DANCE MISSION PRESENTS

DOS RIOS CAMP

BAILE EN EL BOSQUE: A Cuban dance experience in the woods!

Please note: Please note that Dos Rios Camp 2020 & 2021 has been canceled due to COVID-19 precautions. Below is information about Camp 2019. We can’t wait to see you in 2022.

 

AUG 30 – SEPT 2, 2019

Immerse yourself in a vibrant weekend of Caribbean dance, music, swimming, relaxation and fun! Adult students have the opportunity to enjoy four days of Cuban and other Caribbean folkloric, popular, and modern dance, in addition to percussion and song classes. Scroll through the photos at the very bottom of this page to see photos from past years.

Accommodations: Located in Dos Rios, Ca (40 minutes north of Willits), students camp on property and have access to the Eel River. All meals provided and will be catered by Pilon Kitchen with a special end of camp dinner provided by Ramon Ramos Alayo.

Master teachers: Danys “La Mora” Perez, Susana Arenas Pedroso, Ramon Ramos Alayo, Royland Lobato, Sandy Perez, Elizabeth Sayre, Denmis Bain Savigne, Adonis Martin, Aimee Zawitz and others.

Questions? Call 415-826-4441 and we will be happy to answer them! Camping isn’t your thing? Please call us at 415-826-4441 and we can help set you up with a room to rent in town. Dance Mission can also set-up and provide tent and camping gear for an additional fee.

Pricing:

Adult, Regular – $500 (includes all classes, meals, snacks, place to camp, showers, and river access.)

Sign up with a friend! – $900 (If you sign up with a friend, each of you only pays $450.)

Youth – $225 (Youth 13 years and younger and accompanied by an adult. Please note that classes are for adults and Baile en el Bosque does not provide childcare. However families are welcome.)

Adult not taking any classes – $300

If you need a payment plan or financial aide, please call us at 415-826-4441 and we can make a payment schedule. 

 

How to Register:
  • Pay for camp! Payment can be made several ways: 1) online via mindbody (click on the workshop tab, call us if link is giving you problems);  2) over the phone (415-826-4441) via a credit card; or 3) by mailing in a check (checks payable to: Dance Brigade; mail to: Dance Mission, Attn: Dos Rios Camp, 3316 24th St, SF CA 94110)
  • Submit the Online Registration Form below (You may also download form and email it to stella@dancemission.com if you prefer.)

 

**Note: Each participant must fill out a registration form. Pre-registration is REQUIRED. No walk-ups permitted. We highly recommend registering early! There are a limited number of spots available.   REGISTRATION DEADLINE: August 19, 2019.

Download FAQs

What should I bring?

  • Clothes appropriate for weather (shorts, jeans, tank tops, skirts, jacket/sweatshirt, sandals, tennis shoes etc). In August it is typically hot (high 90s) during the day and colder at night (mid 50s).
  •  Tent
  • Sleeping bag, pillow, matt
  • Flashlight/head lamp
  • Toiletries
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug repellent
  • Organic, biodegradable soap and shampoo (such as Dr. Bronner’s)
  • Dance clothes (shorts and/or yoga/sweat pants; tank top; long flow-y Caribbean skirt, tennis shoes)
  • Swimsuit and towel, floatation devices ☺ that can be easily carried
  • Snacks that do not need refrigeration (nuts, sports bars etc)
  • River/shower shoes (although it is possible to do without)
  • Bandaids for dancing feet, aspirin, tampons/pads, other personal items etc.
  • A conga drum and/or bata if you plan on taking drumming classes
  • A day bag (You may want to go all day without returning to your tent. Classes are about a 5-10 minute walk away from the tents, and the river is about a 5-10 minute walk away from the classes.)
  • Battery operated alarm clock
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Cash
  • Extra drinking water

Please bring enough clothing for the 4 sweaty days. There is no laundry on the property.

What shouldn’t I bring?

