Contributed by Liz Anaya
Musicality Mondays
9/24/2018, 10/29/2018, 11/26/2018, 12/17/2018 - 7PM
Anaya Latin Dance
Four Corners Lounge
8000 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Palmer
Cost: $15
Salsa on Saturdays
10/13/2018, 10/20/2018, 11/10/2018, 11/17/2018, 12/8/2018, 12/15/2018 - 8:30PM
Anaya Latin Dance
Four Corners Lounge
8000 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Palmer
Cost: $10
You might have caught a glimpse of Anaya Latin Dance on stage at the Alaska State Fair recently, but did you know that this Cuban dance duo teaches right here in the Mat-Su Valley?
It may seem unlikely to find “authentic” Cuban dance in Alaska; however, you might be surprised! Ciro Anaya is from Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. He and Liz Anaya, who is from the Mat-Su, met a few years ago in Cuba while Liz was doing graduate research on Cuban dance. While conducting her fieldwork, she studied with the same dance company in which Ciro danced professionally. Now as a married couple in Alaska, they have founded Anaya Latin Dance, a new dance company focusing on the rich Cuban roots of Latin social dances, such as salsa, son, rumba and much more.
Have you always wanted to dance with a partner? You can find Anaya Latin Dance teaching Cuban salsa on two Saturdays a month at Four Corners Lounge in Palmer. The next “Salsa on Saturdays” events are scheduled for October 13th and 20th, November 10th and 17th and December 8th and 15th. Their beginner class starts at 8:30pm sharp and costs just $10. Arrive at 8pm to register, grab a drink and enjoy the music prior to the lesson start. No partner is necessary, although it is helpful to bring one! The class incorporates both Cuban salsa partner work, as well as “rueda de casino”, a fun way of dancing Cuban salsa as a group that always delights both dancers and onlookers.
Would you rather enjoy the music dancing on your own? You can do that too! One Monday per month, Anaya Latin Dance offers a special workshop focusing on musicality, footwork and body movement. It’s called “Musicality Mondays” and incorporates movements from Afro-Cuban rumba, mambo, reggaeton and other Cuban dances. You will burn calories and enjoy moving your body while also learning about Cuban music and culture. The next workshops take place from 7pm-8:30pm on September 24th, October 29th, November 26th and December 17th, also at Four Corners Lounge in Palmer. Each workshop costs $15, and minors may attend this workshop with a parent or guardian.
Anaya Latin Dance also offers more classes and events in Anchorage. You can find out more by searching for “Anaya Latin Dance” on Facebook or checking out www.anayalatindance.com.
