Past Events

Heels & Honey, Santa Cruz's cabaret dance troupe, returns to The 418 Project for its 2026 showcase, Sweet Obsession.

From spotlight-stealing shows to vibe-raising parties, Heels & Honey brings the sugar, the spice, and a whole lotta sparkle: a powerhouse of dancers from Santa Cruz County who light up the stage with fierce energy, elegance, and unforgettable style, in heels, burlesque and belly dance.

Saturday, October 17, 2026. Show 8:00–10:00 PM in the Large Theater. Box office opens at 7:30 PM.

Tickets

• General Admission: $40
• VIP Table: $120. Two prime seats, a Honey Goodie Bag, and an up-close view of the show. Limited.
• Live Link: $20. Watch the performance live from home; the viewing link is emailed on October 17.

Ticket service fees apply. Online sales close at 12:00 PM on the day of the show (2:00 PM for the live link). If tickets remain, they are sold at the door from 7:30 PM.

Get tickets from Heels & Honey

More about the troupe and its classes at heels-and-honey.com and on Instagram.

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

We are offering two tracks for this series:

• Level 1 & 2 • Level 2 & 3 Please read the descriptions and register on our website :)

Each level is the same price ($65) and each includes: Three classes (1 hour and 15 minutes each) from 7PM to 8:15PM Three social dances from 8:15PM to 9:15PM All classes and dances are located at the 418 Project in Downtown Santa Cruz. Note: all classes are focused on Blues, East Coast Swing, or Lindy Hop, NOT West Coast Swing.

Santa Cruz Swing began in response to the growing interest and excitement the Santa Cruz community has shown for swing dancing. The teachers and those who have supported SC Swing have been swing dancing for over a decade and want to share the silly, playful, cool, and fun nature of the dance.

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!

During our series, we host social dances from 8:00pm - 9:30pm immediately following the dance lessons at the 418 Project. Students from the lessons get into the dances for free. Dancers from the general public are welcome to join as well, for $5 during a regular DJ'd social, and $10 If we have a band.

The Santa Cruz Film Festival returns for its 26th year, October 14–18, 2026, with 75+ independent films at venues across Santa Cruz. The 418 Project hosts nine programmes over three days in the Small Theater: four feature films, including a world premiere, and five shorts blocks.

Founded in 2000, SCFF is an artist-driven, filmmaker-forward festival built around discovery, connection, and a shared love of independent cinema.

Tickets: $10 general admission, $5 students (THE DAO OF THAO: $8 general). Tickets and festival passes are sold by the festival at scff26.eventive.org.

Thursday, October 15

5:00 PM — One Plant

Feature documentary, 92 min. Directed by Jordan Berger. California premiere. A filmmaker and hemp farmer, searching for answers after losing his mother to addiction, travels the country meeting the farmers, scientists and doctors working to bring hemp back.

7:30 PM — Good Grief: Short Films on Letting Go

Shorts programme, 108 min. Drama, documentary and animation about how we remember, let go and keep living: Camino, My Plastic Mother, Life in Death: The Anthropology of Death and Dying, The Six Seconds, Cities Like Oakland, In Between, My Friend the Dandelion.

Friday, October 16

5:00 PM — Through My Board

Feature documentary, 66 min. Directed by Dan Eason. California premiere. A portrait of Paul Johnson, a Black, deaf, lifelong skater who grew up at Portland's Burnside Skatepark, and of friendship, recovery and growing older in the place that made you.

7:00 PM — That's Just Wrong!: Friday Night Comedy Shorts

Shorts programme. Six comedies that go places you were not expecting: The Expiration of Darius Campbell, SANDWICHED, Period Hotline, Knock Out!, AI JESUS, A DUMMY STORY.

9:00 PM — Seven Deadly Shorts: Horror and Thrillers

Shorts programme. Seven horror-comedies, psychological thrillers and body-horror shorts: This Is Book Club, The Music of Anjali Mudra, Mel, Donor, The Sacred Hunger, Intramus, Pigmentosa.

Saturday, October 17

2:30 PM — THE DAO OF THAO

Feature documentary, 70 min. Directed by Khai Thu Nguyen. Follows queer Asian American performer Thao P. Nguyen as she develops a one-woman show in San Francisco with directors W. Kamau Bell and Martha Rynberg.

