Past
Events
Past Events
Connected to Venue Family system
Motion Pacific: Adult Beg. Jazz Fusion
Last Event
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Contact Improv
8 PM - Opening circle and self or community led warm up 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM Weekly rotation between contact improv supportive DJ soundscape, Live music and focused score or creativity incubator. NOTE THIS IS AN EMBODIED PRACTICE: Please no chatting/socializing on the dance floor. Feel free to visit with friends in the adjacent lobby area so that we can keep the studio space for focused jamming. Thank you. SCHEDULE: Monthly schedule of warm up facilitators and soundscape artists or themes exploration to be posted at the beginning of each month. What is Contact Improvisation? Contact improvisation (CI) is a creative dance form emerging from physical contact between partners. It was created by Steve Paxton, a student of Merce Cunningham, in the United States in 1972. The practice transcends the established boundaries between gymnastics, martial arts, meditation and dance. In doing contact, dancers directly experience with their partners the dynamic physical forces which affect all movement: mass, momentum, inertia, friction. The multidimensional nature - physical, emotional and spiritual - of the point of contact also allows the dancers to engage in non-verbal communication in a concrete manner and on several levels
Last Event
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Afro-Brazilian Dance
with Dandha Da Hora
Mondays 6pm–7:30pm Drop-in $25 - $35 Beginners and all levels welcome! Dandha’s Afro-Brazilian Dance is an invitation to explore the rich world of Afro-Brazilian Dance traditions with a gifted and dedicated teacher. Her classes focus on folkloric and Orixa-inspired dance, Samba-Afro, samba reggae, and other Brazilian dance styles and feature live drumming. Everyone will find challenge and inspiration in her dancing and teaching. All levels and all backgrounds are welcome. We are centering around equity and discovering what this looks and feels like. We are humbly striving to create an antiracist space to move freely and to embody diversity, equity, and inclusion as an intentional community of movers and shakers. We don't know exactly what this will look like however we are open to ideas and would love feedback. If you have suggestions, please submit them in writing to one of the facilitators or the suggestion box.
Last Event
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Motion Pacific: Intermediate Contemporary Jazz
Last Event
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Rare Screening! CHAC: THE RAIN GOD (CHAC: DIOS DE LA LLUVIA)
Chac focuses on a small Tzeltal village during a terrible drought. Desperate for relief, 13 men set out on a quest to save their people.
Rare Screening – Mystical Mayan Language Feature:
CHAC: THE RAIN GOD (CHAC: DIOS DE LA LLUVIA) -- 1975, Kino Lorber, 95 min.
There was nothing. The expanse of the sky was empty. All motionless silence in the darkness, in the night. Only the Creator, Tepeu, Gucumat, the Progenitors were there in the water surrounded with clarity. – from the Popol Vuh
Based on the culture of the Popul Vuh, as well as stories from Tzeltal and Mayan legend, this gorgeous ethno-fiction film was shot using mostly nonprofessional actors speaking their native Mayan language in the Mexican Chiapas region by Chilean director Rolando Klein. The story focuses on a small Tzeltal village during a terrible drought, with the people desperate for relief, sending thirteen men on a quest to save their people from starvation. They seek a solitary Diviner who lives in the mountains and knows the ways of the Ancients, hoping that he can summon Chac, the Rain God. A magical, mystical, and intensely visual 1970s cult film. In the Mayan language with English subtitles.
Doors open at 7PM, film at 7:30 PM at The 418 Project, 155 South River Street, downtown Santa Cruz at the Dragons Gate.
$10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Last Event
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
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Congolese Dancing with Vivien Bassouamina
Come experience the fast paced energy of Congolese Dancing with experianced teacher Vivien Bassouamina! $20 suggested Donation.
Connect with the rich traditions of Central Africa in this Congolese dance class led by instructor Vivien. Accompanied by the grounding energy of live drumming, this class is open to all movement levels from absolute beginners to experienced dancers. Vivien will guide you through traditional footwork and polyrhythms that celebrate community, history, and rhythm. Presented as a Co-Production with The 418 Project, this partnership brings dynamic cultural arts programming directly to the local community. Hosted in our safe and welcoming space, it’s a great opportunity to move your body, de-stress, and connect with others. Grab your water bottle and join us on the dance floor!
