Do I need a partner to take dance classes at Motion Arts Center?

No! We rotate partners throughout partner-style classes, so you'll dance with everyone. Many students come solo. We also offer solo-format classes like Hip-Hop, K-Pop, Zumba, Jazz Funk, BollyX, Strong Nation, Line Dancing, and Contemporary Fusion where no partner is needed at all.

How much do dance classes cost at Motion Arts Center in San Mateo?

A single drop-in class is $35 (expires 15 days). Class packages: 2 sessions for $60 (same day), 5 classes for $150 ($30/class, 45 days), 10 classes for $270 ($27/class, 90 days). One Month Pass is $260 (1 class/day, 30 days, no contract). Memberships: VIP at $225/month (1 class/day) or Ultimate at $395/month (unlimited), both with 3-month minimum contract. New students can try a 7-Day Intro Pass for just $69 — save up to $176.

What should I wear to my first dance class?

Wear whatever feels comfortable. No special clothes required. Smooth-soled shoes work best on our hardwood floor — leather or suede soles are ideal. Avoid rubber-soled sneakers for partner dance classes. Sneakers are fine for Hip-Hop and fitness classes. We sell dance shoes in our in-studio store.

Do I need any dance experience to start at Motion Arts Center?

Not at all! We have absolute beginner and basics-level classes in every style. Our instructors break down every move step by step. Most of our students started with zero dance experience.

Where is Motion Arts Center located and is there parking?

Two studios in downtown San Mateo, CA: BigMAC at 217 S Claremont St and MiniMAC at 525 E 3rd Ave (94401). FREE parking garage right across the BigMAC studio (Verkada building), open Mon-Fri 6pm-12am, Sat-Sun 9am-12am. All city-owned parking is free after 6pm and all day Sundays. Kiku City Garage (526 spaces) is 2 blocks away. 3-minute walk from Caltrain, near highways 101, 280, and 92.

How do I book a dance class at Motion Arts Center?

Online pre-registration is required for all in-person classes. Create a free account on our website or app, browse the weekly schedule, and reserve your spot. You'll receive an email confirmation. Arrive 15 minutes before class.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel class reservations at least 24 hours before start time. Late cancellations or no-shows count as a used class. Private lessons require 48 hours notice. Purchases are not refundable or transferable. All sales are final.

Does Motion Arts Center offer private lessons and wedding first dance?

Yes! Private lessons for individuals ($150/session), couples ($230/session), and wedding first dance ($230/session). Each lesson is 45 minutes, in person or live video, includes floor fee. Packages: 3-pack from $435, 5-pack from $700, 10-pack from $1,250 (individual) or $1,850 (couples). Choose your style, instructor, date, and time online.

What dance styles does Motion Arts Center teach?

17+ styles: Salsa (On1), Bachata, Argentine Tango (including Vals and Milonga), Cumbia, Merengue, West Coast Swing, Hip-Hop, K-Pop, Jazz Funk, Heels, Bollywood, BollyX (fitness), Contemporary Fusion, Line Dancing, Zumba, Strong Nation (HIIT), and Couples Only classes. Also Salsa/Bachata Solo Basics and Latin Guided Practice Sessions.

Does Motion Arts Center offer corporate wellness programs?

Yes! Dance-based corporate wellness and team building. Packages: 50 classes for $1,250, 100 classes for $2,500, 250+ at custom pricing. Also public class credits ($100 for 5, $200 for 10, $400 for 20) and private group sessions. At our studio or on-site at your location.

Can I rent studio space at Motion Arts Center?

Yes! Our studios are available for rental — practice, classes, events, or productions. Premium sound systems, hardwood floors, air conditioning. Contact info@motionartscenter.com or (415) 851-6501 for availability and rates.

Cumbia Workshop

Learn to Dance Cumbia! Intensive Workshop For All Levels

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Latin America’s most beloved dance! Our Cumbia Workshop is your passport to discovering the infectious rhythms, passionate movements, and pure joy that make cumbia an irresistible cultural phenomenon.

