Recurring Events

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Hosted by Yuki and Aaron

A Practilonga is a place to dance Tango as if you were in a regular milonga, following the same rules and etiquette of a traditional milonga, but also open to experimentation, asking questions, and a less formal dress code.

Whether you're attending your very first tango event or you've been dancing for years, dancers of all experience levels are warmly welcome. Come to dance, practice, connect with the community, and enjoy an evening of traditional Argentine tango.

Tango Class 7PM-8PM

Dancing 8PM-11PM

Traditional tango music by DJ Yuki.

Cash donations welcomed at the door.

The 418 Project complies with all local health regulations.

Ticket covers all 5 classes + final performance: November 13th.

Ready to play? Bring your wildest ideas for skits, songs, improv, dance movement, and more! This is a place where kids unfold, open up, and shine. Explore emotions, express yourself, and discover your own theatrical style all in a safe, joyful space where every child's inner spark gets room to bloom.

Scholarships available for 5 / 20 participants! Please email community@the418project.org to inquire about scholarships.

Please bring something to write with and a notebook, or one can be provided.

"The Play's the Thing!" — William Shakespeare

Meet Your Guide

Michele Newman is a longtime Santa Cruz theater teacher-director who brings child-guided activities to life, helping young performers turn their inner visions into stage magic. A UCSC Theater Arts graduate (+ Teacher Credential Program) with a graduate degree in Music Education & Jazz Vocals from SJSU, Michele is a CA credentialed teacher who grew up in a theatrical & musical family, and began teaching kids' music and theater at just 8 years old. She’s been a performing actress in plays, films, commercials and sang with her own jazz band for many years. She’s now an intuitive sound healer with her Crystal Bowl Orchestra. Her work spans schools and organizations throughout the region, including Helios School-Sunnyvale, Westlake, Gault, Monarch, Delaveaga, Capitola Elementary, EA Hall Middle School, Gateway School, Pacific School-Davenport, Bonny Doon Elementary, Branciforte Middle School, Temple Beth El, Chadeish Yameinu Jewish Renewal of Santa Cruz, Gilroy Unified and Oak Grove School Districts, Watsonville High School, and the Santa Cruz Office of Education's Advanced Studies Drama program (Shakespeare, pantomime, improvisation, and more).

Day 1: Intro to Basic Performance Techniques + Creative Ideas

Objectives: Get to know each other and set expectations 1st Practice in acting out inner emotional expression with physical movement & vocal projection awareness Learn Vocal Awareness Begin emotional expression practice w/ discussion Begin 1st practice of improv & interactions with others on stage

Activities: Circle: Introduce Yourself with Tone of Voice that expresses your Emotion with Physical Movement; students imitate the one introducing; Teacher role model Change your emotion and show us a different emotional expression than our group intro: whisper, talk slow-mo, super-fast cartoon talk, no sound Go over expectations for how to treat each other sensitively; show written board Discussion of Voice Control

1. Projection
2. Pitch
3. Pace
4. Volume
5. Inflection
6. Diction
7. Accent,
8. Emotion
9. Dynamics

Choose partner: Mirror each other’s movements & sounds Crystal Bowl quiet circle Write imaginative ideas in notes for what you want to express through skits, songs, improv Keep working on your ideas; bring to next class + musical instrument, if desired

Takeaway: Students gain understanding of basic performance techniques: vocal expression, beginning emotional expression, stage interactions with others & ideas for next class

Day 2: Share Creative Ideas, Improv + Make a Plan

Objectives: Share creative ideas for performance Work with partner or individually Create plan for performance Take home and complete Improv Practice

Activities: Circle: Share creative ideas and explain your plan to perform Kids can work with partner or on their own to map out plan; teacher circulates Always remind class to treat each other sensitively; written board as needed Teacher explains needs for performance: props, costumes, lighting, etc. Circle: Share your next-level plan with group Crystal Bowl quiet circle Write any new ideas that come to you during quiet time: think about props, costumes, instruments, etc Improv Practice-Discuss how improv occurs even in planned performance Take home plan and finalize

Takeaway: Students map out main performance plan and discuss it with teacher and/or other students for finalization

Day 3: Practice & Play with Performance Ideas

Objectives: Practice plan with partner or individually; teacher circulates Teacher supports Tech Jobs for those who choose not to perform Teacher reminds students of basic performance techniques, as needed Discussion of memorization or script reading Tighten performance ideas Take home and work on it

