Tea Dances: Groove and Step with Ronnie Martin
2026-07-19 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-21 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Wende Museum’s Community Center, 10858 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90230, United States
The Wende Museum’s Tea Dance series invites you to move, mingle, and unwind through the joyful rhythm of social dance. Hosted in the Wende’s Community Center, each session features different dance traditions, ranging from Argentine tango to vintage swing, led by local artists and dance instructors. No experience or partner required.
Tea dances originated in early 20th-century Britain and America as daytime socials, often held in hotels and ballrooms, offering live music, light refreshments, and a welcoming space for community connection. Revived in the queer communities of mid-century America, the tradition evolved into a vibrant celebration of expression and belonging.
In that spirit, our Sunday Tea Dances offer a space to unplug, connect, and move together. These afternoons are for everyone: curious beginners, practiced dancers, and people just looking to enjoy good music and warm company.
Come for the class, stay for the social, and rediscover the art of togetherness.
Free and open to all. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.
About the July 19 Session
This is an all levels dance class that captures certain elements of traditional southern line dance and hip hop choreography simultaneously! The class will involve choreography however, there is still space for individual creativity and unique dance expression. Groove and Step cultivates energy, connection, and JOY!
About the instructor:
Ronnie Martin is a professional dancer/choreographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been a part of two major dance companies, So Real Dance Co. and Texas Southern Dance Co. and has been teaching all levels of hip hop choreography for the past 10 years. Once he relocated to LA he developed a love and passion for fitness which encouraged him to create his own fun and effective way to have the best of both worlds (Dance and Fitness). He has been teaching hip hop cardio classes for 7 years now and line dance classes for 5 years ! He believes that Dance fitness is great way to get active as well decompress. His goal is to constantly create spaces for the advancement of physical and mental health in a creative way!
As this event takes place during museum open hours, guests may check in at the front of the museum. The garden side gate will open 15 minutes before the start time and is available for ADA access and check-in. Theater doors open 15 minutes before the start time. An RSVP does not guarantee admission once capacity is reached. No late entry.

Tea Dances: Salsa with Mari Garcia and Los Calicubanos
2026-05-17 15:00 - 18:00
The Wende Museum’s Tea Dance series invites you to move, mingle, and unwind through the joyful rhythm of social dance. Hosted in the Wende Museum Community Center, each session features different dance traditions, ranging from Argentine tango to vintage swing, led by local artists and dance instructors. No experience or partner required.
Tea dances originated in early 20th-century Britain and America as daytime socials, often held in hotels and ballrooms, offering live music, light refreshments, and a welcoming space for community connection. Revived in the queer communities of mid-century America, the tradition evolved into a vibrant celebration of expression and belonging.
In that spirit, our Sunday Tea Dances offer a space to unplug, connect, and move together. These afternoons are for everyone: curious beginners, practiced dancers, and people just looking to enjoy good music and warm company.
Come for the class, stay for the social, and rediscover the art of togetherness.
Free and open to all. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.
May 17 Details
Teacher: Mari Garcia
Maria Garcia, Chilean-born and Miami-raised, is motivated by the stories of Latine people, culture, and communities. She first joined CONTRA-TIEMPO as a teaching artivist in 2021, when she saw her own values of community, love, culture, and boldness, align. As an artist and teacher, authenticity, confidence, freedom and connection are at the root of her being. Salsa and Bachata are dance forms in which Maria feels most free and liberated. Maria earned her BFA from the University of Florida, where she was a Choreographer in Residence at the HARN museum. She then taught a salsa course at Los Angeles Valley College.
Band: Los Calicubanos
Los Calicubanos is a high-energy Afro-Cuban/Latin jazz/salsa ensemble from Los Angeles, blending the rhythms of Cuba with the vibrant spirit of Southern California. Led by bassist Dr. Erim Kardes, the seven-piece band delivers electrifying sets of original tunes and classic covers that ignite dance floors and captivate audiences. Erim discovered Cuban music while earning a Ph.D. in Engineering at USC, where he also studied jazz bass under Weather Report’s Alphonso Johnson. This fusion of academic rigor and musical passion gives the band its edge—tight, grooving, and deeply authentic. Los Calicubanos is a staple of the SoCal Latin music scene and regularly collaborates with artists in Havana, Cuba, where they also record and perform.
As this event takes place during museum open hours, guests may check in at the front of the museum. The garden side gate will open 30 minutes before the start time and is available for ADA access and check-in. Theater doors open 15 minutes before the start time. An RSVP does not guarantee admission once capacity is reached. No late entry.