Whether you’re a complete beginner taking your first steps or an experienced dancer looking to refine your technique, Tristan & Rhazel will guide you through this vibrant dance form with warmth, expertise, and infectious enthusiasm. This isn’t just a dance class – it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the universal language of movement.

What Makes This Workshop Special?

Authentic Technique: Learn traditional cumbia steps and styling from instructors who understand both the technical foundations and cultural heart of this beautiful dance.

All Levels Welcome: Our progressive teaching approach ensures everyone feels confident and included, from absolute beginners to seasoned dancers.

Dynamic Duo: Tristan & Rhazel bring their unique teaching styles together, offering multiple perspectives and personalized attention to help you shine.

What You’ll Learn

•Fundamental cumbia steps and timing

•Partner connection and leading/following techniques

•A fun style choreo that can be done with footwork (shines) or connected with a partner

•Learn 5 different cumbia moves and be able to combine them to create your own pattern for the social dance floor

Why Cumbia?

Cumbia is more than just a dance – it’s a celebration of life! With its roots in Colombian coastal culture and influences from Indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions, cumbia embodies the beautiful fusion that makes Latin American culture so rich and vibrant. The dance is known for its circular movements, flowing skirts, and the mesmerizing interplay between partners that creates pure magic on the dance floor.

Who is this workshop for?

This is an all levels workshop, no experience necessary – just bring comfortable clothes you can move in and your enthusiasm.

We’ll provide the music, the instruction, and the welcoming atmosphere.

*We strongly suggest to bring a partner for the best workshop experience. However, the teachers will rotate students during the class.

Saturday September 20th 2025 | 2pm-4pm

Tickets per person:

$50 Early Bird until 09/13/2025

$55 General Admission

$50 Member’s Discount

Sign Up Online to save your spot in class! (limited spaces available).

Location: Motion Arts Center
217 S Claremont St,
San Mateo, CA

What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, water bottle, shoes with a smooth leather or suede bottom sole.

About your instructors: Tristan’s journey began with his family and the tradition of being Mexican. Dancing banda, merengue and cumbia are all a big part of the culture. At the young age of 14, Tristan was chosen to participate in many quinceañeras to learn other dances such as salsa, waltz and bachata. At the age of 25, Tristan entered the world of ballroom dance learning more techniques and patterns in waltz and American rhythm. In addition, he began training with Rhazel Urbano to strenghten their partner dancing. Outside of dance he likes to be with family and play board games with close friends.

Rhazel’s dance journey started in high school learning jazz dance. This inspired her to join the school’s Dance Spectrum program and performing yearly. She took classes in contemporary, tap and hip hop. When she met Tristan and started training together as a dance couple they combined their diverse styles. In her free time you can find her playing the piano as well as seeing musicals.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Latin America’s most captivating dance forms. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and get ready to fall in love with cumbia!

¡Aprende a bailar la Cumbia! Taller intensivo Para Todos los Niveles

¡Únete a nosotros en un viaje inolvidable al corazón del baile más querido de Latinoamérica! Nuestro Taller de Cumbia Para Todos Los Niveles es tu pasaporte para descubrir los ritmos contagiosos, movimientos apasionados y la pura alegría que hacen de la cumbia un fenómeno cultural irresistible.

Ya seas un principiante completo dando tus primeros pasos o un bailarín experimentado buscando perfeccionar tu técnica, Tristan & Rhazel te guiarán a través de esta vibrante forma de baile con calidez, experiencia y entusiasmo contagioso. Esto no es solo una clase de baile – es una celebración de cultura, comunidad y el lenguaje universal del movimiento.

¿Qué Hace Especial Este Taller?

Técnica Auténtica: Aprende pasos tradicionales de cumbia y estilo de instructores que entienden tanto las bases técnicas como el corazón cultural de este hermoso baile.

Todos Los Niveles Bienvenidos: Nuestro enfoque de enseñanza progresiva asegura que todos se sientan seguros e incluidos, desde principiantes absolutos hasta bailarines experimentados.

Dúo Dinámico: Tristan & Rhazel combinan sus estilos únicos de enseñanza, ofreciendo múltiples perspectivas y atención personalizada para ayudarte a brillar.

