School

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. It which includes live flamenco guitar, stresses the structure of dances with flamenco cante (song) and encourages each student to perform basic dance techniques – 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.

COVID-19 Policy

Zorongo requires proof of vaccination (for all those eligible to be vaccinated) plus masks while in the studio. Proof of vaccination includes bringing a physical card or showing a digital photo of your vaccination card on the first day of your class.

Fall 2021 Classes

If you have never visited the Zorogno 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.

PALOMAS CHILDREN AGES 7 – 12 (In-Studio)

4:00 p.m. (50-minutes) Thursdays, September 16 – December 16, 2021

Instructor: Susana di Palma

Prerequisite: Palomitas or some dance experience 

    • $40 for a four-class session (September, October & November) with no minimum to run the course.
    • $20 for a two-class session (December only) with no minimum to run the course.
    • $12 drop-in fee per class if you are unable to commit to a session.
    • All class payments must be made online. Payments will not be accepted in-studio.
    • There are no refunds for missed classes.
Read Class Description

Older children will learn flamenco movements, rhythms and fun new choreographies. Classes will be taught in English and Spanish.


REGISTER for September Session (9/16 – 10/7) or Drop-in
REGISTER for October Session (10/14 – 11/4) or Drop-in
REGISTER SOON for November Session (11/11 – 12/2) or Drop-in
REGISTER SOON for December Session (12/9 – 12/16) or Drop-in

All ABILITIES FLAMENCO (In-Studio)

9:30 a.m. (60-minutes) Saturdays, September 18 – December 18, 2021

Instructor: Colette Illarde

Prerequisite: None

    • $60 for a four-class session (September, October & November) with no class minimum to run the course.
    • $30 for a two-class session (December only) with no class minimum to run the course.
    • $16 drop-in fee per class if you are unable to commit to a session.
    • All class payments must be made online. Payments will not be accepted in-studio.
    • There are no refunds for missed classes.
Read Class Description

This class is structured so that 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 from week to week.  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, enjoy improvisation and organic expression. Students will also do exercises using hands, arms, and upper body to increase 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. 

REGISTER for September Session (9/18 – 10/9) or Drop-in
REGISTER for October Session (10/16 – 11/6) or Drop-in
REGISTER SOON for November Session (11/13 – 12/4) or Drop-in
REGISTER SOON for December Session (12/11 – 12/18) or Drop-in

*NEW* BEGINNER ONE FLAMENCO (In-Studio)

5:30 p.m. (60-minutes) Tuesdays, September 14 – December 14, 2021

Instructor: Christine Kozachok

Prerequisite: None

    • $60 for a four-class session (September, October & November) with no minimum to run the course.
    • $30 for a two-class session (December only) with a minimum of four students preregister to run the course.*
    • $16 Drop-in fee per class if you are unable to commit to all four lessons.
    • All class payments must be made online. Payments will not be accepted in-studio.
    • There are no refunds for missed classes.
Read Class Description

This is a fun immersion course for teenagers and adults who are new to flamenco, and for recent beginners. You will learn basic flamenco techniques – arms, footwork, turns and palmas (handclapping) – and a simple flamenco choreography that incorporates those techniques. Students may wish to visit a Beginner Two or Intermediate flamenco class to see where these foundational skills will take you.

REGISTER September Session (9/14 – 10/5) or Drop-in
REGISTER for October Session (10/12 – 11/2) or Drop-in
REGISTER SOON for November Session (11/9 – 11/30) or Drop-in
REGISTER SOON for December Session (12/7 – 12/14) or Drop-in

*If the minimum number of students is not met, anyone who registered will receive a refund.

*NEW* Beginner One After-Class Guidance

6:30 p.m. (15-minutes) Tuesdays, September 14 – December 14, 2021

    • Available for registered Beginner One Flamenco students. No additional fee.