  •  Your grandmother’s jewels – we cannot be responsible for lost or stolen property.
  • The fire danger is HIGH. This means no open flame. No incense, candles, stove tops etc.
  • No dogs.
  • Due to odor sensitivities, please refrain from using strong oils, perfumes or cologne while at camp.

 

What are the accommodations like?
Located between the towns of Covelo and Laytonville in Mendocino County, our ranch in Dos Rios is nestled in the enchanted hills of Northern California. The Eel River weaves through the property, which is filled with old oak trees. Like many parts of California, students will need to keep their eyes peeled for Poison Oak, Rattle Snakes (rarely seen), and Bees.

Students will be camping on the property and need to bring their own tent and sleeping bag.

Dance classes are held in the outdoor barn and the outdoor stage. Both are in shade and are kind to one’s bare feet and knees.

There is swimming in the Eel River, which is about a 10-minute walk away from the main house. This is also a great way to rinse off after a long day of dancing. Please note that part of the walk to the river includes a fairly steep embankment. (It is possible to drive to a different swimming hole also on the Eel.)

Please remember that this is a camping experience. Students will mainly be using port-o-potties and outdoor showers. We ask that students limit the number of showers they take during their stay. Please bring an organic, biodegradable soap, such as Dr Bronner’s.

There is a main house. We try to keep the main house quiet and with limited student access so that there is a place for the teachers to rest and plan classes and for the cooks to safely prepare food.

Walking does happen. The main house and the area for camping are separated by a gravel driveway that is up a hill (about a 5-minute walk).

What if I don’t have a tent?
There are several places that rent out tents and other camping gear.
In the Bay Area, we recommend: Outback Adventure, REI, Sports Basement, Lombardi Sports, Any Mountain, to name a few.

Dance Mission can also set-up AND supply you with a tent and sleeping gear for an additional fee. Please call us at 415-826-4441 if you are interested in this option.

What about car camping?
Car camping / sleeping in one’s car is not possible as there are two different, distinct areas for parking cars and setting up tents.

Please note that not all cars will make it down the driveway to the camping area, as it is steep and not paved. Those that do not have 4-wheel drive will be parked at the entrance to the property. Accessing these cars during camp, while not impossible, will be slightly inconvenient. We will shuttle people/gear down to the camping area if you are parking your car at the entrance to the property.

Do I have to sleep on-site? What if I don’t want to camp?
While we recommend sleeping on the property to take advantage of the entire camp experience, it is not required. There are several hotels in Willits (about 40 minutes away). Although close by, we do not recommend for non-locals to stay in Covelo or Laytonville, as the roads to get to these towns are windy, not frequently traveled, and there is no cell phone service. There are a few Airbnbs in the area. We suggest booking these early!

If you would like to sleep off-site instead of camping and need help with arrangements, please call us at 415-826-4441 and we will be happy to assist. There are a few houses in the town of Dos Rios that have extra rooms.

Is there Internet access or a phone on the property?
Please note that there is no Internet or cell phone service on the property. There is a landline in the house that is available for emergencies (phone number is 707-405-0015). While it is possible to head into Laytonville (13 mi away) to use a computer, we encourage students to take advantage of these four days to disconnect from the daily grind, immerse oneself in the fabulous dance, music, and culture that will surround them and enjoy the serenity of the Eel River.

I went to camp in 2014. How has camp changed?
We are thrilled to be working with Pilon Kitchen this year!
We are limiting the number of campers.
We will have some snacks available to pick at throughout the day to keep energy up.
We have new outdoor showers (check out the photos on the website).
We have a new refrigerator just for student use. If you have special food requirements, please do bring snacks.
We have a new stage.
We have new lighting.
We have new camping spots available closer to the main house.

How can my family contact me if there is an emergency?
There is a landline in the house that is available for emergencies. The phone number is 707-405-0015.

How do I get there?
The site is located at 10501 Dos Rios Road, Dos Rios Ca. Please note that the Dos Rios Road is sometimes also referred to as the Laytonville-Dos Rios Road.