Activities: Circle: Share final ideas for performance Teacher determines who really wants performance and who prefers tech Discussion of tech jobs: props, lights, mics, costumes Practice skit with partner or on their own to map out plan; teacher circulates Discuss timing of skit Always remind class to treat each other sensitively; written board as needed Teacher explains needs for performance: props, costumes, lighting, etc. Crystal Bowl quiet circle if kids desire for deeper thought Write any new ideas that come to you during quiet time Take home final plan and practice; bring props & costumes to next class

Takeaway: Students feel confident about their final plan based on real-time practice. Practice at home; bring props & costumes to next class

Day 4: Continue Practice for Performance

Objectives: Practice with partner or individually Tech Job practice for those who choose not to perform Basic performance techniques tight Memorization or script reading Refine & Tighten performance ideas Watch each other’s performances Take home and practice

Activities: Practice with partner or individually; teacher circulates Teacher supports Tech Jobs for those who choose not to perform Teacher reminds students of basic performance techniques, as needed Memorization or script reading Refine & Tighten performance ideas Watch each other’s performances: take notes Circle: Healthy Positive Feedback: Take notes Take home and practice

Takeaway: Students feel great confidence about their final plan based on real-time practice. & feedback: Practice at home; bring props & costumes to next class

Day 5: Final Practice for Performance

Objectives: Perform skits & songs for each other with Tech Jobs in place Express Confidence & Lessons with Final Circle discussion Crystal Bowl quiet time One more run-through of performance Practice at home

Activities: Perform skits & songs for each other with Tech Jobs in place Take notes Circle: discuss final notes & support; tell group how you feel & your lessons Crystal Bowl quiet time One more run-through of performance Practice at home

Takeaway: Students feel great confidence about their final performance. Practice at home; bring props & costumes to performance

Day 6 / Final Performance: Performance with Parents & Friends

Objectives: Show the world what you’ve got and what you’ve learned Invite family & friends

Activity: Final Showcase on Stage with All Tech

Takeaway: Students feel wonderful about their final performance and all they’ve learned.

Reasons To Believe:

Childhood is all about Imagination When we support right-brain creativity, left brain activity is also activated for Math & SEP (Science & Engineering Practices) Utilizing imagination in a world that continually trains us to “follow directions” keeps brain-heartmind cells alive and active Accessing imagination, then illustrating inner vision with demonstration, embodiment and optimal implementation supports critical thinking and whole brain skills, while supporting integration of body, heart, mind and spirit.

Tuesday Sober Karaoke at The 418 Project

1st & 3rd Tuesdays 7-9pm By Donation

Step into the spotlight-- or just cheer from the audience-- at Tuesday Karaoke! Whether you're a seasoned performer or someone who's never held a mic, you'll find a warm, welcoming group ready to cheer you on as you belt your favorite tune. Come as you are and sing your heart out in a judgement-free and sober environment designed to support creative expression and connection. Bring a friend or come solo. It's a perfect space for letting go of the day's stress with some silliness, giving voice to your emotions, overcoming stage fright, building confidence, and laughing a lot along the way! All voices welcome.

Show up & get on our WhatsApp group for weekly themes- but you're always welcome to sing what's in your heart.

For more info, email programming@the418project.org

Our Mission of Movement

To introduce and increase the use of Argentine Tango in the Santa Cruz Tango Community

Teachers with Experience

Sharon and Terry have been teaching Argentine Tango in Santa Cruz County since 2006. They stay current on technique by participating in Tango Festivals & Encuentros, not only dancing at the milongas but participating in the classes offered so they can bring back the techniques and sequences to share with the students.   In addition, they host teachers from Argentina on a regular basis to bring the real thing to the local community. 

Monthly on the Last Sunday of Every Month4:15 PM – 5:15 PM: Ink Drop (Free Writing Workshop)5:15 PM: 5-Minute Open Mic Sign-Ups Begin5:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Mic Drop Open Mic & FeaturesAdmission: $7 – $10 sliding scaleMic Drop! is an “All the Way Open” community open mic welcoming every modality of creative expression: poetry, spoken word, hip-hop, acoustic music, singing, comedy, dance, and theater. Each month features a spotlight artist alongside a walk-in sign-up list with 5-minute performance sets.Founded by Jessie Marie and emceed by Gregory Speed Sr. (GMS), Mic Drop provides a safe, welcoming, and encouraging space for unseen and unheard groups to share their talents, express life experiences, and connect deeply with the Santa Cruz community.Follow @.mic.drop. on Instagram for monthly feature announcements, updates, and community highlights.