Why take a dance class in Atitlán?
Taking a dance class is an awesome way to get to know people, learn a new skill, and have fun while you’re at it.
What better place to learn this exuberant form of expression than in Lake Atitlán? The scenery, the culture, the colors… it all screams “wake up!” and “live life to the full!”. Just watching the sunrise behind the volcanoes makes me want to pop some moves… and I’m as far on the “beginner” side of the dance spectrum as you can get.
Whether you already love to dance and want to try a new style, or are a newbie to this, taking a dance class in Lake Atitlán is a great activity.
Why I decided to join a dance class in Atitlán
I’ve always been interested in learning to dance, but I’ve never put in the effort to learn. (Aside from a few failed attempts on YouTube).
This year I decided a dance class would be good for me on multiple levels.
- I wanted to get to know more people in my town. Shared interest groups and classes are a great way to do that.
- I wanted to schedule exercise into my day, which is primarily spent typing at the computer.
- Nothing gives me a buzz like casting myself into the unknown and learning a new skill.
What dance classes are available in Lake Atitlán?
Although there may be additional options, here are the main places you can take dance lessons in Lake Atitlán, ranging from salsa and bachata to dance fitness and ballet.
Zumba Fitness Dance Classes in Atitlán
Zumba Fitness is an awesome and fun way to work out, learn a variety of dance styles, and meet some new people. It combines cardiovascular exercise with muscle-toning moves like squats, lunges, and jumping jacks. It also improves your balance, rhythm, and flexibility… all to some hopping tunes.
Why I chose Zumba
As Zumba.com puts it:
We take the “work” out of workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. Once the Latin and World rhythms take over, you’ll see why Zumba® Fitness classes are often called exercise in disguise. Super effective? Check. Super fun? Check and check.
This is the style of dance I decided to try first. In January, I joined a group of fifteen others and stumbled and laughed my way through the hour-long session. Even without knowing most of the moves (and making lots of mistakes), it was FUN. It’s only gotten more fun as I’ve gotten the hang of more steps.
Zumba Instructors in Lake Atitlán
José Alberto de la Cruz
Zin José Alberto de la Cruz is the founder of Grow in Health and is an exuberant dance instructor. He radiates energy like few dancers I’ve seen. You can tell he loves what he does. He’s encouraging, easy to chat with, and is constantly changing his lineup of songs. We even danced a Scottish jig last month, which I loved. (Bring on the bagpipes!)
José Zumba classes combine a variety of dance styles including merengue, salsa, cumbia, bhangra, techno, and more.
Claudia de Jong
Zin Claudia de Jong has teamed up with José in his Grow in Health studio to offer more Zumba Fitness classes. She pops some different moves than José Alberto but is just as into the fun. Her whole body lights up when she takes the floor and you can’t help but follow along.
Why not join a class today?
Zumba Fitness Classes at Grow in Health Studio
Currently, the Grow in Health studio only offers classes on the very top floor of Plaza del Angel in Sololá. However, you can reach out to José for private classes, both individually or as a group, or to see if he can offer lessons to a group in your town. He’s also available to teach choreography.
Class Hours
José teaches the Monday through Wednesday classes, while Claudia teaches the Thursday through Saturday classes. If you choose the monthly package, you must choose which group you want to attend. If you’re just dropping in, choose whatever time slot you want.
Group 1: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
Group 2: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
Group 3: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Prices of Zumba Fitness Dance classes in Atitlán
There is a one-time inscription fee and then you may choose to pay per class, per week, or per month. The first class is free. You may also invite a friend and they can attend their first class for free.
Latin Dance, Hip-Hop, and Contemporary Dance Classes in Atitlán
If you’re located in Panajachel, you can access six different styles of dance classes at Bakanos Studio, located at Selina Atitlán. I definitely want to check this out sometime!
About the styles of dance available at Bakanos Studio
Want to try a new dance style? Or a few? Check out these dance classes at Bakanos Studio in Panajachel.
Kizomba Dance Classes
According to one source, “Kizomba is an African dance characterized by close partner connection and smooth, grounded movement… it’s easy for anyone to learn and enjoy on the social floor in only a little time, but remains challenging and interesting for those captivated by this style.”
Bachata Dance Classes
Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic and is a great dance to perform with that special someone in your life.
Salsa Dance Classes
Salsa is a Latin dance and music genre that combines Caribbean and African rhythms. It draws from a variety of Cuban dances including cha cha, mambo, pachanga, and rumba, as well as American dances like tap and swing.
Dance Fitness Classes
Dance Fitness, much like Zumba, is all about combining physical conditioning with the fun of dance. It’s a great option for getting more fit while having fun.
Contemporary Dance Classes
Contemporary dance originated in the mid-twentieth century and combines elements of classical ballet, lyrical dancing, modern dancing, and ballet. Contemporary dance isn’t limited to one style of music. It emphasizes expression and improvisation.