The more you practice, the faster you will progress. To help you practice with confidence, the teacher will remain for 15 minutes after class to take questions. This is not a private tutoring session. Be prepared to ask about a specific step or technique that you want to get right before you practice at home.

Beginner Two Flamenco (In-Studio)

10:45 a.m. (60-minutes) Saturdays, September 18 – December 18, 2021

Instructor: Colette Illarde

Prerequisite: Past Beginner/Intro

    • $60 for a four-class session (September, October & November) with no minimum to run the course.
    • $30 for a two-class session (December only) with a minimum of four students preregister to run the course.*
    • $16 Drop-in fee per class if you are unable to commit to all four lessons.
    • All class payments must be made online. Payments will not be accepted in-studio.
    • There are no refunds for missed classes.
Read Class Description

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 may wish to visit an Intermediate flamenco class to see where your improving skill set will take you. You will dance to live flamenco guitar.

REGISTER September Session (9/18 – 10/9) or Drop-in
REGISTER for October Session (10/16 – 11/6) or Drop-in
REGISTER SOON for November Session (11/13 – 12/4) or Drop-in
REGISTER SOON for December Session (12/11 – 12/18) or Drop-in

*If the minimum number of students is not met, anyone who registered will receive a refund.

*NEW* Beginner Two After-Class Guidance

11:45 a.m. (15-minutes) Saturdays, September 18 – December 18, 2021

    • Available for registered Beginner Two Flamenco students. No additional fee.

The more you practice, the faster you will progress. To help you practice with confidence, the teacher will remain for 15 minutes after class to take questions. This is not a private tutoring session. Be prepared to ask about a specific step or technique that you want to get right before you practice at home.

INTERMEDIATE FLAMENCO CHOREOGRAPHY (IN-STUDIO)

1:00 p.m. (90-minutes) Saturdays, September 18 – October 23, 2021
12:30 p.m. (90-minutes) Saturdays, October 30 – Decmber 18, 2021

Instructor: Susana di Palma

Prerequisite: Past Intermediate or teacher permission

    • $80 for a four-class session (September, November, December) with no minimum to run the course.
    • $40 for a two-class session (October only) with no minimum to run the course.
    • $21 Drop-in fee per class if you are unable to commit to all four lessons.
    • All class payments must be made online. Payments will not be accepted in-studio.
    • There are no refunds for missed classes.
Read Class Description

Students will continue to expand their repertoire of flamenco techniques and choreography.  Each class will begin with exercises that refine your skills in flamenco body placement, footwork, turns and  ‘marcaje’ (marking steps). You will learn a new choreography to live flamenco guitar. A different ‘palo’ (flamenco style) will be taught each session.


1:00 p.m. (90-minutes) Saturdays 18 – October 23:

REGISTER September Session (9/18 – 10/9) or Drop-in
REGISTER for October Session (10/16 – 23) or Drop-in

12:30 p.m. (90-minutes) Saturdays, October 30 – December 18:

REGISTER SOON for November Session (10/30 – 11/20) or Drop-in
REGISTER SOON for December Session (11/27 – 12/18) or Drop-in

*If the minimum number of students is not met, anyone who registered will receive a refund.

ADVANCED FLAMENCO EXPRESSION (In-Studio)

6:45 p.m. (75-minutes) Tuesdays, September 14 – December 14, 2021

Instructor Susana di Palma

Prerequisite: By teacher invitation only

Read Class Description

Formerly called ‘the Reunion Class’, this course is for students with extensive flamenco dance experience.  The class will focus on the expressive joy of flamenco in lieu of a fixed choreography.

To request a teacher invitation, email gmbargas@zorongo.org

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.

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.

DOWNLOAD WAIVER FORM

Class Policies:

  • 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.

About the Teachers

  • Susana di Palma


    Master Teacher / Choreographer / Dancer / Artistic Director
    READ BIO

  • Colette Illarde


    Instructor / Dancer
    READ BIO

  • AJ Frenzel


    Instructor / Dancer

    READ BIO