Dance & Movement Studio: Dance, Barre, Pilates, Core Foundations, Restorative Stretch, Chair Yoga
TO ENROLL CLICK HERE: Register for Class / View Live Schedule
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – – to the LEFT of our Yoga Studio
Pre-Enrollment is highly encouraged. Space is Limited. We have expanded our Class Offerings!
Class Sizes are Highly Limited – No Refunds for No Shows
TO ENROLL CLICK HERE: Pre-Register / View Live Schedule / MindBody App
All Levels, All Bodies, All Ways are Welcome Always!
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu ~ May all beings be happy. May all beings be healthy. And may all being be free everywhere.
Did you know we have a DEDICATED DANCE & MOVEMENT ARTS STUDIO? Please, tell all of your fellow adult / teen / collage dance friends!! This is where it’s at! We are bringing back dance to the adult dance community! We dance for the light in our souls. ANY ONE CAN DANCE!
We offer Adult / Teen Dance Classes, Dance Fitness, Barre Flow, Pilates Flow, Restorative Stretch for Dancers and more!
We dance for ourselves. We dance to ignite the light in our souls. We dance for JOY! We dance to express. We dance to let go. We dance to heal. We dance to celebrate. We dance to relate. We dance to release our fears. We dance for each other. We dance to love ourselves. Dance with us!
We offer All Levels – No Prior Dance Experience Necessary Levels Classes. We just want to dance and spread the joy of dancing to our community and to anyone who has ever wanted to dance. Your time is now!
All Levels, All Bodies, All Ways, are Always Welcome!
Thank you so much for continuing to support our studio! We are expanding our dance classes and offerings with many intensives coming (see below!) and have leveraged local dance favorates to build our instructor base. It’s ON like Donkey Kong!
WEEKLY CLASS SCHEDULE:
- Monday 9:00am – Barre Fusion w/Lisa Barretta (Conditioning)
- UP TO 5 CLASSES FREE! Monday 10:15am – BREAKDOWN Hip Hop & Zumba w/Joy Smith (Learn the Top 10 Essential Moves!)
- Monday 11:30am – Core Foundations w/Deborah Yates (Core Fitness)
- Monday 4:00pm – Pilates Flow w/Elizabeth Charlton (Conditioning)
- Monday 5:30pm – Cardio Funk w/Alison Chesley (Choreography / Add-On)
- Tuesday 9:00am – Latin Spice w/Renee Menard (Dance Fitness / Latin)
- Tuesday 10:15am – Barre Fusion with Deborah Yates (Full Body Expression Workout)
- Tuesday 6pm – Line Dancing with Niko Takaoka
- Wednesday 8:15am – 9am – Barre Fusion w/Lisa Barretta
- Wednesday 9:15am – Tropical Fusion w/Allison Haley (Dance Fitness / Afro / Latin)
- Wednesday 10:30am – Cardio Hip Hop & Zumba w/Joy Smith (slightly faster paced than Mondays class)
- Wednesdays 11:45am – Restorative Stretch + Myofascial Release w/Joy Smith
- Wednesday 4pm – Pilates Flow w/Elizabeth Charlton (Conditioning)
- Wednesday 5:30pm – Latin Spice w/Renee Menard (Dance Fitness / Latin)
- Thursday 9am – Cardio Hip Hop & Zumba w/Joy Smith (Dance Fitness / Hip Hop & Zumba)
- Thursday 10:15am – Barre Fusion with Deborah Yates (Full Body Expression Workout)
- Thursday 4pm – Barre Fusion w/Lisa Barretta (Full Body Expression Workout)
- Thursday 6pm – Samba w/Gisella Ferreira (Brazilian Samba)
- Friday 9:15am – Tropical Fusion w/Allison Haley (Dance Fitness / Afro / Latin)
- Friday 10:30am – Restorative Stretch + Myofascial Release with Joy Smith
- Sunday 10am – Inspire Dance w/Deborah Yates (Jazz Choreography Add-On)
Enroll in our Dance Workshops & Intensives HERE!
Please pass this along to all of your dance friends so we can continue to expand our dance community and add more classes! Your support is keeping dance alive!