BY CAR –
PLEASE PRINT out the “Driving Directions” that are also on the website as your GPS will NOT work. Those are more detailed. The directions below are just to give you a general idea.

From the Bay Area
Take 101 North
Turn right onto CA-162 East (if you get to Latyonville, you have gone too far)
Turn left onto the Dos Rios Road (This left comes right after you cross a bridge, you will see a retaining wall on the left)
Take the low road to stay on Dos Rios Road
Destination will be on your left

From Humboldt County
Take 101 South
Turn left onto CA-162 East (if you get to Willits, you have gone to far)
Turn left onto the Dos Rios Road (This left comes right after you cross a bridge, you will see a retaining wall on the left)
Take the low road to stay on Dos Rios Road
Destination will be on your left

BY BUS:
Both Greyhound and Amtrak have a stop in Willits (this is the closest stop to our property in Dos Rios). The Mendocino Transit Authority also has a stop in Willits. We will be making one pick-up in Willits from the Greyhound bus stop when the bus arrives from the Bay Area Friday at 6:55pm. We will be doing one drop-off at 1 pm on Monday. Please let us know by August 15th via email (stella@dancemission.com) if you will be taking the bus and need to be picked up from the bus stop.

CARPOOL:
We recommend that people carpool as parking is limited.
There are also carpooling sites: see carpoolworld.com for more.

When should I arrive?

Check-in is Friday between 3 – 7 pm and check out is Monday, 12 pm. If you have to arrive after 7 pm on Friday or get stuck in traffic making you late, please stay in Willits and join us on the land Saturday morning between 9-10 am. It is NOT possible to arrive after 7 pm. You will not be let in.

Do I have to take every class? What if I need to leave early or arrive late?

You are able to take as many or as few classed as you wish. Feel free to make your own schedule. Please note that the cost of camp is fixed and that there is no price differentiation based on attendance. Students can enjoy the river, taking long walks, reading/writing, and/or resting (!) when not in class.

Can I bring my dog?
Please leave pets at home.

Can I bring my kids?
Please note that camp is for adults. However we do know that sometimes it is hard to find a babysitter. Kids under the age of 13 who are not taking class may come to Dos Rios for an additional $225 to cover the cost of food. Please note that childcare is not provided.

Do you have any Work Exchange opportunities?
We do have Work Exchange opportunities. Students will work approximately 10 hours over the course of the weekend in exchange for discounted tuition. Work Exchange shifts will include helping with the cooking and the clean up. They may also include helping check-in, and making food pickups. Please email stella@dancemission.com if you are interested in learning more. Work exchange participants will need to arrive early for orientation and leave late on Monday. Please only apply to work if you are able to come early/leave late. Please note that work exchange spots fill up *very* quickly.

I have never danced before. Can I attend camp?
Most of the classes will be appropriate for all levels. Both the novice and the experienced dancer and drummer are encouraged to attend.

What is the cancellation/refund policy? 
If you have to withdraw from camp for any reason before July 1, you will be refunded 100% of your tuition minus a $25 registration fee. If you withdraw from camp after July 1 but before August 1 you will be refunded 50% of your tuition minus a $25 registration fee. Tuition cannot be refunded after August 1.

What does signing up for camp mean?
Dos Rios Camp involves physical activity. You must be in good health to attend camp. By signing up for camp you release Dance Mission of any liability, including but not limited to any injury that might occur on the property and/or in class. Please note that there is no lifeguard on the river and that participants are swimming at their own risk. Dos Rios is located in the hills of Northern California and participants must be aware and respectful of poison oak, rattle snakes (rarely seen), bees and other wildlife that they might encounter in this country setting. There is a high risk of wild fires in the summer, so we ask participants to practice mindful water conservation and respect our no open flame policy. Smoking is limited to the designated smoking area only. People seen smoking outside of the designated smoking area will be asked to leave and no refund given. Due to odor sensitivities, please do not use strong oils, cologne or perfume while at camp.

