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.
Class Schedule
Class Schedule – Spring 2022
COVID-19 Policy
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels tracker for Hennepin County indicates a low community-level transmission. Therefore Zorongo Flamenco has lifted its mask mandate. However, students are welcome to wear a mask, and Zorongo continues to supply one-time-use masks in the studio.
Zorongo continues to require proof of vaccination (for all those eligible to be vaccinated). Proof of vaccination includes bringing a physical card or showing a digital photo of your vaccination card on the first day of your class. In addition, Zorongo will follow CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines for being fully vaccinated.
Zorongo’s Board of Directors will continue to monitor the COVID-19 status in Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis. Thank you.
Location
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)
Group children’s classes are suspended for the 2022 Winter Session (January – March). However, Susana di Palma is offering private lessons, and email her at susanazorongo@gmail.com for more information.
All ABILITIES FLAMENCO (In-Studio)
9:30 a.m. (60-minutes) Saturdays, April 2 – May 21, 2022
Instructor: Colette Illarde
Prerequisite: None
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- $60 for a four-class session (April) with no class minimum to run the course.
- $45 for a three-class session (May)
- No class on April 23 or Memorial Day weekend May 28.
- $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.
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 · May Session (5/7 – 5/21 no class Memorial Day weekend 5/28) or Drop in
BEGINNER ONE FLAMENCO (In-Studio)
5:30 p.m. (75-minutes) Tuesdays, March 29 – May 24, 2022
Instructor: Christine Kozachok
Prerequisite: None
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- $75 for a five-class session (April) with no minimum to run the course.
- $60 for a four-class session (May)
- $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.
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 · May Session (5/3 – 5/24) or Drop-in
Beginner Two Flamenco (In-Studio)
10:45 a.m.(60-minutes) Saturdays, April 2 – May 21, 2022
Instructor: Colette Illarde
Prerequisite: Past Beginner/Intro
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- $60 for a four-class session (April) with no minimum to run the course.
- $45 for a three-class session (May)
- No class on April 23 or Memorial Day weekend May 28.
- $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.
- $60 for a four-class session (April) with no minimum to run the course.
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.
REGSITER · May Session (5/7 – 5/21 no class Memorial Day weekend 5/28) or Drop in
Beginner Two After-Class Guidance
11:45 a.m. (15-minutes)
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- 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)
12:15 p.m. (90-minutes) Saturdays, April 2 – May 21, 2022
Instructor: Susana di Palma
Prerequisite: Past Intermediate or teacher permission
*NEW* start time 12:15 p.m.
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- $80 for a four-class session (April & May) 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.
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.
REGISTER · May Session (4/30-5/21 no class Memorial Day weekend 5/28) or Drop-in
ADVANCED FLAMENCO TECHNIQUE & VARIATIONS (In-Studio)
6:45 p.m. (75-minutes) Tuesdays, March 29 – May 24, 2022
Instructor Susana di Palma
Prerequisite: Intermediate/Advanced or higher
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- $100 for a five-class session (April) with no minimum to run the course.
- $80 for a four-class session (May)
- $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.
This course is for students with extensive flamenco dance experience. The class will focus on technique with different variations each week.
REGISTER · May Session (5/3 – 5/24) or Drop-in
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.
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 a 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. -