With so much gratitude,
Pleasure Point Dance and Instructors
Dance like no one is watching!
OR
Dance like EVERYONE is Watching! Fire!
All Levels, All Bodies, All Ways are Welcome Always!
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu ~ May all beings be happy. May all beings be healthy. And may all being be free everywhere.
TULUM DANCE + YOGA RETREAT: December 8 – 15
Dance | Yoga | Mayan Ruins | Cenotes | Community | Connection | Rejuvenate
with Joy Smith & Megan McAllister
Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
December 8 – 15
(7 Nights)
The salt of the ocean. The tranquilly of white sandy beaches. The magic and energy of ancient Mayan ruins spread across jungle and sea cliffs. The peacefulness and calm of the famous Cenotes. The calming energy and natural beauty of Tulum…
Oh yes, there will be dancing! Lots of DANCING!
Your journey to peace, balance, and rejuvenation begins at our Tulum Dance & Wellness Retreat.
Find Your Heart. This Dance & Wellness Retreat is the ideal escape for dancers, yogis, and wellness enthusiasts looking to discover the Mayan magic of Tulum while reconnecting to their heart.
Join us in Tulum!
~What’s Included~
- Seven nights of luxury accommodations
- Morning Beach Walk Meditation
- Daily Dance Classes overlooking the Caribbean Sea
(Dance Fitness, Beginner Classes, Choreography) - Balance your dance regimen with Yoga, Stretch, & Other Classes
(Restorative Stretch, Yin Yoga, Japa Mala Meditation, Guided Meditation, Sunset Beach Yoga) - Sunset ecstatic dance & swimming sessions at the beach
- Light Breakfast, Brunch & Dinner each day with a focus on fresh healthy food
(either Vegetarian, Vegan, or Fish & Chicken) - One off-site Dinner & Celebration at an amazing beachfront restaurant
- Beach walk to cliffside Tulum Ruins overlooking Caribbean Sea
- Excursion to Mayan Ruins & Archeological Site (Optional)
- Visit and Swim in Gran Cenote (Optional)
- Temezcal Ceremony (Optional)
- Full Service Spa available
- Beachclub with beachfront pool & hottub, icebaths, beach deck with hammock lounge
- Garden and outdoor workout site
- So much more!
QUESTIONS? PLEASE EMAIL INFO@PLEASUREPOINTYOGA.COM
2025 YELAPA DANCE & WELLNESS RETREAT: Feb 23 – Mar 1
Dance | Yoga | Rejuvenate | Couples | Rustic | Warm
February 23 – March 1 (6 nights)
with Joy Smith & Tom Callanan
~ Yelapa, Mexico ~
known for its wild and natural beauty, slow down into your heartspace at Casa Isabel, a beachfront rustic, warm, and peaceful retreat space
A peaceful retreat for the enjoyment of nature and rejuvenation of the human spirit…
Slow down, unwind, and take a step back into time in this wellness journey to your heart. Connect with natural beauty and wild nature in this simple and peaceful beachfront connected community of warm indiginous people and their beautiful land. Unwind in this simple, no frills peaceful fishing community where slowing into the natural circadian rhythm of nature calls at the corners of your soul.
Yelapa feels like you are on an island, as it can only be accessed by boat (yet it is a short and beautiful ride from Puerto Vallarta). There are no cars in Yelapa. All transport is by boat, feet, horses and donkeys.
Casa Isabel is and feels secluded, yet we are a 7-10 minute walk to town. A gorgeous benefit results in hearing nothing but quiet and ocean sounds.
People in Yelapa are very patient and flexible because they have to be. One feels grateful to be in a place that is not overdeveloped and with that brings adjusted expectations and flexibility as well as the upside of this deep reset only felt once experienced.
Your journey to peace, joy, and rejuvenation begins at our Yelapa Dance & Wellness Retreat.