More questions? Please call 415-826-4441 or email stella@dancemission.com.

This is the 2019 schedule

Every day there will be a multitude of classes offered in the Cuban tradition from which one can choose, including Folkloric (Yoruba/Orisha, Arara, Haitian, Rumba), Popular (Salsa, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Cabaret), Modern, and Cuban drum and song. Most of the classes will be appropriate for all levels and both the novice and the experienced dancer are welcome. 2-3 classes will be offered every class period. The morning will start with a morning pilates/stretch session and the folkloric classes will be accompanied by live drumming. Students may take as many or as few classes as they wish, with the opportunity to swim, walk, read, rest etc when not in class.

Please note the schedule below is a working schedule and subject to change. Please check back frequently as the schedule will be updated as it is solidified.

Please note that check-in is Friday, Aug 30 between 3pm and 7pm only (please aim for 6pm). EVERYONE must be on property by 7pm. If you get stuck in traffic or something else happens to delay your arrival time, then you will have to stay in Willits or Laytonville and check in Saturday morning instead between 9-10am. Arriving at night is not possible. Please call us if you get stuck and have to check in Saturday morning at 707-405-0015.

***

Friday, Aug 30
(Dinner only will be served this day)

Check-in arrival begins at 3pm
Set up tent; swim; orient oneself to property

5-6pm
Class A – dance: Folkloric: Orisha – Ellegua (all levels), live drumming

Dinner
Served 6:45-7:45pm

Orientation
8-8:30pm

Song class
8:30-9:15

9:30pm
Salsa class followed by dance party

 

***
Saturday, Aug 31

Breakfast
Served 8:00-9:30 am

9-10am
Morning stretch / Yoga

10:15-11:30am
Class A – dance: Orisha, live drumming
Class B – dance : Dancehall, CD

11:45-1pm
Class A – dance:Vodun, live drumming
Class B – dance: Salsa Suelta, CD

Lunch
Served 1:30-2:30pm

Free time!

4-5pm
Class A – dance: Cuban modern, CD
Class B – dance: Rumba, live drumming

5:15-6:15pm
Class A – dance – Rueda (level TBD), CD
Class B – dance – Son, CD
Class C – drum class

Dinner
Served 7:15-8:15pm

8:15pm – talk-back with teachers

8:45pm-9:30pm
Song class

9:30pm
Rumba dance party

*****

Sunday Sept 1

Breakfast
Served 8-9:30am

9-10 am
Morning stretch

10:15-11:30am
Class A – dance: Gaga, live drumming
Class B – dance: Rueda (Beg), CD

11:45-1pm
Class A – dance: Orisha, live drumming
Class B – dance: Rueda (adv), CD

Lunch
Served 1:30-3

Free time!

4-5
Class A – dance: Rumba, live drumming
Class B – dance: Reggaeton, CD

5:15-6:15
Class A – dance –Palo, live drumming
Class B – dance – Dancehall, CD
Class C – Drum class

7:15-8:15pm
Dinner

9pm
Talent show

****

Monday, Sept 2

Breakfast: 8-9:30am

10am-11am Closing circle, songs for Ellegua

11-12pm
Class A – Orisha, live drumming
Class B – Salsa Suelta

Everyone off property by 1pm

PRINT these out old school style as there will not be cell phone service after Willits. Your GPS will NOT work. It is approximately 3.5 hrs to Dos Rios from the Bay Area. There can be traffic – especially if you leave during rush hour. So give yourself time and take schnacks.

Please arrive on the land during the registration time: 3-6pm on Friday Aug 30. If you know that you have to arrive outside of this window, please email us (stella@dancemission.com). It is not possible to arrive after dark. Because of this, if you get stuck in traffic or are otherwise delayed and have to arrive after 7pm, please stay in a hotel in Willits instead and join us on the land Saturday between 9-10am. The phone number in Dos Rios is 707-405-0015.

