KayaDance provides the finest Latin Dance and vigorous Zumba Instruction in Baltimore, Maryland. Our dance instruction range from Salsa lessons, Rumba, Cha-cha-cha to Merengue, Bachata and with qualified Instructors trained in everything from Latin, Ballroom, and Classical styles providing a wealth of creativity and artistic flavor to your learning experience. We offer individual, private, corporate or group dance classes with superior instruction in a classic studio environment as well as in area clubs, events, festivals or corporate locations. Our home studio, Towson Dance Studio in Timonium, is the longest running dance studio in Maryland with an incredible dance floor and vast open space for a refreshing learning experience.
KayaDance created and hosts the “Salsa Block Party.” Originally the first Baltimore Salsa Block Party we now have expanded our venue around Maryland. Check the website for additional locations and times in your neighborhood. Salsa lessons are held prior to the each Salsa Block Party. Bringing back the original flavor of Latin Dance is very important to us and offering students, friends and family the relaxed, vibrant and classic roots of these beautiful dance expressions is our goal.
KayaDance also provides Zumba classes in a variety of locations around town. Please check the website for additional locations and times in your area.
If you are a seasoned dancer, a beginner, or simply curious, come and see what the excitement is all about with KayaDance!
Claudia Barraza aka Kaya
Kaya, a native of Barranquilla, Colombia, is an Instructor at Towson Dance Studio and Promenade Dance Facility in Baltimore, Maryland. As a child, she performed in different dance groups, folklore being her favorite. As an adult, she studied dance at the Colombian School of Arts and Rosario University. She became a professional dance instructor in 1996. Two years later, she moved to the United States and quickly secured her reputation in Ohio and then Virginia. Her experience led her to work with the Colombian Tayrona Dance group for over 2 years while attending the Virginia Academy of Fine Arts and participating in various dance programs. In 2001, she traveled to Japan and started teaching at salsa venues and created the group “Sugoi Salsa” which performed in several events. Most recently, she trained under the direction of John Patillo from Towson Dance Studio, and Josie Neglia (The Princess of Salsa). In addition, she has taken numerous workshops with Shaka Brown (Clavekazy), Cultural Explosion (NY), Son y Pasos (CA), and others. Kaya is also the Founder and Director of the Baltimore Salsa Festival.
Here is a short list of my work and performances:
- From 1993 to 1998, Folklore competitions, and many others competitions and performances in Colombia
- 1998 and 1999 Choreographies for Gym expressions Dance Group
- 2000, Salsa celebration night at Albion Place Hotel in Sydney, Australia
- 2001, 2002 United Nations dance day, Washington D.C.
- 2003, Salsa Festival in Matsushita Club, Okinawa
- 2003, Salsa Party sponsored by ALM
- 2003, Naha Tug of War Festival
- 2003, Multicultural Dance Festival, Gate 2 Street, Okinawa
- 2004, Salsa Show, Okinawa
- 2004, Salsa Festival in Matsushita, Okinawa
- 2004 Caribbean Festival, Tokyo
- 2004, Salsa Party sponsored by ALM
- 2004, Hispanic Heritage celebration, Okinawa
- 2004, Naha Tug of War Festival
- 2004, Multicultural Dance Festival, Gate 2 Street, Okinawa
- 2004, Christmas around the world, Japan
- 2005, Salsa Day in Matsushita, Okinawa
- 2007, Salsa night, Marriot Hotel, San Diego, CA
- 2009 Salsa Block party. Baltimore, MD
- 2010 Tumimambo’s Party anniversary
- 2010 New jersey International Salsa Congress
- 2010 Latino fest. Baltimore, MD
- 2010 Fox45 appearance
- 2010 International Festival. Baltimore, MD
- 2010 New York International Salsa Congress
- Currently Director of the Baltimore Salsa Fest.
Kaya launched KayaDance in early 2009. With a fiery fusion of Colombian and other styles, KayaDance brings excitement and passion to both dancing and teaching. Kaya have trained with the Colombian School of Arts, Virginia Academy of Fine Arts, John Patillo from Towson Dance Studio, and Josie Neglia (The Princess of Salsa). In addition, she have taken numerous workshops with Shaka Brown (Clavekazy), Cultural Explosion (NY), Son y Pasos (CA), and others. She continues to dedicate her time to improve and grow as teacher and as dancer to offer the best instruction to our students.
KayaDance offer lessons and performances at local studios, weddings, charitable events, private parties, schools, colleges, social clubs, and corporations. We mainly teach Salsa on1- LA style and Colombian-Cabaret style, however, KayaDance also offers ChaChaCha, Rumba, Bachata and the innovated Zumba Fitness program. We enjoy creating choreographies for individuals, couples, and groups.
KayaDance is the creator of the Baltimore Salsa Block Party, held monthly at the beautiful Towson Dance Studio. In July 2009.
KayaDance instructors love to dance and enjoy time with their friends, which many have come from the salsa scene. We look forward to helping you with your dance experience and develop or enhance your dancer skills, our teaching method is simple and fun.
Our Mission
KayaDance promotes Salsa classes and events in Baltimore, providing great instruction and environment. We bring back what Latin Dance is all about and the roots of these beautiful dance expressions are really important for us. We love to be with people and support every venue and event in our area.