~What’s Included~
- 6 nights of simple, warm, and rustic accommodations at Casa Isabel
- Morning Beach Meditation
- Daily Morning Classes overlooking the Sea — lead by Joy Smith
(Dance Fitness, Beginner Friendly, Restorative Stretch) - Yoga, Sound Healing & Other Restorative Classes — lead by incredible Healing locals
(Yin Yoga, Meditation, Sound Healing) - Sunset Breathwork, Cacao, & Yoga experience
- Sunset ecstatic dance & ocean swimming sessions — lead by Joy Smith
- Exploration walks to two local waterfalls
- Daily Meals: We will bring food in & dine out together in the connected community with focus on fresh local food
(Early Morning Coffee/Tea, Fruit, Granola, hard boiled eggs)
(Brunch & Dinner: Delicious traditional meals each day prepared in the Yelapan tradition)
(Two off-site Dinner Celebrations at a fabulous local restaurant with live music, dancing and fun!) - Intimate Breakout Circles / Mini Workshops linked to dance, yoga, couples, connection, NVC, + Psychadelic Assisted Therapy Info Sessions
(Optional for Additional Cost: 1 Group Journey led and assisted by Tom Callanan – Release trauma or stuck patterns)
QUESTIONS? PLEASE EMAIL INFO@PLEASUREPOINTYOGA.COM
Accessible Chair Yoga with Hailey Kinter
INSTRUCTORS: Hailey Kinter
DATE: Thursdays | 1:30pm – 3pm
COST: $20 drop-in fee, sliding scale pay what you can at the door. First class is free. Caregivers welcome at no cost.
LOCATION: Held in our Dance & Movement Studio at 3603 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz
DESCRIPTION:
Return hOMe to your body while finding cOMmUNITY in a class taught by and for yogis with disabilities & illness.
This seated-only slow flow is beginner friendly and includes breath work, mindfulness & meditation. Enjoy extra time in shavasana (resting pose) as well as time at the beginning and end of class for guided social activities.
Power chairs, manual chairs and other mobility devices welcomed and encouraged. Service dogs only, no ESAs please.
Chairs, props and name tags will be provided.
Caregivers welcome at no cost. First class is free. $20 drop-in fee, sliding scale pay what you can.
Masks are not required but strongly encouraged. Our bathrooms are not yet accessible but there are ADA bathrooms down the way at Mountain Mike’s Pizza or across the street at Cat n’ Cloud.
Barre Fusion with Deborah Yates or Lisa Barretta (Total Body Expression Workout)
DAYS/TIMES:
- Monday 9am – 10am w/Lisa
- Tuesday 10:15am – 11:15am w/Deborah
- Wednesday 8:15am – 9am (45 mins) w/Lisa
- Thursday 10:15am – 11:15am
- Thursday 4pm – 5pm
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive, in our dedicated DANCE Studio.
DESCRIPTION: Total Body Expression Workout with elements of Ballet, Pilates, Fitness, & Flow
Lengthen, strengthen, tone, and revive with this class that combines ballet, Pilates and fitness for a full body expression of self care. Increase strength, balance and core stability while moving joyfully to music.
Barre * Ballet * Core * Fitness * Fun!
We have both Wall & Portable Barres AND 2.5lb & 5lb Dumbells, Sliders, Bands, & Balls
Come for a Core Blast!!
INSTRUCTOR BIO: Deborah Yates, Veteran Fitness Pro and National Aerobic Champion, has been sharing her love for dance based fitness for over 30 years. Wow! That’s a long time!
What to Bring:
Yoga Mat, towel, and water.
Cardio Funk with Alison Chesley (Choreography / Add-On)
INSTRUCTORS: Alison Chesley
DAY / TIME: Mondays | 5:30pm – 6:30pm
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – DANCE STUDIO
LEVEL: Open to all dancers – – but highly accessible for beginners with little to no experience
CLASS DESCRIPTION: CARDIO FUNK is a high energy all levels choreography dance class to upbeat music where we build a fun and accessible dance routine over the hour for some serious satisfaction by the end. We normally practice this routine for a month or so before building another rountine. Starting with a warm-up then breaking down moves with a continuous cardio flow that includes some gut and ab toning, Alison’s clear and experienced style makes dancing our way to wellness AWESOME and available to all levels with no dance experience necessary!
