Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico and Cultural Center Offers Adult & Children's Hula, Folklorico, and Belly Dance Classes

Gina de Baca and the Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico and Cultural Center (also known as Cabeza de Vaca Cultural Dance School / Center) are offering Adult and children's Hula Dance classes in partnership with the City of Santa Monica. They are also offering both adult and child Folklorico Dance classes with the city, along with Belly Dance classes.

Founded by Gina de Baca more than 20 years ago in response to the loss of local cultural programs amid rapid gentrification on the Westside, the group began as backyard and parking-lot classes and has grown into a dance company and cultural center dedicated to preserving and sharing Latino and Native American traditions in Santa Monica. It remains the only folklorico dance company in the city.

Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico and Cultural Center Offers Adult & Children's Hula, Folklorico, and Belly Dance Classes

Classes emphasize intergenerational participation (students range from young children to elders), cultural history, fitness, community connection, and joy. Offerings include Ballet Folklorico (Mexican and Latin American folk dance rooted in ballet technique, vibrant skirts, and storytelling), Hula / Hawaiian (and related Polynesian) dance, and Belly Dance, with additional programming in Aztec Dance & Drum and related cultural arts often available through the center.

These City of Santa Monica Recreation partnership classes make traditional dance accessible through the municipal system. Registration is handled via the City's ActiveNet system (search "Folklorico," "Hula," or related terms on the Santa Monica Recreation activity search page). Online registration is required; walk-in registration is generally not available. Specific schedules, locations (typically City parks or facilities such as Marine Park, Memorial Park, or others), ages, fees, and session dates appear in the current listings.

The center also provides group classes, workshops, private lessons, and performances at various Santa Monica and Westside locations. Contact: [email protected]; Instagram @santamonicaballetfolklorico or related handles; Facebook (cabezadevacacultura). Address correspondence: 2720 Nielson Way #5273, Santa Monica, CA 90405.

Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico and Cultural Center Offers Adult & Children's Hula, Folklorico, and Belly Dance Classes

Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico and Cultural Center Offers Adult & Children's Hula, Folklorico, and Belly Dance Classes

Join Gina de Baca and the Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico community to keep these living cultural traditions active and vibrant in Santa Monica-for adults, children, and families alike. Check the City of Santa Monica Recreation site for current class details and to enroll.