Palenke Cuban Dance - Dance studio in Durham, North Carolina
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Palenke Cuban Dance

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Address

404 Hunt Street

Durham, North Carolina 27701

Opening Hours
  • Monday: 7:00 - 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
4 programs

About Palenke Cuban Dance

Palenke Cuban Dance, based in Durham, North Carolina, officially launched in 2023, dedicated to fostering a vibrant community passionate about Cuban and Dominican dance. The studio honors the history of palenques, communities that provided refuge and fostered a deep connection to authentic dance and music. Palenke specializes in 'Casino,' Cuba's most popular social dance, offering a comprehensive series that delves into technique, history, foundational moves, and transitions for both Casino and Rueda de Casino. They also offer classes in traditional Dominican Bachata, a dance form influenced by Cuban rhythms, highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of both cultural expressions. Palenke's teaching philosophy emphasizes cultivating confident social dancers who can lead and follow autonomously, enhancing musicality and connection. While Rueda de Casino is a fun element occasionally incorporated, the primary aim is to build a strong foundation in Casino, enabling a smoother transition into various Cuban dance forms and general social dancing. Palenke Cuban Dance provides a welcoming and dynamic environment to hone skills and discover the heart of these passionate dances, offering various programs including choreography series and private lessons to cater to individual goals within a supportive setting. Their name signifies a commitment to creating a space that is both a refuge and a vibrant center for authentic dance experiences.

Styles offered at Palenke Cuban Dance

Programs from Palenke Cuban Dance

4 programs available

Classes

Traditional Bachata SerieS

Courses

Rueda de Casino / “CUban saLsa” 4-Week Choreo Series

This 4-week (6-hour) progressive series is dedicated to learning Rueda de Casino! Week by week, you'll build up your Rueda de Casino repertoire, starting with learning Rueda technique, history, and foundational moves. From there, we’ll create our own Rueda de Casino choreography together with transitions, turns, and a lot of swag! This structure ensures you'll finish the 4 weeks with a greater understanding of Rueda de Casino, while deepening your musicality and community connection. Expect a lot of fun, laughter, and plenty of flavor!

5-week bachata choreography challenge
Sliding Scale: $50-100

Join us for a 5-week bachata choreography challenge! In this series, you will learn bachata technique, musicality, footwork, and partner work that will be translated into a choreography. The experience will culminate in an optional video or in-person performance opportunity. Bachata experience is helpful but not mandatory. No partner required.

Tuesdays 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Workshops

Bachata ON2 pop-up Workshop
Sliding Scale: $15-30

In a landscape where salsa entered the studio dance world and somehow came out on2, we’re asking the bold questions: What if bachata did the same...but we made it make cultural sense? Join us for an exciting workshop where we dance bachata on2! Not to start a new, exclusive movement that we can commodify, but to explore how to connect with cultural dancers on a deeper level and to understand how timing affects the feeling of a dance. Spoiler : people in the culture have always danced on multiple timings for both bachata and “salsa.” We’re just naming one and going with it for a bit. Come for the good vibes, stay for the cultural unpacking!

Saturday 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact Palenke Cuban Dance?

Visit Palenke Cuban Dance at https://palenkecubandance.org/.

Does Palenke Cuban Dance have evening hours?

Yes, Palenke Cuban Dance offers evening hours. Monday: 7:00 - 8:00 PM.

What city is Palenke Cuban Dance in?

Palenke Cuban Dance is in Durham, North Carolina.

What days is Palenke Cuban Dance open?

Palenke Cuban Dance is open on Monday.

What are Palenke Cuban Dance's hours?

Palenke Cuban Dance is open Monday: 7:00 - 8:00 PM.