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 (hand clapping), 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.
SATURDAYS, JANUARY 12 – MARCH 30
PALOMITAS children ages 5-8
9:00 a.m. (40-minutes) $120 Session or $10 Drop-in fee
Instructor Jenna Laffin
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The Palomitas class is for students ages five to eight. No prior dance experience necessary. Children will have fun learning flamenco rhythms and movements while meeting new friends and experiencing the Spanish culture!
PALOMAS children ages 8-12
9:45 a.m. (45-minutes) $120 Session or $10 Drop-in fee
Instructor Jenna Laffin
READ MORE Palomas will work on a dance called bulerías, a 12-count dance at the core of flamenco culture. This class is for children who have taken some dance in the past. We’ll incorporate traditional footwork and movement in the choreography, while also trying improvisation. Classes will be taught in English and Spanish, and learn about the history of flamenco.
MONDAYS, JANUARY 14 – MARCH 25
FLAMENCO PHYSICALLY INTEGRATED
6:30 p.m. (60-minutes) $150 Session or $16 Drop-in fee
Instructor Colette Illarde
READ MORE Structured for those with limited mobility, balance issues, or other disabilities. Classes are taken seated or standing (adaptations made) and designed for every student to have an authentic flamenco experience. Students are led through locomotor and non-locomotor movement combinations, and they connect to flamenco music, execute choreographies, enjoy improvisation, and organic expression. The rhythm and exercises are invigorating, while games and stories keep the class fun and challenging. Students appreciate engaging and promoting community, celebrating flamenco culture, and gaining greater health and well being.
WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 16 – MARCH 27
Flamenco Fun
6:30 p.m. (60-minutes) $150 Session or $16 Drop-in fee
Instructor A.J. Frenzel
READ MORE Wednesday nights emphasize FUN! AJ will lead you through warm up and technique exercises then move into inspired combinations. This mixed-level class is your chance to dance without pressure and tune into your own expression in the moment. Come as you are, get what you need, and take what you want.
WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 16 – MARCH 27
ADVANCED/BEGINNER CHOREOGRAPHY
7:30 p.m. (60-minutes) $150 Session or $16 Drop-in fee
Instructor A.J. Frenzel
READ MORE Enjoy the challenge of learning a flamenco choreography you can perform! This season it’s Caracoles–lyrical, fast moving, and danced with a fan. This class is a perfect follow up to Flamenco Fun. Pace of class will be geared toward dancers with 2+ years of flamenco classes or other dance experience.
SATURDAYS, JANUARY 12 – MARCH 30
BEGINNING FLAMENCO
10:30 a.m. (60-minutes) $167 Session or $16.00 Drop-in fee
Instructor A.J. Frenzel
READ MORE Students will learn a Sevillanas, a lively, traditional folk dance from Sevilla that is danced at ferias and fiestas. This class is welcomes students brand new to Flamenco as well as folk dancers and more experienced beginners. Learning Sevillanas builds foundations in rhythm and upper body expression and can be danced and performed for years to come.
TUESDAYS, JANUARY 15 – MARCH 26
TECHNIQUE AND CHOREOGRAPHY
6:30 p.m. (90-minutes) $190 Session or $20 Drop-in fee
Instructor SUSANA DI PALMA
READ MORE Shake off that winter blues with flamenco! Warm up with technique (footwork drills, patterns, remates, and turns), then enjoy learning a fiery Solea por Bulerias choreography.
SATURDAYS, JANUARY 12 – MARCH 30
TECHNIQUE AND CHOREOGRAPHY
11:30 a.m. (90-minutes) $205 Session or $20 Drop-in fee
Instructor SUSANA DI PALMA
READ MORE Shake off that winter blues with flamenco! Warm up with technique (footwork drills, patterns, remates, and turns), then enjoy learning a fiery Solea por Bulerias choreography.
WATCH FOR UPCOMING DATES
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 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 cancelled 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
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Susana di Palma
Master Teacher / Choreographer / Dancer / Artistic Director
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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. -
Colette Illarde
Instructor / Dancer
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Colette 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 is currently a teaching artist at Interact Center, creating theater and dance with adult artists with disabilities. -
AJ Frenzel
Instructor / Dancer
Andrea J. Frenzel is a dancer returning to the stage after a 12 year hiatus exploring life as a mother, doula, marathoner, and finance professional in New York. Her flamenco discovery began over 20 years ago in class with Susana di Palma. Before moving to NYC, she was a founding member of the Majas, Zorongo’s student company, Zorongo’s School Director, and was the recipient of a Jerome Foundation Travel-Study grant. Ms. Frenzel’s influential instructors include Maria Magdalena, Matilde Coral, Javier Latorre, Yolanda Heredia, Omayra Amaya, and most importantly Susana di Palma, to whom she is grateful for her years of encouragement and support. -
Jenna Laffin
Instructor / Dancer
After Jenna Laffin graduated from college in 2008, she moved to a small town in southern Spain to teach English. It was there that she became immersed in the culture of flamenco, learning the dance and its history, and became fluent in Spanish. Jenna began training with Susana di Palma in 2009, and has performed in Zorongo productions Zorro, Locas Mujeres, Caprichos, And the Beat Goes On, Garden of Names, and various other shows with the Majas apprentice dance company. Jenna has spent three years studying flamenco intensively in Madrid, where she also continued her teaching career in bilingual elementary schools. Jenna holds an international elementary diploma in Montessori education and is completing a Master’s in Education through St. Catherine University. She is a 1st through the 3rd-grade teacher at Great River Montessori in Saint Paul.