Hip-Hop Dance Classes
As Steezy puts it, “Hip Hop Dance is a style of movement characterized by bounces and rocks, executed to Hip Hop music. It has deep historical and social roots in African American culture, having emerged in Black communities living in 1970s New York. While frequently referred to as a singular dance style, Hip Hop dance is part of a whole culture of Hip Hop, that includes Deejaying, Graffiti, Emceeing, and Breaking.”
Dance Instructor Nestor Cifuentes
Nestor Cifuentes is an enthusiastic, patient, and encouraging dance instructor and is the founder of Bakanos Studio. He is a talented teacher and is great at reading the room, meeting students where they’re at, and cracking jokes to keep things fun.
Dance Class Schedule at Bakanos Studio/Selina Hostel
Check out the schedule below to see what time slot and style of dance you want to try.
Prices of Dance Classes in Atitlán at Bakanos Studio/Selina Hostel
If you choose the ten or twenty class package you can mix and match which dance class you attend, however, if you pay per month, you must choose which style of dance you want, such as salsa or hip-hop.
Group classes:
1 class Q35
10 classes Q250
20 classes Q400
Per month: Q200 plus Q50 registration fee (2 hours per week)
Private classes
1 class Q125
10 classes Q1000
20 classes Q1500
Per month Q450 plus Q50 registration fee (2 hours per week)
Dance Classes in Atitlán for Children
If you have children and are looking for dance classes for kids ages two years old and up, we’ve got you covered.
Christine Tjahjadi-Lopez, founder of Transformación Ballet offers a variety of classes in Panajachel, Sololá, and San Pedro la Laguna. Although she offers adult classes on occasion, her primary focus is on teaching children.
Why choose Transformación Ballet
Lindsey Newberry Choguaj, a longtime Panajachel resident says,
“Transformación Ballet has been an incredible experience for our family. My oldest daughter, Mila, is 4 years old, and she’s been dancing with them for two years already. Miss Christine and her staff do a phenomenal job of keeping the kids engaged and having fun during class. From the song selections to the activities chosen, everything is age-appropriate and purposeful. Not only do the students work on their dance skills, but they are also encouraged to know and love themselves exactly as they are… Transformación Ballet is incredibly affordable and I can’t recommend their programs enough. If you’re in the area, definitely check them out!
Transformación Ballet is a socially responsible organization, offering dance class scholarships to children with few resources and those who live in children’s homes.
What kinds of dance classes are available at Transformación Ballet?
- Baby Ballet
- Pre-ballet
- Ballet
- Jazz
- Hip-hop
- Pointe
Dance instructor Christine Tjahjadi-Lopez
Christine Tjahjadi-Lopez is an upbeat and fun instructor. She is encouraging, disciplined, and strict. She pushes her students to do their best and grow in all areas of their life, including confidence, self-image, and academics. She’s also not opposed to fun-noodle fights, roller-skating parties, and taco nights. Get ready for some focused growth and fun!
Dance class schedule at Transformación Ballet
This is the current schedule at Transformación Ballet. You can also contact Christine via Facebook or Instagram.
Sololá
Classes in Sololá are held on Monday and Wednesday at the Nido del Aguila.
2:15-3:00 p.m. Pre-Ballet
3:00-4:00 p.m. Beginner Ballet
4:00-5:00 p.m. Intermediate Ballet
San Pedro La Laguna
Classes in San Pedro La Laguna are held on Tuesdays at Sapitos
2:15-3:15 Beginner Ballet
3:15-4:15 Intermediate Ballet
Panajachel
Classes in Panajachel are held at the Transformación Ballet Studio
Baby Ballet
3:00-3:45 p.m. on Tuesdays
9:00-9:45 a.m. on Fridays
Pre-Ballet
4:00-5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays
10:00-11:00 a.m. on Fridays
Beginner Ballet
2:00-3:00 p.m. on Thursdays
Pre-Intermediate Ballet
10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturdays
Intermediate Ballet
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays
Hip Hop
4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays
Lyrical Jazz
5:00-5:45 on Thursdays
Prices of Classes at Transformación Ballet
Payment is in cash during the first class of each month.
Q100 Yearly Inscription Fee
Q150 per month – 1 class per week
Q275 per month – 2 or more classes per week
**English Classes are included in the price of dance classes and are held three times a week on Zoom**
Students who keep up an 80% grade point average during the month will win a prize.
New Sensations: Nancy Gudiel *Antigua
Nancy Gudiel is one of Guatemala’s most prodigious dancers. At her studio, New Sensations, she teaches every latin dance you can think of. She’s kind, patient, and teaches every one from beginners to competition dancers. Most recently, she even taught actor Will Smith. Although her studio is based in Antigua and not Atitlan, we just couldn’t leaver her out of this guide!
New Sensations, 7a Avenida Sur 12, Antigua
whatsapp: +502 5667 6144
To The Point
It’s time to get jiggy with it! Book your dance class in Atitlán. Sweat the calories out while upgrading your moves. Meet new potential partners, and enjoy the lake while doing that latin shake! The only thing in your way is you. So move it! 😉