5:00 PM — What If?: Sci-Fi, Satire, & Strange Futures

Shorts programme. Eight shorts about strange possible futures: Acid City, Us and Them, Morpheus, Reprogrammed, Severed, Addie, Fake News Movie, Homebodies.

7:30 PM — Experimental Shorts

Shorts programme for adventurous viewers: We Didn't Know Why, Meeting with the naked man, OOZING, Devour, NECROPOLIS, Sea What I See, Tamago, Man Eating Pussy.

10:00 PM — MESSIAH INK

Feature comedy, 65 min. World premiere. Directed by the Schmenge Brothers (DNA, Dylan Hillerman and Julia Reodica). Followed by a Q&A moderated by 418 Project Executive Director Dennis Bartok with cast members Toni Nagy, Hannah Marianetti, Curtis Taylor III, Daymon Ferguson and DNA.

The programme is set by the festival and may change. See the full festival schedule and santacruzfilmfestivals.org for every venue.

Wednesdays 7-10pm Drop-in $10 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.

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

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.

Wed., October 14th – 7:30 PM – SMALL THEATER

Presented with the Festival of Monsters 2026 – UC Santa Cruz THE QUATERMASS XPERIMENT (1955, Park Circus, 78 min.).

A trio of British astronauts are launched into space by obsessed rocket scientist Professor Quatermass (Brian Donley) – but only one returns to Earth and he’s not the same, to put it mildly.   One of the finest B&W sci-fi / horror films of the 1950s (a great decade for them in general), THE QUATERMASS XPERIMENT also launched Hammer Films into the stratosphere as the UK’s premiere genre producers.  Adapted from a BBC TV serial by the great writer Nigel Kneale and expertly directed by the legendary Val Guest (THE DAY THE EARTH CAUGHT FIRE), THE QUATERMASS XPERIMENT was followed by three equally brilliant sequels and turned Professor Bernard Quatermass into one of Britain’s most iconic sci-fi heroes, next to Doctor Who!

Dr. Marshall Leicester will appear at the screening to discuss THE QUATERMASS XPERIMENT.

Info on the Festival of Monsters 2026 – UC Santa Cruz:

The Festival of Monsters is an annual gathering of scholars and artists from across the globe who use monsters and monstrosity in their work. Sponsored by the UCSC Center for Monster Studies, the 2026 Festival will be the fifth such event, investigating how monsters and language intertwine with panels on monstrous communication, cursed texts, horror poetry, and more! Not just for academics, the festival features public events in beautiful downtown Santa Cruz for the whole community to enjoy. https://www.monsterstudies.ucsc.edu/2026public

Tickets:  $10 advance / $15 at the door.

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.

Designed for youth and teen dancers, the Kaika Class with Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance deepens students' technical skill, artistic expression, and cultural understanding of Polynesian dance traditions.

Under the dedicated guidance of instructor Charmaine Moniz and senior dancers, youth explore both classical Hawaiian Hula and dynamic Tahitian Dance ('Ori Tahiti), developing rhythm, stamina, and ensemble choreography.

What Dancers Focus On:

• Advanced Hula Technique: Moving beyond basic footwork into layered foot combinations, graceful hip transitions, and nuanced storytelling through hand, arm, and eye focus.
• Fast-Paced 'Ori Tahiti: Developing core strength, rapid hip articulation (fa'arapu, varu, afata), and tempo control set to live and recorded Tahitian percussive beats.
• Mele (Songs) & Oli (Chants): Understanding the poetry, historical contexts, and Hawaiian language pronunciation embedded within each dance.
• Ensemble Artistry: Spatial awareness, line synchronization, stage presence, and mutual encouragement within the hālau family.

Class Details:

• When: Tuesdays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Location: The 418 Project Lobby Dance Floor (155 River St S, Santa Cruz, CA)
• Who: Youth and teen dancers (ages ~11–17), from beginner to continuing intermediate students.
• What to Wear: Pā‘ū skirt or pāreu (sarong) over athletic leggings/shorts and a fitted top. Barefoot.

The Wahine Advanced Class is Te Hau Nui’s intensive master-level class for experienced adult dancers dedicated to preserving, practicing, and performing authentic Polynesian dance traditions.