Free - Donations Accepted
Motion Pacific: Adult Int. Modern
In this class, movers will wake up the senses through somatic and improvisational practices. Full bodied warm ups will use both standing combinations and floor work with an emphasis on alignment, breath, strength, and efficient movement. This class will also include across the floor combinations and accumulative phrase work. Throughout, dancers will use the expressive and creative body as a medium to practice internal and anatomical awareness. Some Dance Experience Required
Last Event
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Motion Pacific: Melissa Contemp. Jazz
Melissa Wiley started dancing at the age of four and is classically trained in tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop and contemporary dance. She competed for several years with Dance Magic Studio, based in Lancaster, CA. She began teaching at her studio through the competition team assistant's program and has been teaching tap, jazz, ballet and hip hop consistently for over 10 years. She loves working and interacting with students of all ages. Currently, she is also working with Cid Pearlman Performance Projects and has been a guest choreographer for Cabrillo College dance concerts.Melissa is also experienced in burlesque dancing, which has taken her to Portugal, Las Vegas and other venues throughout the bay area. She occasionally teaches burlesque workshops for adults and is always excited to perform and become involved with new challenges and projects.
Last Event
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Baby Dance Jam
With Jeff Stasi
Jeff Stasi returns with Baby Jam! A joyful, interactive gathering for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers. Baby Jam with Jeff Stasi Weekly on Wednesdays- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Nearly 25 years after first bringing families together through music and movement, Jeff Stasi returns with Baby Jam—a joyful, interactive gathering for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers.
The morning begins with everyone gathering in a welcoming circle before Jeff leads the group into a playful musical journey. Drawing on nearly 25 years of experience creating family-centered music and movement experiences, Jeff combines live guitar, accordion, percussion instruments, and curated recorded music creating a rich and engaging environment for children and caregivers alike. Families are invited to dance, sway, spin, play, and connect as the music unfolds organically throughout the gathering. Designed for babies through approximately 2–3 years old, Baby Jam offers a relaxed environment where little ones can move freely, listen, spin, sway, and engage at their own pace. Babies are welcome on a rug in the center of the room, while caregivers participate alongside them, creating opportunities for bonding, shared discovery, and meaningful connection. Jeff is a dancer, musician, caregiver, gardener, painter, and longtime community builder whose work has helped families connect through music and movement for decades. Participants often describe Baby Jam as a special opportunity to slow down, share joy, and deepen their connection with their children. Older siblings are welcome when appropriate, but all children must remain under the supervision of their parent or caregiver at all times. This is a family participation event and not a drop-off program. This event has historically been offered as a free community gathering, with donations welcomed at the door for Jeff and/or the venue. Come sing, dance, play, and connect in a warm community space where movement, music, and family come together.
Free - Donations Accepted
Tango Class with Aaron and Yuki
Intro to Tango is a welcoming weekly class for anyone interested in exploring the beauty, connection, and artistry of Argentine Tango. Whether you're stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or looking to strengthen your fundamentals, this class offers a supportive environment to learn at your own pace. Students will develop the core principles of tango, including posture, musicality, balance, partner connection, and basic footwork, while building confidence through guided instruction and practice. No partner or previous dance experience is required just bring comfortable shoes and a willingness to learn. Tango is more than a dance; it's a conversation built on trust, presence, and movement. Join us each week and discover the joy of connecting through dance. Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7:00 PM All levels welcome • No partner required The 418 Project • 155 River St. S., Santa Cruz
Free - Donations Accepted
Motion Pacific: Dance for PD
Dance for Parkinson’s at Motion Pacific is a class for people with Parkinson’s Disease and their caretakers. The class is based on the innovative and internationally renowned Dance for PD® program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Trained Dance for Parkinson’s teachers use prompts and multiple dance styles to inspire movement, creative expression, and community. Dancers may sit in a chair, use a barre, or stand. Dance for Parkinson’s at Motion Pacific is open and free to the public. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinson’s, no matter how advanced. Movement modifications will be made available and there is no dance experience required. Dance for Parkinson’s is offered every Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:15pm, with the exception of the first Wednesday of the month, during which class is not held. Classes are offered in a hybrid format. This means that you can join us on Zoom or in-person, in the Lobby at The 418 Project.
Last Event
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cielito Lindo Tango Practica
with Israel Bibriesca
Wednesdays 7-10pm Drop-in $8 Beginners and all levels welcome! Come join us for a fun night of Argentine Tango Practica at The 418 Project! The dance floor we enjoy in the main lobby is large enough to be divided into two areas, one designated for learning the basics & the other for sequence practice for beginners. This offering requires proof of vaccination, the use of a mask during class is optional.
Wahine Advanced Class: Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance
155 S. River St.
Santa Cruz CA, 95060
(831) 466-9770
community@the418project.org
Made with ❤️ by: The Electric Family