In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), we’d like to highlight some fantastic recreation programs which have ties to Latin American cultures. We thank neighbors south of the border for Zumba, Salsa, Bachata, Tango, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and even indoor soccer!
TEAM SPORTS
FUTSAL
“Futsal” started in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani, a teacher in Montevideo, Uruguay, created a version of indoor football for recreation in YMCAs. This new sport was originally developed for playing on basketball courts, and a rule book was published in September 1933. We sometimes call it “indoor soccer”, but let’s not forget where it came from. All levels welcome!
@ Ballard CC
All Ages, Drop In
9/7-12/28 Thursday 6:15-8:45 p.m. FREE
@ Van Asselt CC
All Ages, Drop In
9/13-12/30 Friday 4-6:30 p.m. FREE
PARTNER DANCE
ARGENTINE TANGO
@ Garfield CC
Ages 18 and Older
Experience an exciting introduction to Argentine Tango. Perfect for beginners, you’ll learn the fundamentals and dance with different partners to build your skills in a supportive environment. Wear smooth-soled shoes and comfortable clothes and let the music move you. Registering with a partner is encouraged, but not required.
Beginner 9/11-10/23 Monday 6:45-7:45 p.m. FREE #60063
Intermediate 11/6-12/11 Monday 6:45-7:45 p.m. FREE #60064
SALSA & BACHATA
@ Miller CC
Ages 18 and Older
We’ve combined Salsa, a blended dance form with origins in Cuba, and Bachata’s soft hip motions and footwork in this dance class. Get ready for Caribbean and Latin influenced music as you learn basic skills and work to practice and improve.
10/5-10/26 Thursday 6-7 p.m. $79 #60222
11/2-11/30 Thursday 6-7 p.m. $79 #60223
BALLROOM AND LATIN DANCE
Let’s dance! Each session is tailored to the majority of the participants’ requests. We will cover several dance styles including tango, cha-cha, foxtrot, waltz, swing, and salsa. Come by yourself or with a partner. Please bring your dancing shoes.
@Meadowbrook CC
9/7-10/19 Thursdays 7-8 p.m. $54 #58721
10/26-12/7 Thursdays 7-8 p.m. $54 #59961
@ Northgate CC
Ages 16 and Older
9/12-10/18 Wednesday 6:30-7:30 p.m. $67 #60899
11/1-12/20 Wednesday 6:30-7:30 p.m. $67 #60900
ZUMBA©
Did you know? Zumba first started in Colombia in the 1990s when an aerobics instructor forgot his CD and had to substitute his Latin dance tracks! Now popular in the USA, it combines fitness, entertainment, and culture into an exhilarating dance-fitness sensation! Come on out to a fitness party that blends upbeat world rhythms – many Latin – with easy choreography for a total body workout!
@ International District/Chinatown CC
Ages 16 and Older
60438 9/30-12/30 Saturday 10-11 a.m. $5
@ Rainier Beach CC
Ages 14 and Older
60016 9/6-12/27 Wednesday 6:30-7:30 p.m. FREE
@ Van Asselt CC
Ages 16 and Older, women only
60787 9/26-12/21 Tu/Th 6-7 p.m. FREE
MARTIAL ARTS
BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
Learn the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that teaches defense against larger assailants with proper technique and leverage. Your child’s confidence will grow through an emphasis on healthy living, respect, self-discipline and integrity. We also practice meditation to help improve focus, self-awareness, and stress management.
@ Jefferson CC
Ages 16 and Older
9/12-12/12 Tuesday 4:40-5:30 p.m. $117 #60250