Class is in English
Instruction and counting are in English, so everyone in the room can follow.
The music is cumbia
The songs are real cumbia, much of it in Spanish. If you grew up with this music, you may already hear the beat. No Spanish is required to dance it.
Cumbia is a worldwide dance
Cumbia began in Colombia. It has grown to be a beloved dance across Latin America. Each region has added its own special flair. You can find cumbia in Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and more. It is a dance that brings people together. No matter where you go, cumbia celebrates life.
Learning cumbia opens doors. You can dance it at parties, weddings, and festivals. It is a social dance, perfect for any gathering. Imagine dancing cumbia on your next vacation. You will connect with people through movement. The steps are easy to learn and fun to do.
Our classes honor the spirit of cumbia. We focus on authentic steps and rhythm. You will feel the music and move with confidence. This class is for everyone. Whether you are new to dance or have some experience. Come and enjoy the energy of cumbia with us.
Discover the cumbia rhythm
Cumbia has a distinct rhythm. It is often described as a walking or shuffling beat. This makes it very approachable for beginners. You will learn to feel this rhythm in your body. We break down the basic steps simply. Our instructors guide you every step of the way.
Counting music helps you stay on beat. We use English counts in class. This helps everyone learn together. But soon, you will feel the rhythm naturally. You will anticipate the music's flow. Your body will move with the cumbia pulse.
We play a variety of cumbia music. Some songs are classic, others are modern. You will hear different instruments and vocal styles. This exposure helps you appreciate the dance's rich culture. You will learn to adapt your dance to various cumbia tunes. It is an exciting journey of musical discovery.
Dance with us in Chicago
Dennis PaSamba Dance Company is in Chicago, IL. Our studio is at 4820 W. Irving Park Rd. This is in the Six Corners area. We offer free parking for your convenience. It is easy to get to us from many parts of the city.
Group classes are four-week sessions. Each session costs $95. You do not need a partner to join. We rotate partners in class. This lets you dance with everyone. It is a great way to meet new people. All adults are welcome in our classes.
We understand life can be busy. If you miss a week, you can make it up. Just talk to us about arranging a make-up class. Please remember, we do not offer refunds for classes. Our Friday Social is a practice session, $15 to attend. It is a fun way to apply what you learned. You can reach us by text or call at 717-PaSamba (717-727-2622). We are excited to dance cumbia with you.
Questions people ask
Do I need to understand the lyrics?
No. You dance to the rhythm, not the words.
What should I wear to class?
Wear comfortable clothes you can move in easily. Flat shoes or low heels are best for dancing. Avoid flip-flops or heavy boots.
Is cumbia difficult to learn?
No, cumbia is one of the easier social dances to pick up. The basic steps are natural and fun. You will be dancing quickly.
Visit the studio
Dennis PaSamba Dance Company
4820 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60641
Six Corners · Portage Park · Irving Park
dennispasamba.com · Text/Call 717-PASAMBA ((717) 727-2622)