BASICS Hip Hop & Zumba BREAKDOWN (Beginner Level) with Joy Smith
INSTRUCTORS: Joy Smith
DAY / TIME:
- Mondays 10:15am – 11:15am
COST: UP TO 5 FREE CLASSES*, then Regular Class Pricing – *Needs to be used within 1 Month / cannot exceed 5 classes across our Basics / Beginner Classes
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – DANCE Studio
LEVEL: Great for Beginners, Super Fun for Dancers of ALL Levels
Description: Cardio Hip Hop & Zumba
Hip Hop & Zumba BREAKDOWN with Joy Smith
Great for Beginners, Super Fun for Dancers of ALL Levels
Breakdown of essential moves, styles, and choreography of Hip Hop & Zumba with focus on steps, style, and building cardio routines in a super fun class for all levels of dancers
Great for Beginners, Super Fun for Dancers of ALL Levels
You will learn step-by-step, non-intimidating breakdown of essential moves and styles of Hip Hop & Zumba.
This class is for those new to dance, beginner’s or anyone who wants a real break-down of the moves.
This class will deepen your dance knowledge and technique. Come one, come all! And access the dancer inside of you!
Joy covers vastly diverse styles with authenticty and freshness, which is part of her creative genius!
Instructor Bio: Joy Smith – Owner and director of Santa Cruz Dance Company and Growing Wild (online nutrition courses and retreats). Internationally awarded instructor and choreographer for music videos, film, television and musical artists in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Brazil, Japan and the US.
International dance and fitness presenter, master trainer and Zumba Education Specialist (ZES) for Zumba Fitness LLC–for France, Belgium, California, Washington and Minnesota. Previously awarded ”Best of Santa Cruz Aerobic Instructor of the year” for Zumba instruction. ACE and AFAA faculty and CEC provider.
Cardio Hip Hop & Zumba (ALL Levels Dance Fitness) with Joy Smith
INSTRUCTORS: Joy Smith
DAY / TIME:
- Wednesdays 10:30am – 11:30am
- Thursdays | 9am – 10am
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – DANCE Studio
Description: Cardio Hip Hop & Zumba
Cardio Hip Hop & Zumba with Joy Smith
All Levels Dance Fitness
Dance Fitness class based in Hip Hop and Zumba – taught by Master Trainer and Zumba Specialist (ZES), Joy Smith!
Joy is widely known for her heart pounding, soul awakening, & sensational dance choreography to infectious music that is uplifting and fun for everyone!
Come experience the Joy of Dance!
You will learn step-by-step, non-intimidating breakdown of Hip Hop and Zumba – with styles ranging from Jazz, Hip Hop, Reggaeton, Latin, Shuffle, etc. – – Joy covers vastly diverse styles with authenticity and freshness, which is part of her creative genius!
This class will deepen your dance knowledge and technique. Come one, come all! And access the dancer inside of you!
ALL LEVELS WELCOME – No Prior Dance experience necessary. Joy knows how to get both folks with “two left feet” AND Skilled Dancers engaged, stoked, and dancing happily at their desired level, all in one class.
Come one, come all! And access the dancer inside of you!
Instructor Bio: Joy Smith – Owner and director of Santa Cruz Dance Company and Growing Wild (online nutrition courses and retreats). Internationally awarded instructor and choreographer for music videos, film, television and musical artists in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Brazil, Japan and the US.
International dance and fitness presenter, master trainer and Zumba Education Specialist (ZES) for Zumba Fitness LLC–for France, Belgium, California, Washington and Minnesota. Previously awarded ”Best of Santa Cruz Aerobic Instructor of the year” for Zumba instruction. ACE and AFAA faculty and CEC provider.
Core Foundations with Deborah Yates
INSTRUCTOR: Deborah Yates
DAY / TIME:
- Mondays 11:30am – 12:30pm
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – DANCE Studio
Description:
Inspire Dance (Choreography / Add-On) w/Deborah Yates
INSTRUCTORS: Deborah Yates
DATE: Sundays
TIME: 10:00am – 11:00am
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – DANCE Studio
LEVEL: All Levels
Description:
Inspire Dance is a recipe for a delicious jazz dance choreography experience. Move to your favorite popular songs combining dance styles from hip-hop, funk, jazz, chair and contemporary while spicing it up with a bit of musical theater. Class includes breakdowns and sweat sesh with no pro skills needed. Just bring your passion for dance, love of music and your desire to move!
