their field. This workshop takes place on December 13.