Baila UP
We believe dancing is for everyone and our goal is to create opportunities for you to learn and participate in social dancing in the Marquette area. We welcome beginners and experienced dancers alike. During lessons we rotate partners, so it's always okay to come solo.
We're always happy to collaborate with other individuals, groups, or organizations in the area. If you have an idea, let us know!
Teachers
Lize
I started partner dancing in 2008, and it has been one of my favorite things to do ever since. I love how social dancing combines all the benefits of exercise with the opportunity to socialize, enjoy music, and express yourself artistically. Learning a dance like salsa is like learning a new language - that you can use anywhere in the world. I love the community that has formed as a result of dancing at Baila Up.
Melinda
If you've got a heartbeat, you have rhythm and you can dance! I teach dance so I can share the joy of rhythm, movement, and connection with others. I've been dancing individually all of my life and was fortunate to be introduced to social dancing early on. Partnered dancing challenges individual coordination and musicality as well as teamwork and social skills. As a dancer, I aim to practice gratitude and generosity in every dance, with every person I meet. As a teacher, I am to offer an entry point to partner dancing to everyone, no matter their skill level, using a range of progressive exercises.
Michael
I have taught and professionally competed in ballroom and social dance, and enjoy participating in local dance events as well. I taught full-time in Grand Rapids, MI for three years, and enjoy the occassional chance to teach when the opportunity arises. Most recently, I performed in the Nutcracker as Father Christmas (a Drosslemeier-esque character). On May 3rd, 2025, I will perform with Northern Sky Dance in their production of Wizard of Oz!
Natacha
Natacha is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist from Brazil. She is a co-founder of the Latin Dance movement at Michigan Tech and instructor at the Latin Dance Club and Baila UP in Marquette, and shares joy through Forró Pé de Serra, Bachata, Salsa, and Zouk.
Rogério
Rogério is a Mechanical Engineer and PhD student in Materials Science and Engineering. He is a co-founder of the Latin Dance movement at Michigan Tech and instructor at the Latin Dance Club and Baila UP in Marquette, and is passionate about spreading Latin culture and happiness through dance.
Dance Zone Marquette
Baila UP would not exist without the generosity of Dance Zone Marquette and Marge Sklar in allowing us to use their space. Learn more about what Dance Zone Marquette offers on their website.