Founded in Santa Cruz in 1997 by master teacher Kumu Lorraine Kalei Kinnamon (1957–2024) and carried forward with reverence by Charmaine Moniz, Te Hau Nui ("The Great Peace") honors the sacred genealogies of Hawaiian Hula and the exhilarating power of Tahitian 'Ori Tahiti.

Repertoire & Study:

• Hula Kahiko (Ancient Hula): Sacred chants (oli) accompanied by traditional percussive implements (ipu heke, pahu, kāla‘au), focusing on ancestral deities, voyaging history, and island ecology.
• Hula ‘Auana (Modern Hula): Flowing, melodic storytelling dances set to Hawaiian slack-key guitar, ‘ukulele, and vocal harmonies.
• ‘Ori Tahiti (‘Ote‘a & ‘Aparima): Rapid, syncopated drum dances requiring exceptional core and hip stamina, paired with lyrical, expressive ballad dances.
• Performance Repertoire: Intensive rehearsal of full hālau suites for community festivals, cultural showcases, and seasonal presentations.

Class Details:

• When: Tuesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: The 418 Project Lobby Dance Floor (155 River St S, Santa Cruz, CA)
• Who: Experienced wahine dancers by instructor placement or invitation.
• What to Wear: Traditional practice pā‘ū skirt, pāreu, or hālau practice attire.

Step into the welcoming warmth and sisterhood of Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance! The Wahine Beginning Class is designed for adult women of all backgrounds, ages, and fitness levels—whether you have never danced before or are returning to Polynesian dance after years away.

Under the supportive, culturally rooted instruction of Charmaine Moniz, you will experience dance as a celebration of life, community connection, and wellness.

Why You’ll Love This Class:

• Gentle, Welcoming Instruction: Learn the fundamental steps of Hawaiian hula (kāholo, ‘uwehe, hela, ‘ami) at a comfortable, encouraging pace.
• Storytelling Through Movement: Discover how hand motions and facial expressions tell timeless stories of ocean breezes, rainforest flowers, love, and community.
• Tahitian Rhythms: Experience introductory Tahitian hip articulation (tāiri tamau, fa'arapu) that energizes the body and builds healthy core and lower-body strength.
• Holistic Wellness: Low-impact cardiovascular exercise, improved balance, joint mobility, and mindful stress relief in a supportive community space.
• No Partner or Prior Dance Experience Needed: Come as you are, connect with fellow dancers, and enjoy the transformative spirit of aloha.

Class Details:

• When: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Location: The 418 Project Lobby Dance Floor (155 River St S, Santa Cruz, CA)
• Who: All adult women welcome (teens 16+ also welcome).
• What to Wear: Comfortable clothing you can move freely in (leggings or workout pants). A pāreu (sarong) tied around the hips is recommended to help visualize hip movements. Barefoot or dance socks.

Introduce your keiki (children) to the vibrant stories, rhythms, and spirit of Polynesia! Taught by the renowned Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance, this joyful weekly class offers young dancers a nurturing foundation in both Hawaiian Hula and Tahitian Dance ('Ori Tahiti).

Founded in Santa Cruz in 1997 by master teacher Kumu Lorraine Kalei Kinnamon and continued by Charmaine Moniz, Te Hau Nui shares Polynesian culture through motion, music, and the foundational values of aloha (love and kindness), mālama (caring for one another), and hō‘ihi (respect).

What Dancers Learn:

• Hawaiian Hula Fundamentals: Essential footwork (kāholo, hela, ‘uwehe, ‘ami) and expressive hand storytelling gestures representing the ocean, mountains, rain, flowers, and ancestral legends.
• Tahitian Drumming & Rhythm: High-energy basic Tahitian steps (tāiri tamau, fa'arapu) aligned with traditional Polynesian drumming cadences.
• Cultural Language & Protocol: Chants (oli), song lyrics (mele), basic Hawaiian/Tahitian vocabulary, and reverence for traditional dance arts.
• Movement & Poise: Coordination, rhythm, spatial awareness, and confidence in a collaborative group setting.

Class Details:

• When: Tuesdays, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The 418 Project Lobby Dance Floor (155 River St S, Santa Cruz, CA)
• Who: Open to all keiki/youth beginners and continuing young dancers (ages ~4–11).
• What to Wear: Comfortable clothing that allows movement (t-shirt and leggings or shorts). A floral sarong (pā‘ū or pāreu) is welcome but not required. Barefoot or dance socks.