Tea Dances at the Wende Museum Community Center
2026-03-22 15:00 - 16:30
The Wende Museum’s Tea Dance series invites you to move, mingle, and unwind through the joyful rhythm of social dance. Hosted in the Wende Museum Community Center, each session features different dance traditions, ranging from Argentine tango to vintage swing, led by local artists and dance instructors. No experience or partner required.
Tea dances originated in early 20th-century Britain and America as daytime socials, often held in hotels and ballrooms, offering live music, light refreshments, and a welcoming space for community connection. Revived in the queer communities of mid-century America, the tradition evolved into a vibrant celebration of expression and belonging.
In that spirit, our Sunday Tea Dances offer a space to unplug, connect, and move together. These afternoons are for everyone: curious beginners, practiced dancers, and people just looking to enjoy good music and warm company.
Come for the class, stay for the social, and rediscover the art of togetherness.
Free and open to all. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.
March 22: Groove and Step
This is an all levels dance class that captures certain elements of traditional southern line dance and hip hop choreography simultaneously! The class will involve choreography however, there is still space for individual creativity and unique dance expression. Groove and Step cultivates energy, connection, and JOY! After an intial period to mix and mingle, an hour-long class will begin at 3:30, after which time, attendees will be invited to share their own line dances with the group during the open session until 6:00 pm!
About the instructor: Ronnie Martin is a professional dancer/choreographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been a part of two major dance companies, So Real Dance Co. and Texas Southern Dance Co. and has been teaching all levels of hip hop choreography for the past 10 years. Once he relocated to LA he developed a love and passion for fitness which encouraged him to create his own fun and effective way to have the best of both worlds (Dance and Fitness). He has been teaching hip hop cardio classes for 7 years now and line dance classes for 5 years ! He believes that Dance fitness is great way to get active as well decompress. His goal is to constantly create spaces for the advancement of physical and mental health in a creative way!
As this event takes place during museum open hours, guests may check in at the front of the museum. The garden side gate will open 30 minutes before the start time and is available for ADA access and check-in. Theater doors open 15 minutes before the start time. Seating is first come, first served. An RSVP does not guarantee admission once capacity is reached. No late entry.

Tea Dances at the Wende Museum Community Center
2026-01-18 15:00 - 18:00
The Wende Museum’s Tea Dance series invites you to move, mingle, and unwind through the joyful rhythm of social dance. Hosted in the Wende Museum Community Center, each session features different dance traditions, ranging from Argentine tango to vintage swing, led by local artists and dance instructors. No experience or partner required.
Tea dances originated in early 20th-century Britain and America as daytime socials, often held in hotels and ballrooms, offering live music, light refreshments, and a welcoming space for community connection. Revived in the queer communities of mid-century America, the tradition evolved into a vibrant celebration of expression and belonging.
In that spirit, our Sunday Tea Dances offer a space to unplug, connect, and move together. These afternoons are for everyone: curious beginners, practiced dancers, and people just looking to enjoy good music and warm company.
Come for the class, stay for the social, and rediscover the art of togetherness.
Free and open to all. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.
Groove and Step:

This is an all levels dance class that captures certain elements of traditional southern line dance and hip hop choreography simultaneously! The class will involve choreography however, there is still space for individual creativity and unique dance expression. Groove and Step cultivates energy, connection, and JOY! After an initial period to mix and mingle, an hour-long class will begin at 3:30, after which time, attendees will be invited to share their own line dances with the group during the open session until 6:00 pm!About the instructor:
Ronnie Martin is a professional dancer/choreographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been a part of two major dance companies, So Real Dance Co. and Texas Southern Dance Co. and has been teaching all levels of hip hop choreography for the past 10 years. Once he relocated to LA he developed a love and passion for fitness which encouraged him to create his own fun and effective way to have the best of both worlds (Dance and Fitness). He has been teaching hip hop cardio classes for 7 years now and line dance classes for 5 years! He believes that Dance fitness is great way to get active as well decompress. His goal is to constantly create spaces for the advancement of physical and mental health in a creative way!

