Classes
Información en español · Clases y programas
Learn Cuban dance with DC Casineros through weekly adult classes, workshops and programs for children and families.
Explore our workshops and performances across the United States.
Choose a weekly class and register · Youth and family programs · Learn about Casino and Cuban Son
Weekly Cuban Dance Classes
Join us at Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, Washington, D.C. Choose your class below to register directly with Dance Place.
Mondays · Afro-Cuban Dance
7:15–8:30 p.m.
With Naomi Washington-Roque
Explore movement, rhythm and the cultural traditions of Afro-Cuban dance.
Tuesdays · Beginning Rueda de Casino
6:30–7:45 p.m.
With DC Casineros instructors
Learn Cuban social dance and the shared rhythm of Rueda de Casino, one step at a time.
Wednesdays · Intermediate / Advanced Casino Partnerwork
7:00–8:30 p.m.
With DC Casineros instructors
Develop your musicality, connection and Cuban Casino partnerwork.
Fall 2026: Dance Place’s session runs through December 13. There are no classes November 23–29. Class availability and future sessions are shown on the registration pages. All times are local to Washington, D.C.
For workshops on Cuban Son and other Cuban popular dances, send us a workshop request.
Inside Our Teaching
From practicing together as partners to exploring movement as a group, our classes connect technique with musicality and community.
Teaching in Action
Our teachers share Casino and Rueda de Casino through workshops and everyday practice. These recordings show the dances taught in our programs.
Casino · Naomi and Sito
All-levels Casino workshop at CubaSon 2025. Watch on YouTube.
Rueda de Casino · Mallorca 2025
A congress workshop from CubaSon Mallorca 2025. Watch on YouTube.
Inside Our Class Archive
From our class video archive (2018).
Cuban Dance for Children and Families
Explore Youth & Family Programs
Through the teaching of Adrian Valdivia, Naomi Washington-Roque, Amanda Gill, William Sánchez and Paul Cassens and the company’s community programs, DC Casineros introduces young dancers to Cuban music, movement and the joy of dancing together. Our work at Glen Echo Park includes opportunities for children and families to explore Rueda de Casino. We also bring children’s dance activities to community partners, including Dance Place.
Join our next Cuban dance matinée at Glen Echo Park on October 24, 2026, from 2–5 p.m., or contact us about a children’s or family program.
Private Lessons and Workshops
Bring Cuban dance to your event, school or organization. Request instruction
October at a Glance
Weekly classes, performances, socials and the Rachel Ortiz weekend. Use the event and class registration buttons on this page to sign up.
Music, Movement and Community
Our classes share the Cuban dance traditions that inspire the company’s performances and community gatherings. See Cuban Son on stage in this 2024 performance at Baltimore’s World Dance Festival.
Company performance, 2024. Watch on YouTube.
Our Instructors
LindaRose Piccolo and Evan Kreiensieck are also company dancers and instructors. Explore their training and teaching backgrounds.
Meet our teaching artists and explore their experience, performances and private instruction:
- Adrian Valdivia
- Naomi Washington-Roque
- Laura Dalemarre
- Diana Ortiz Sosa
- Paul Cassens
- William Sánchez
- Sito Sasieta
- Amanda Gill
Meet the full company and teaching core · Request private instruction or a workshop
Meet Our Youth and Family Program Instructors
Our youth and family team includes Adrian Valdivia, Naomi Washington-Roque, Amanda Gill, William Sánchez and Paul Cassens. Their experience spans children’s dance, school-community youth work, quinceañera choreography and university teaching. Explore our youth programs and 2005–2026 history.
Adrian Valdivia
Artistic Director · Choreographer · Principal Dancer · Instructor
Adrian connects Cuban dance with youth development and community building. As Youth Development Program Director / Violence Prevention Coordinator at CHEC through MCIP, he works with middle- and high-school students. He has also taught in Dance Place’s children’s programming and is working to expand positive after-school opportunities through Cuban dance.
Naomi Washington-Roque
Rehearsal Director · Choreographer · Principal Dancer · Instructor
A Washington, D.C. native and DC Casineros instructor since 2014, Naomi brings a passion for Afro-Cuban dance, education, youth work and community building to her teaching.
Amanda Gill
Founding and Former Artistic Director · Current Instructor
Amanda teaches children’s classes at Glen Echo and continues the company’s work in Cuban dance education. Her background in ballet, modern dance and dance/movement therapy informs her approach to movement and community.
William Sánchez
Choreographer · Principal Dancer · Instructor
William’s experience includes quinceañera choreography, youth dance instruction and family celebrations. A company performer since 2009 and Rueda de Casino instructor since 2010, he brings musicality and cultural knowledge to his teaching.
Paul Cassens
Instructor Chair · Choreographer · Principal Dancer
Paul is an adjunct faculty member in George Mason University’s School of Dance and an instructor with the university’s Azucar dance club. His experience is especially relevant to college-age young adults and campus communities.
For private lessons, children’s events, family programs or youth workshops, use the booking form and include the instructor’s name and the program you have in mind.