NO DANCE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
Instructor Bio:
Deborah Yates, Veteran Fitness Pro and National Aerobic Champion, has been sharing her love for dance based fitness for over 30 years. Yikes! That’s a long time!
“I love combining my dance training with fitness and will continue as long as possible”.
Having spent the last several years managing Group Exercise programs for Silicon Valley Sport Resort Clubs, Mama Yates has returned to the life of a full time instructor. Certified in several formats spanning the field from Strength to Barre, Deborah finds her true heart while dancing and sharing that love with like minded humans.
Latin Spice with Renee Menard (Dance Fitness – Latin)
INSTRUCTORS: Renee Menard
WEEKLY CLASSES:
- Tuesday 9:00am – 10:00am
- Wednesday 5:30pm – 6:30pm
LEVEL: Mixed Levels
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive, in our dedicated DANCE Studio
Description: This dance class is an hour of high energy, booty shaking, sweaty fun, filled with the tropical and latin vibes of Samba, Salsa, Reggaeton, Soca, Dancehall, and more. Join us as we travel through a global music and dance journey!
Line Dancing with Niko Takaoka (Starts October 15th)
INSTRUCTORS: Niko Takaoka
DAYS / TIMES: Tuesdays 6pm – 7pm
LEVEL: Mixed Levels
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive, in our dedicated DANCE Studio
Description:
Niko Takaoka’s line dancing mission is to unite the community, young and old, through the joy and benefits of line dancing. Experience the fun, health benefits, and camaraderie that nurture your mind, body and soul in community. Niko will bring the fun and excitement, teaching easy-to-follow line dances that everyone can enjoy. Her line dance sessions are sure to get everyone on their feet and having a great time!
Instructor Bio:
Niko Takaoka is the creator of Surf City Line Dance, where the rhythm of the waves meets the beat of the dance floor! And bringing the community in the heart of Santa Cruz together with her line dance offerings! She offers a fun and friendly environment for dancers of all levels (Beginner to Intermediate).
Pilates Flow IN STUDIO (Conditioning: Pilates + Yoga Poses)
INSTRUCTORS: Elizabeth Charlton
DAY / TIME:
- Monday | 4pm – 5;10pm
- Wednesdays | 4pm – 5:10pm
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance & Movement Studio
LEVELS: All Levels
Class Description: PILATES FLOW: ALL LEVELS. This is a refreshing one-hour and 15 minute, mind-body workout. Pilates Flow emphasizes proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and concentration on smooth, flowing movement. The class consists of classic Pilates exercise and Yoga positions that are choreographed to music and flow from one move to the next. This low-impact workout treats the body as an integrated whole, focusing on the core, lower body and upper body strength as well as flexibility and posture. This is a class for all levels, all bodies and all ages. Modifications are taught alongside the most challenging moves. Come and give Pilates Flow a try!
Excercise Method: low-impact flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance movements
Benefits: proper postural alignment, core strength, and muscle balance
Instructor Bio: Elizabeth has loved dance her whole life. When she was five, she began ballet, jazz, tap and gymnastics classes and was a member of her dance and gymnastics clubs in high school. She continued with ballet throughout college and after. Elizabeth has spent 33 years as a public school educator in Santa Cruz County. She always incorporated movement and dance into her classroom instruction whether teaching spelling, math or Zumba for kids.
She discovered the joys of dance fitness with Zumba and has been a Zumba instructor in town since 2009. Elizabeth took Pilates Mat 1 training six years ago and later became a certified POP Pilates instructor.
Elizabeth’s Pilates Flow class is a synthesis of classic Pilates Mat and POP Pilates. She is looking forward to sharing her love of Pilates with Pleasure Point Yoga.