Tea Dances at the Wende Museum Community Center: Swing Dancing
2025-12-14 15:00 - 18:00
The Wende Museum’s Tea Dance series invites you to move, mingle, and unwind through the joyful rhythm of social dance. Hosted in the Wende Museum Community Center, each session features different dance traditions, ranging from Argentine tango to vintage swing, led by local artists and dance instructors. No experience or partner required.
This session will include a lesson with LA Swing Dance Posse, followed by a performance by Beach Cities Swing Band.
Tea dances originated in early 20th-century Britain and America as daytime socials, often held in hotels and ballrooms, offering live music, light refreshments, and a welcoming space for community connection. Revived in the queer communities of mid-century America, the tradition evolved into a vibrant celebration of expression and belonging.
In that spirit, our Sunday Tea Dances offer a space to unplug, connect, and move together. These afternoons are for everyone: curious beginners, practiced dancers, and people just looking to enjoy good music and warm company.
Come for the class, stay for the social, and rediscover the art of togetherness.
Free and open to all. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.

Tea Dances at the Wende Museum Community Center
2025-09-14 15:00 - 18:00
The Wende Museum’s Tea Dance series invites you to move, mingle, and unwind through the joyful rhythm of social dance. Hosted in the Wende Museum Community Center, each session features different dance traditions, ranging from Argentine tango to vintage swing, led by local artists and dance instructors. No experience or partner required.
Tea dances originated in early 20th-century Britain and America as daytime socials, often held in hotels and ballrooms, offering live music, light refreshments, and a welcoming space for community connection. Revived in the queer communities of mid-century America, the tradition evolved into a vibrant celebration of expression and belonging.
In that spirit, our Sunday Tea Dances offer a space to unplug, connect, and move together. These afternoons are for everyone: curious beginners, practiced dancers, and people just looking to enjoy good music and warm company.
Come for the class, stay for the social, and rediscover the art of togetherness.
Free and open to all. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.

Tea Dances at the Wende Museum Community Center
2025-08-31 15:00 - 18:00, 2025-08-17 15:00 - 18:00, 2025-08-03 15:00 - 18:00
Move, mingle, and unwind through the joyful rhythm of social dance.

The Wende Museum’s Tea Dance series invites you to move, mingle, and unwind through the joyful rhythm of social dance. Hosted in the Wende Museum Community Center, each session features different dance traditions, ranging from Argentine tango to vintage swing, led by local artists and dance instructors. No experience or partner required.
Tea dances originated in early 20th-century Britain and America as daytime socials, often held in hotels and ballrooms, offering live music, light refreshments, and a welcoming space for community connection. Revived in the queer communities of mid-century America, the tradition evolved into a vibrant celebration of expression and belonging.
In that spirit, our Sunday Tea Dances offer a space to unplug, connect, and move together. These afternoons are for everyone: curious beginners, practiced dancers, and people just looking to enjoy good music and warm company.
Come for the class, stay for the social, and rediscover the art of togetherness.
Free and open to all. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.
Schedule:
Sunday, August 3, 3-6 pm, LA Swing Dance Posse with Beach Cities Swing Band
LA Swing Dance Posse with Beach Cities Swing Band (LASDP) is a non profit organization formed to honor contributions African Americans have made to vernacular jazz dance through performance and education. They teach the history of those styles, ranging from the 1800’s to the present. This gives them the opportunity to fill in knowledge gaps of Swing dance history, a history that has deep roots in Black culture. Their mission is to educate, preserve, promote, teach and perform the vernacular jazz dances such as Savoy Swing, Charleston, and Lindy Hop dance.
The Beach Cities Swing Band (BCSB), founded in 2000 by members of the El Segundo Concert Band, is a 17-piece big band with featured vocalists, performing classics made famous by Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, and Artie Shaw, as well as modern swing arrangements and fresh takes on beloved tunes. Now operating under the South Bay Music Association, the BCSB is dedicated to keeping the big band tradition alive and thriving. True to its name, the band has performed throughout the South Bay’s beach cities—including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes Estates, Long Beach, Marina Del Rey, Los Angeles, and its home base of El Segundo.
Sunday, August 17, 3-6 pm, Oxygen Tango
Discover the global language of tango in this one-hour beginner class led by Oxygen Tango, a beloved LA-based school known for its welcoming, connection-driven approach. You’ll learn the essentials of this improvised social dance and be ready to join the informal practica that follows—no partner needed. Just bring comfortable clothes, shoes you can walk backward in, and a spirit of curiosity.
Sunday, August 31, 3-6 pm, Groove and Step

Tea Dances at the Wende Museum Community Center
2025-07-20 15:00 - 18:00
Move, mingle, and unwind through the joyful rhythm of social dance.