INSTRUCTORS - CubaCamp Dos Rios 2019

*Line-up subject to change

RAMON RAMOS ALAYO
Popular and Modern

Ramón Ramos Alayo is a dancer, teacher, choreographer and the founder and artistic director of the Alayo Dance Company and CubaCaribe. Ramos was selected by the Cuban government to study dance in Santiago de Cuba at age eleven. In 1990 he earned a masters degree in contemporary and folkloric dance and dance education from the Havana’s National School of Art. He was the principal dancer with Danza del Caribe, Narciso Medina Contemporary Dance Company and performed in Cuba, Europe, Canada, Belize and the U.S. Since moving to California in 1997, he has performed with some of the most respected choreographers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ramon currently teaches Cuban popular dance, Afro-Cuban modern dance and children’s movement at several local dance studios and schools, and is artistic director of Alayo Dance Company and CubaCaribe. In 2002, Ramos founded the Alayo Dance Company. As director and choreographer, his work is an innovative fusion of Afro-Cuban modern, folkloric and popular Cuban dance. He eloquently articulates his aesthetic vision through a synthesis of these dance styles, citing from each traditions, movements, narratives and concepts indicative of Cuban culture. 2003 Ramos co-founded and became artistic director of CubaCaribe, a non-profit with the mission to preserve and promote the rich cultural and artistic traditions of the Carribbean and its diaspora. Alayo Dance Company is the resident company of CubaCaribe.

 

Sandy Perez
Percussion

Ramon “Sandy” Pérez joined Grupo Afro-Cuba de Matanzas at age 17, and within a few years he earned the positions of principal drummer and soloist. He was a featured artist at the 1996 Havana Jazz Festival and performed at the 1996 Afrocubanismo Festival in Banff, Canada. Although the roots of his techniques are founded in Afro-Cuban folkloric styles, Pérez’s open-minded approach has enabled him to adapt to styles ranging from Cuban popular (salsa) to fusion and avant-garde jazz.

 

Royland Lobato
Cuban Folkloric and Popular

Originally from Guantanamo, Cuba, Royland is a founding member of the Havana-based dance company, 7 Potencias, an Afro-Cuban Folkloric dance and music ensemble. 7 Potencias is one of the most creative and acclaimed Cuban folkloric ensembles, both in Cuba and internationally. A professional dancer with an expertise in Afro-Cuban folkloric and Cuban popular dance, Royland has also participated as a principal dancer as well as instructor, and invited guest in performances, workshops and classes throughout the greater Bay Area, Hawaii, New York, Cuba, and Mexico.

 

Danys “La Mora” Perez
Cuban Folkloric

Originally from Santiago de Cuba, Danys “La Mora” Perez is an internationally renowned master of Afro-Cuban folkloric dance. Her special experise as dancer, teacher, dance ethnologis, and choreographer is the unique styles of her native region of the Oriente province of Eastern Cuba. Oriente attributes its rich cultural heritage to the infusion of Afro-Haitian influences to an already vibrant Afro-Cuban context. Perez began training at an early age with Afro-Cuban and Afro-Haitian dance ensembles. At 13, she was asked to join the renowned national folkloric ballet company, Cutumba, and tourned internationally with the company for 18 year. In 1994, she was evaluated and was granted the designation of primera bailarina and primera profesora byh the National Dance Commission in Cuba, and has taught out side of Cuba – in Italy, Spain, France, Canada, and the US.

 

Susana Arenas Pedroso
Cuban Folkloric and Popular

Susana Arenas Pedroso is an internationally recognized Cuban Folkloric and popular dancer. Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Ms Pedroso began her career in dance at age twelve, studying at La Casa de Cultura de Matanzas and at Cojunto Folklorico Nacional in Havana. In 1999 Ms Pedroso founded her own dance companies in SF, Saudunga Cubana, which specialized in Cuban Popular dance, and Olorun, which specialized in Cuban Folkloric dance. In 2004 Ms Pedroso decided to join the two troupes, establishing Arenas Dance Company, a company that has expertise in both folkloric and popular Cuban traditions. Pedroso teaches regularly in the Bay Area and leads workshops in Veracru (where she lived from 2008-2012), Hawaii, Arizona, and throughout California.