Restorative Stretch + Myofascial Release (MFR) w/Joy Smith
INSTRUCTORS: Joy Smith
DATE / TIME:
- Wednesdays | 11:45am – 12:45pm (60 Minutes)
- Fridays | 10:30am – 12pm (75 Minutes)
Class Breakdown:
- 10 Mins: Warm-Up
- 5 Mins: Breathwork
- 45 Mins: Stretch / Yin Yoga
- 20 Mins: Fascia Release / Massage with Tennis Ball
- 10 Mins: Extended Savanna
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance & Movement Studio
LEVELS: All Levels
Class Description:
Beautiful long stretches and muscle care combined with intentional breathwork set to music designed to take you on a restful journey for a mental and physical reset.
Decadent minutes of breath, stretch, rest + Myofascial Release (MFR) / massage (we have tennis balls!).
MFR combines deep muscle massage while releasing and freeing up the fascia (connective tissue) while resting and down regulating the nervous system. It is used for improved performance, pain relief, increased range of motion, and recovery.
For anyone who could use tender love and care for their muscles and mind either post a dance, yoga, surf, fitness, Pickleball session, or any other fitness regimen.
Dance, recover, sleep and live…..better
What to Bring: Yoga Mat, Tennis Ball (or Soft Ball) – – we have tennis balls – – you can get really inexpensive ones at Play It Again Sports and do your own fascia release at home!
We do have Yoga Mats, Blankets, Bolsters, Blocks, and Eye Pillows for your use too.
Instructor Bio: Owner and director of Santa Cruz Dance Company and Growing Wild (online nutrition courses and retreats). Internationally awarded instructor and choreographer for music videos, film, television and musical artists in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Brazil, Japan and the US.
International dance and fitness presenter, master trainer and Zumba Education Specialist (ZES) for Zumba Fitness LLC–for France, Belgium, California, Washington and Minnesota. Previously awarded ”Best of Santa Cruz Aerobic Instructor of the year” for Zumba instruction. ACE and AFAA faculty and CEC provider.
200hr RYT: Graduated from Pleasure Point Yoga’s The Embodied Breath: 200hr Yoga & Breathwork Teacher Training
Samba w/Gisella Ferreira
INSTRUCTOR: Gisella Ferreira
CLASSES: Thursdays 6:00pm – 7:00pm
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – DANCE Studio
LEVELS: Open Levels, Beginner / Intermediate Friendly
DESCRIPTION:
This Brazilian Samba Dance class will break down Samba, develop and strengthen your Samba skills through Samba Drills and build your strength and stamina. Learn Samba choreography.
Come learn, train and get in the spirit of Rio’s Carnival
Open to All Dancers
INSTRUCTOR BIO:
Gisella Ferreira, a Brazilian American performance artist and instructor specializing in: Samba, Afro-Brazilian, Capoeira, Hip- Hop, Burlesque and Brazilian Baile Funk. Her titles include: The 1st Samba Queen USA/ Rainha do Samba 2014, Musa do Brazilian Day SD 2014 & 2015, and current Hollywood Carnival Queen.
Gisella studied at UCLA’s Dept. of World Arts and Cultures, focusing on dance choreography and performance, as well as on art activism. She began teaching dance at age 12 in Santa Cruz CA and has taught in Rio de Janeiro (Brasil), Salvador (Brasil) and Los Angeles CA. Gisella lives in Los Angeles, where she choreographs, teaches dance, and performs with her own company, Samba Soul. She can also be found performing at The Floor Show and improv nights around LA.
She also tours and performs worldwide and trains extensively in the U.S. as well as Brasil in many dance forms including Capoeira, Samba and Hip-Hop. She was named one of “LA’s Hottest Trainers” in 2012 and has been active in Health day LA as well as Let’s Move LA, dedicating time to help the LA community become more active and inspired through dance.
Gisella Ferreira loves sharing her passion for life through artistic movement expression, and dances as a form of energy work & healing for herself and others. She is inspired to live each day in joy and gratitude and help to give back to the world through dance.
Tropical Fusion w/Allison Haley
INSTRUCTOR: Allison Haley
DAYS/TIMES:
- Wednesdays 9:15am – 10:15am
- Fridays 9:15am – 10:15am
LEVELS: ALL LEVELS
DESCRIPTION: