The learning experience with Zorongo is an adventure into the physically dynamic and emotionally expressive world of Spanish dance and music. Everyone is welcome!
The Zorongo school is dedicated to teaching students the art of flamenco dance that honors the Spanish traditional art form. Classes include live and recorded flamenco guitar and stress the structure of dances with flamenco cante (song). In addition, we encourage students to perform basic dance techniques, which include taconeo (footwork), braceo (arms and upper body alignment), vueltas (turns), palmas (handclapping), and compas (rhythm structures). Each student is encouraged to share in the beauty and expressiveness of this powerful art form. Whether as a hobby, social outlet, or professional performer, our teachers are here to guide you on your flamenco journey.
Zorongo Studio Location
If you have never visited the Zorongo studio, our entrance is in the alleyway off of 37th Ave in the rear of the blue building. Street parking is available on 37th Ave and surrounding streets. Click here to view a map
Class Schedule
***UPDATE: Please click here for Fall Session registration through our new registration platform. This page will be updated soon.
PALOMITAS FLAMENCAS MUSIC AND DANCE (In-Studio)
TUESDAYS(5:15PM) & SATURDAYS(10:30AM) SEPTEMBER 12 – DECEMBER 12, 2023
Instructor: MARIE DE LOS REYES & GAEL PORETTI
Prerequisite: School age children under 12 or instructor permission
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- $10 drop-in fee per class
- There are no refunds for missed classes
- Younger siblings are welcome to attend and participate
- Parent Participation encouraged!!
- All genders welcome!
- 30 mins
- Click here to register!
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This kid’s class will explore different flamenco ritmos (rhythms) in a musical, fiesta style, and improv immersion. We will use principles of modern contemporary and classical ballet dance with a flamenco focus to build body awareness and coordination and, most of all, have fun and play! This class is all about building self-confidence for a strong foundation for our youngest dancers. The class will be taught in Spanish bilingual; students will learn elements of Spanish culture and tradition through music and dance. Students will learn letras (short songs) to build their “ear” (attention to music) and musicality. Class attendance is recommended 2 times per week for consistency. No previous experience is required. Parents and siblings are encouraged to participate in the class to encourage a “family style” approach, as is the norm in Spanish culture.
All ABILITIES FLAMENCO (In-Studio)
SATURDAYS(9:30AM), SEPTEMBER 16- DECEMBER 9, 2023
Instructor: COLETTE ILLARDE
Prerequisite: None
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- Purchase a session or a $20 drop-in fee per class if you cannot commit to a session.
- There are no refunds for missed classes.
- 60 mins
- Click here to register!
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This class is structured so teenagers and adults with limited mobility, balance issues, or other (dis)abilities can participate in an authentic flamenco experience. It is also suitable for individuals with ‘Long COVID’ who are rebuilding stamina or need different adaptations weekly. Students can participate in a seated or standing position (adaptations made).
Students are led through locomotor and non-locomotor movement combinations as they connect to flamenco music, execute choreographies, and enjoy improvisation and organic expression. Students will also exercise hands, arms, and upper body to increase their range of motion and flexibility. The rhythm and exercises are invigorating, while games and stories keep the class fun and challenging. Students engage in a community and celebrate flamenco culture while gaining greater health and well-being.
INTRO TO FLAMENCO LEVEL 1 (In-Studio)
THURSDAYS (6:00PM), SEPTEMBER 14 – DECEMBER 14, 2023
Instructor: Molly Stoltz
Prerequisite: None
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- Purchase a session or a $20 drop-in fee per class if you cannot commit to a session.
- There are no refunds for missed classes (except for canceled classes).
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- *New day for Fall 2023.
- No class on November 23.
- Session or drop-in
- 75 mins
- Click here to register!
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This class is open to students who have just begun their flamenco journey or who are looking to brush up on the basics.
The teacher will lead students through a short warmup. You will work on basic palmas (clapping the rhythm) and learn exercises that break down the components of flamenco dance from head to toe. You will also learn short choreographies, which will help to familiarize you with the many various styles (palos) of flamenco dance and music. You will also listen to music and see videos to familiarize yourself with different palos, and will learn elements of Spanish culture and tradition through music and dance. If you want to both enjoy and build your musicality while becoming a part of a vibrant flamenco community, this course is for you.
Ages 16 and up are welcome to join. Shoes with a supportive bottom that will allow you to turn and make percussive sounds with your feet are encouraged, but flamenco shoes are not required to begin class. Comfortable clothing is recommended; skirts are welcome but not required.
BEG FLAMENCO DANCE LEVEL 2 (In-Studio)
TUESDAYS(6:00PM), SEPTEMBER 12 – DECEMBER 12, 2023
Instructor: SUSANA DI PALMA
Prerequisite: Intro to Flamenco, past Beginner One or higher, teacher permission
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- All class payments must be made online. Payments will not be accepted in-studio.
- Purchase a session or a $20 drop-in fee per class if you cannot commit to a session.
- There are no refunds for missed classes.
- All class payments must be made online. Payments will not be accepted in-studio.
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- *New for Fall 2023
- 75 mins
- Click here to register!
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Students will work on the essential techniques of flamenco- posture, brazeo (arms), turns, and footwork. The exercises will come together in a traditional flamenco choreography dominated by compás (rhythm structure) and the cante (singing).
BEG/INT FLAMENCO DANCE LEVEL 3 (In-Studio)
SATURDAYS(11:00AM), SEPTEMBER 16 – DECEMBER 9, 2023
Instructor: COLETTE ILLARDE
Prerequisite: Past Beginner/Intro or teacher permission
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- Purchase a session or a $20 drop-in fee per class if you cannot commit to a session.
- There are no refunds for missed classes.
- 75 mins
- Click here to register!
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Continuing students will build their flamenco skills – arms, footwork, turns and palmas – while learning a new flamenco choreography that incorporates these expanded techniques. You will also learn more about the variety of flamenco palos (dance styles) and compas (rhythms). You will dance to live flamenco guitar.
JUERGA FLAMENCA (In-Studio) – MUSIC AND DANCE
SATURDAYS(12:15PM) SEPTEMBER 16 – DECEMBER 9, 2023
Instructor: ROSS FELLRATH
Prerequisite: None
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- Open to all.
- This class is FREE, but a $5.00 donation to Ross is suggested.
- 30-40 mins
- Click here to register!
- Open to all.
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Read Class Description
This class is a fun and an informal session focused on basic palmas and accompaniment. This all-level class allows more experienced aficionados to share their knowledge with new students. We will concentrate on palmas and use our various skills, including cante, baile, guitarra, and jaleo.
FLAMENCO TECHNIQUE ALL LEVELS (In-Studio)
THURSDAYS(7:15PM) SEPTEMBER 14- DECEMBER 14, 2023
Instructor: SUSANA DI PALMA
Prerequisite: None (open to all levels)
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- Purchase a session or a $20 drop-in fee per class if you cannot commit to a session.
- There are no refunds for missed classes.
- 75mins
- Click here to register!
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This class is perfect for all levels. This course focuses on teaching various dance combinations that will be used to teach all the technical skills in mastering this art form, including drills for arms, hands, feet, compas, and more! Your instructor will ensure all students feel comfortable and productive while taking this course.
INT/ADV FLAMENCO LEVEL 4,5 (IN-STUDIO)
TUESDAYS(7:15 PM) & SATURDAYS(12:45PM) SEPTEMBER 12 – DECEMBER 12,2023
INSTRUCTOR: SUSANA DI PALMA
Prerequisite: Past Beginner Two or teacher permission
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- Purchase a session or a $20 drop-in fee per class if you cannot commit to a session.
- There are no refunds for missed classes.
- 75 mins
- Click here to register!
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This class will begin with intense technique exercises, and you will learn a new choreography: Solea Fall 2023
To keep our students and instructors safe, we have established the following class cancellation policy during winter weather situations. During a Winter Weather Advisory for Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, we will automatically cancel in-studio classes during that advisory period. If this occurs, we will automatically add the appropriate number of make-up classes to the end of the class session.
Private & Duet Lessons
Recommended for those who want to work their technique and enhance their skills in a more personal atmosphere, and also for coaching or choreography of individual dances. One-on-one private instruction is available for all students. Have you missed classes or feel behind? Private lessons are a great way to catch up.
For more information regarding private and semi-private lessons, please email Susana at susanazorongo@gmail.com.
Class Policies
Class Policies – All Students
All students must complete a Student Waiver form. Bring the form to your first day of class. Waiver forms are also available at the studio.
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- Once classes have begun, payment is non-refundable
- With advanced permission, missed classes may be made up within the same session
- Zorongo Flamenco is not responsible for injuries sustained during class sessions or rentals
- Zorongo reserves the right to cancel any class with fewer than 5 students
- Women’s Dress: full skirt, movement-friendly top, flamenco shoes or 1 1/2” character shoes and hair pulled back from the face
- Men’s Dress: Shirt, movement-friendly pants and flamenco boots or leather soled shoes/boots with heels
- Beginners may start with your own shoes with sturdy 1.5”-2.5” heels (no sandals, platforms, wedges, or stillettos)
- Severe Weather Policy: Class may be canceled due to severe weather. Follow our Facebook page for information or call (612) 234-1653 during business hours
For character shoes (new students), Zorongo recommends Grand Jeté in St. Paul, Minnesota.
For flamenco shoes, Zorongo recommends Menkes in New York, New York. Brand new to Flamenco? For your first class, don’t let what to wear keep you off the dance floor. Come as you are. Everyone is welcome.