 

Denmis Bain Savigne
Cuban Popular

Denmis is from Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. He attended Regino Eladio Voti en Guantanamo, Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana and was a part of Conjuncto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba. He has expertise in Afro-Cuban dance, folklore, ballet, jazz, modern dance, contemporary ballet, tap dance, hip hop, choreography and singing. Denmis has choreographed for such people as, Kenny Ortega, Siegfried & Roy, Emilio Estefan, Manuel Mendive, Havana Nights Dance Company and the Latin Grammys. He has performed on “Don Francisco Presenta”, “Cosa Nostra” and with groups such as “Orichas”, “Calle 13”, “Los Van Van”, “Bamboleo”, “Pacho Alonso” and “Issac Delgado” and with the Havana Nights Dance Company he toured and performed in more than 16 different countries and was a lead dancer in about 450 performances of “Havana Nightclub – The Show”. Dennis is currently the owner of Cuban Rhythm and Rumba Dance Studio located in Vallejo, California. His goal is to show everyone how to feel and appreciate dance.

 

Aimee Zawitz
Dancehall

Aimee Z of TropiCali Dancehall is a San Francisco native with a passion for Jamaican Dancehall. Currently Aimee is back and forth between SF and Jamaica to study and work as a professional dancer in both locations. Her most noteworthy performances include Sumfest 2016, Rebel Salute 2017, and music videos with Damian Marley, Macka Diamond, and Mr. Vegas. She also holds the title of Bay Area Dancehall Queen 2017 and in the Bay has opened shows for Cham, Christopher Martin, and Alberosie.

 

Elizabeth Sayre
Percussion

Elizabeth Sayre (musical director / lead drummer) is a local artist. She  has been playing Afro-Cuban bata since 1994, and has studied with many masters of the form in the US and Cuba–her primary teachers were/are John Amira, Orlando Fiol, Lazaro Pedroso, and Amelia Pedroso. She has been accompanying Afro-Cuban folkloric dance class with master Cuban dancer-choreographers since 1999, and has worked in this capacity with former members of Yoruba Andabo, the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba, Cutumba, Afro-Cuba de Matanzas, and Raices Profundas. She currently accompanies class and performs with Susana Arenas Pedroso in the Bay Area, and is a key force among women students and players of the Cuban bata drums in the U.S. In addition to the bata, she also plays congas and Brazilian percussion, Elizabeth has studied, played, taught, documented, written about, organized events around, and successfully sought funding for traditional arts and artists since 1997.

Note cancellation/refund policy: If you have to withdraw from camp for any reason before July 1, you will be refunded 100% of your tuition minus a $25 registration fee. If you withdraw from camp after July 1 but before August 1 you will be refunded 50% of your tuition minus a $25 registration fee. Tuition cannot be refunded after August 1.

Dos Rios Camp involves physical activity. You must be in good health to attend camp. By signing up for camp you release Dance Mission of any liability, including but not limited to any injury that might occur on the property and/or in class. Please note that there is no lifeguard on the river and that participants are swimming at their own risk.

Dos Rios is located in the hills of Northern California and participants must be aware and respectful of poison oak, rattle snakes (rarely seen), bees and other wildlife that they might encounter in this country setting. There is a high risk of wild fires in the summer, so we ask participants to practice mindful water conservation and respect our no open flame policy. Smoking is limited to the designated smoking area only. People seen smoking outside of the designated smoking area will be asked to leave immediately and no refund given.

Due to odor sensitivities, please do not use strong oils, cologne or perfume while at camp. Please see the FAQs sheet for more information on what to bring, expect etc.

Questions? Please call 415-826-4441 or email stella@dancemission.com.

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