Lo Que Aprenderás

• Pasos fundamentales de cumbia y timing

• Técnicas de conexión de pareja y guiar/seguir

• Una coreografía de estilo divertido que se puede hacer con trabajo de pies (shines) o conectado con una pareja

• Aprende 5 movimientos diferentes de cumbia y podrás combinarlos para crear tu propio patrón para la pista de baile social

¿Por Qué Cumbia?

¡La cumbia es más que solo un baile – es una celebración de la vida! Con sus raíces en la cultura costeña colombiana e influencias de tradiciones indígenas, africanas y españolas, la cumbia encarna la hermosa fusión que hace que la cultura latinoamericana sea tan rica y vibrante. El baile es conocido por sus movimientos circulares, faldas que fluyen y la interacción hipnotizante entre parejas que crea pura magia en la pista de baile.

¿Para Quién Es Este Taller?

Este es un taller para todos los niveles, no se necesita experiencia – solo trae ropa cómoda en la que puedas moverte y tu entusiasmo.

Nosotros proporcionamos la música, la instrucción y el ambiente acogedor.

Es muy recomendable venir con tu pareja a tomar la clase para mejor resultado. Si es no es posible, no te preocupes, porque los instructores van a pedir que los estudiantes sin pareja cambien de compañero durante la clase.

Sábado, 20 de Septiembre, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Tickets por persona:

$50 Descuento por compra anticipada hasta el 09/13/2025

$55 Admisión General

$50 Descuento para Miembros

Inscríbite online para asegurate tu lugar en la clase! (Vacantes Limitadas).

Ubicación: Motion Arts Center, 217 S Claremont St, San. Mateo, CA

Qué Traer: ¡Ropa cómoda, botella de agua y tu espíritu bailarín!

Acerca de tus Instructores: Tristan: Su viaje comenzó con su familia y la tradición de ser mexicano. Bailar banda, merengue y cumbia son una gran parte de la cultura. A la temprana edad de 14 años, Tristan fue elegido para participar en muchas quinceañeras donde aprendió otros bailes como salsa, vals y bachata. A los 25 años, Tristan entró al mundo del baile de salón aprendiendo más técnicas y patrones en vals y ritmo americano. Además, comenzó a entrenar con Rhazel Urbano para fortalecer su baile en pareja. Fuera del baile, le gusta estar con la familia y jugar juegos de mesa con amigos cercanos.

Rhazel: Su viaje de baile comenzó en la preparatoria aprendiendo danza jazz. Esto la inspiró a unirse al programa Dance Spectrum de la escuela y presentarse anualmente. Tomó clases de contemporáneo, tap y hip hop. Cuando conoció a Tristan y comenzaron a entrenar juntos como pareja de baile, combinaron sus diversos estilos. En su tiempo libre puedes encontrarla tocando el piano así como viendo musicales.

¡No te pierdas esta oportunidad única de sumergirte en una de las formas de baile más cautivadoras de Latinoamérica! Los espacios son limitados, así que asegura tu lugar hoy y prepárate para enamorarte de la cumbia.

¡Regístrate ahora y únete a nuestra familia cumbiera en Motion Arts Center!

Booking Information

Pre-registration is required for all in person classes. Please click on Sign In/Register at the top right hand corner of this website. By creating an account you can book and pay online for classes before arriving to the studio. This will save you time and help avoid congestions at the front desk. After you register and book a class, you will receive an email confirmation. If you already have an account at MAC, just log in using your email and password to book any class.

New Students please click here to get started.

For Class Rates and Packages please click here. As a way to reward your commitment, the more classes you take the better price you receive.

If you cancel a booked reservation, it must be done so with a minimum of 24 hours before the class start time. If late-cancel or no show within the 24 hour window, the class reservation will still apply and be deducted from your account. Purchases are not refundable and are not transferrable to other programs or individuals.

Classes will start on time and doors will open 15 minutes before each class starts.

No special clothes are required; what feels comfortable for you is good.

To learn about what we teach in each class please visit our Class Descriptions page.

For the most common questions about our classes please see our FAQ’s page.

We look forward to see you in class soon! If you have any questions please Contact Us.

Cumbia Workshop

Booking Information

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