COVID-19 Policy
Zorongo Flamenco does not require masks. However, students are welcome to wear masks, and Zorongo continues to supply one-time-use masks in the studio.
Zorongo no longer requires proof of vaccination (for all eligible to be vaccinated). However, if mandated for licensed businesses in the City of Minneapolis or the State of Minnesota, this policy is subject to change.
Zorongo’s Board of Directors will continue monitoring, gathering data, and surveying students regarding COVID-19 and its status in Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis. Thank you.
About the Teachers
SUSANA DI PALMA
Susana di Palma has taught Spanish/Flamenco dance for over 30 years. As a virtuoso performer and innovative choreographer, her classes challenge both the body and creative spirit. She stresses correct body alignment, use of breath, and basic technique, that benefit each student’s physical and emotional health. Her classes inspire students, encouraging them to discover their unique and joyful expression within this extraordinary Spanish art form. She strives to prepare them according to a challenging professional standard. At whatever level of aspiration a student enters her classes, Susana carefully guides them, drawing upon her lifetime of knowledge, experience, and respect in the international flamenco world. Susana has also been an adjunct faculty member of the Dance Department at the University of Minnesota for 15 years. Recently, she taught the summer session at Minnesota Dance Theater. Susana also teaches through Distance Learning Program at The Cowles Center for Dance.Master Teacher / Choreographer / Dancer / Artistic Director
MARIE DE LOS REYES
Marie de los Reyes is a former Conservatory of Flamenco Arts student and a graduate of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of New Mexico, studying under Eva Encinias Sandoval and Marisol Encinias with a focus on Flamenco dance & history. She has trained with several dance companies: Yjastros, Jesus Muñoz Co., and is currently with Evolución Latina in Minneapolis. Marie Antoinette has taught dance for Albuquerque public schools as a licensed instructor YMCA and guest taught at Flamencoworks LLC. She has worked teaching full inclusion science, math, and dance in low-income schools and nonprofits for over a decade and left her post as Chair of the Department of Mathematics at South Valley Academy to work in medical engineering in Minnesota at Mayo Clinic and Boston Scientific. Marie Antoinette holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California. She has traveled to and lived in Spain, studying with master teachers such as the Galván family, Torombo, Carmen Ledesma, and former Spanish Ballet Nacional Company member: Úrsula Lopez. She hopes to expand opportunities to share this beautiful art form with others in her new home of Minneapolis.Instructor / Dancer
COLETTE ILLARDE
Colette Illarde is originally from Chicago where she began dancing ballet with Edward Parish and started flamenco training with the Ensemble Español. Relocating to Minneapolis in 1998, she created FUEGO Flamenco and danced, designed, and produced many successful shows. She has received numerous awards for her work including the McKnight Fellowship for dancers. Colette has performed with numerous groups including the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet, Rogue Flamenco, and Interact Center Theater. Colette is a dedicated ally to the disabled community and believes strongly in personal empowerment through the arts. She is currently teaching Flamenco for All Ability, encouraging dancers with and without disabilities to experience the curative power of flamenco.Instructor / Dancer
Molly Kay Stoltz is a Twin Cities dancer, choreographer, teacher, customer service specialist, and Therapeutic Recreation specialist living in Saint Peter, MN. She is a 2009 summa BFA graduate of the University of Minnesota- Dance Program. Her work as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist grounds her in the community and brings her dance experience together with her passion to increase the quality of the lives of the elderly living in group settings in her community. She recently worked at Sholom Home West in St. Louis Park, MN as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in their rehab unit, assisting patients with their emotional, spiritual, and social needs while isolated from their communities in therapy. Molly Kay is an emerging flamenco dance artist. Molly Kay is mentored by Susana di Palma, Artistic Director for Zorongo Flamenco where she is also a company member. She was awarded an honorable mention for her solo in the competitive Flamenco Certamen USA in NYC, NY 2021. She is also a tap and percussive dance performer, choreographer, and teacher. She currently is a company member of Flying Foot Forum, and Kaleena Miller Dance. Molly Kay joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota Dance Program as their tap professor in Fall 2020 and has taught tap dance for youth and adults at Ballare Teatro Performing Arts Center.Molly Kay’s choreography has been presented through Chicago Freelance Dance, 9×22 Dance Lab at Bryant Lake Bowl, Patrick’s Cabaret, Zenon Zone’s Summer Choreography Intensive, Zorongo Flamenco, and Flying Foot Forum. She recently premiered her work at Park Square Theater in Sept. 2021 and she was chosen in 2020 as a Resident Artist for the Hinge Arts Residency in Fergus Falls. In 2015, she produced and choreographed for Visual Grooves, which featured collaborations between composer/musicians and choreographer/dancers.