Best Samba School Fresno Near Me

4worldlovers:
Welcome to Pete and Carmen's "Studio '65" Salsa Dance Academy located on N Blackstone Ave in Fresno, CA!

Thanks for stopping by & checking us out! Here are some quick links to what people are asking for:

Pre-registrations are highly encouraged as this is the only way to guarantee your spot in any class.

• Looking to check out live salsa music and other social salsa dance events? Click here.

• Curious about private 1:1 or group lessons, having us host a workshop at your office or company, private event, wedding, quinceañera, or other function? Click here.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop us a line through our contacts page, and either Pete or Carmen will get back to you as soon as possible.

:• Paypal payment functionality now up 'n running on the Classes Offered page.

• Creation of bachata and salsa student "checklists" detailing exactly what material we cover in each course so:

4worldlovers: Register Now to Reserve Your Spot in the Spring Semester, Jan. 2nd

4worldlovers:
The Dance Studio of Fresno was created with one simple vision in mind: to transform dancers into artists at the core of their being. To achieve that, we have trained our dancers since 1982 with the finest dance technique in Central California and have resolved to teach each student how to fully connect with dance as an art form. From the precise placement of each fingertip to the genuine emotion portrayed on their faces, we strongly encourage our students to proudly own their craft and allow their love for their art to flourish. Read more

4worldlovers: Our group was started by Kolei Fiefononga Kuma. Kolei was from Leimatua, Vavau, Tonga. He moved to Oahu in the late 1960’s and it was there that he met his wife, Linda. They married and eventually moved to Fresno. On October 7th, 1972 Kolei gathered dancers and musicians to make a show for his son Kolei Sii’s first birthday. Kolei called on his cousins and friends to put together the entertainment. That first event: a birthday luau, became a place for Polynesians in the area to connect with each other and enjoy the music and dances of their homelands. For many years our group was just a relaxed group of Polynesians that had banded together to relieve their homesickness.

Kolei passed away in 2002 but this show he loved and his love for the Polynesian culture lives on through his children. That small group of Polynesians hanging out in the garage at the Kuma’s house in the 80’s and 90’s grew to be what the group is today. Now, hundreds of dancers and drummers come weekly to the Polynesian Club of Fresno to share in the music and dances of Polynesia. We see generations of families each week. The first children Martha taught to dance are now teaching and leading classes along side of her.

Linda Kuma has always been the costume designer, manager etc. She dedicates her time for the group full time booking shows, organizing events, catering, sewing and managing the studios.

Leo Kuma is the baby of the family and is our lead male dancer/choreographer, our head drum teacher, and fire knife dancer.

Martha Leina’ala Kuma is the second child. She is the ra’atira or leader of the group. She has been trained by many respected kumuhula and teachers in all types of Polynesian dance. Martha has been leading the group since 1992. She continuously attends and brings workshops with Polynesian dance masters to our group to ensure that our dances and dancers are always culturally correct and growing in knowledge and appreciation.