The next Son Party will be on Jan 31st. We will update the information soon.
SIMPLY SON (and chachachá)
Immerse yourself in the world of Son!
THE SIMPLY SON WORKSHOP IS FILLED.
Please join a waiting list by contacting Roberto Borrell or Claudia Finkle
· WHEN- Jan 14th 2026
· TIME- 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
· WHERE- Kubata Studios, 1412 Acroft Ct. Berkeley 94702
· COST- $100 for the 5-part series
· PAY- Zelle: 510-860-1175 or [email protected]
· PAY-Venmo: @Roberto-Borrell
PLEASE SEND ROBERTO A TEXT OR EMAIL TO BE ON THE WAITING LIST OR for the NEXT SESSION!! THANK YOU!
Join Roberto Borrell, a true cultural ambassador of Cuban music and history, for a 5-part workshop that teaches the art of dancing in Son Time. He will begin with the traditional Son step, progress to dancing ChaChaChá, and culminate by dancing to Timba music.
This workshop is designed for partner dancing; however, you do not need to come with a partner. It is open to all levels, and we encourage intermediate and advanced dancers to participate. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon!
The workshop will be broken down by week as follows:
Dates: Wednesdays:
Class One-TBD- Basic Son step, and slow turn
Class Two-TBD- Partner Dancing in Son, basic step, and slow turn
Class Three-TBD- Introduction to ChaChaChá, open and closed positions
Class Four-TBD- Partner dancing to Son Montuno and ChaChaChá
Class Five-TBD-Partner dancing with Son and ChaChaChá to Timba music, emphasizing dancing in Son timing, also called contratiempo.
For questions, contact Roberto at:
510-860-1175
d[email protected]
Michael Spiro, Roberto Borrell and Jesús Díaz at SFJAZZ
The Batá are three drums that originated in Nigeria and are used in Cuba to play in religious ceremonies and for performance. It is a very complex and beautiful art. The drums play simultaneously, creating their own language by “talking” to each other.
Roberto will go through different songs used in Orisha dance and played on the Batá. You will learn the words to the songs, where the Clave falls, and a most important factor for being able to hear and understand the drums: Where is the One?
The second half of the class we will get up and dance. Each student will try to sing the words to the songs out loud and demonstrate where the movement is placed within the song. Don't worry, perfection is not expected!!!
ROBERTO'S WEEKLY CLASS SCHEDULE
2025 Hybrid Classes
Kubata Studio, Berkeley, CA
Afro-Cuban Folkloric Dance
Mondays
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Hybrid class
email: [email protected]
Thursdays
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Hybrid class
email: [email protected]
$15 for an hour and a half class
Popular Cuban Dance
Call for private classes in Son & "Popular Music and Dance"
email: [email protected]
$50/hr
$80/hr for a couple
***For information on Percussion and Private Classes please call 510-860-1175.
***For Zoom Invites send an email to Roberto Borrell at : [email protected]