The Wende Museum’s Tea Dance series invites you to move, mingle, and unwind through the joyful rhythm of social dance. Hosted in the Wende Museum Community Center, each session features different dance traditions, ranging from Argentine tango to vintage swing, led by local artists and dance instructors. No experience or partner required.
Tea dances originated in early 20th-century Britain and America as daytime socials, often held in hotels and ballrooms, offering live music, light refreshments, and a welcoming space for community connection. Revived in the queer communities of mid-century America, the tradition evolved into a vibrant celebration of expression and belonging.
In that spirit, our Sunday Tea Dances offer a space to unplug, connect, and move together. These afternoons are for everyone: curious beginners, practiced dancers, and people just looking to enjoy good music and warm company.
Come for the class, stay for the social, and rediscover the art of togetherness.
Free and open to all. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.
Schedule:
Sunday, July 20, 3-6 pm, Groove and Step
This is an all levels dance class that captures certain elements of traditional southern line dance and hip hop choreography simultaneously! The class will involve choreography however, there is still space for individual creativity and unique dance expression. Groove and Step cultivates energy, connection, and JOY! After an intial period to mix and mingle, an hour-long class will begin at 3:30, after which time, attendees will be invited to share their own line dances with the group during the open session until 6:00 pm!
About the instructor: Ronnie Martin is a professional dancer/choreographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been a part of two major dance companies, So Real Dance Co. and Texas Southern Dance Co. and has been teaching all levels of hip hop choreography for the past 10 years. Once he relocated to LA he developed a love and passion for fitness which encouraged him to create his own fun and effective way to have the best of both worlds (Dance and Fitness). He has been teaching hip hop cardio classes for 7 years now and line dance classes for 5 years ! He believes that Dance fitness is great way to get active as well decompress. His goal is to constantly create spaces for the advancement of physical and mental health in a creative way!
Sunday, August 3, 3-6 pm, Sunday, July 13, 3-6 pm, LA Swing Dance Posse with Beach Cities Swing Band
LA Swing Dance Posse with Beach Cities Swing Band”LASDP is a non profit organization formed to honor contributions African Americans have made to vernacular jazz dance through performance and education. We teach the history of those styles, ranging from the 1800’s to the present. This gives us the opportunity to fill in knowledge gaps of Swing dance history, a history that has deep roots in Black culture. Our mission is to educate, preserve, promote, teach and perform the vernacular jazz dances such as Savoy Swing, Charleston, and Lindy Hop dance.
The Beach Cities Swing Band (BCSB), founded in 2000 by members of the El Segundo Concert Band, is a 17-piece big band with featured vocalists, performing classics made famous by Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, and Artie Shaw, as well as modern swing arrangements and fresh takes on beloved tunes. Now operating under the South Bay Music Association, the BCSB is dedicated to keeping the big band tradition alive and thriving. True to its name, the band has performed throughout the South Bay’s beach cities—including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes Estates, Long Beach, Marina Del Rey, Los Angeles, and its home base of El Segundo.
Sunday, August 17, 3-6 pm, Oxygen Tango
Discover the global language of tango in this one-hour beginner class led by Oxygen Tango, a beloved LA-based school known for its welcoming, connection-driven approach. You’ll learn the essentials of this improvised social dance and be ready to join the informal practica that follows—no partner needed. Just bring comfortable clothes, shoes you can walk backward in, and a spirit of curiosity.
Sunday, August 31, 3-6 pm, Groove and Step

Tea Dances at the Wende Museum Community Center
2025-07-13 15:00 - 18:00
The Wende Museum’s Tea Dance series invites you to move, mingle, and unwind through the joyful rhythm of social dance. Hosted in the Wende Museum Community Center, each session features different dance traditions, ranging from Argentine tango to vintage swing, led by local artists and dance instructors. No experience or partner required.
Tea dances originated in early 20th-century Britain and America as daytime socials, often held in hotels and ballrooms, offering live music, light refreshments, and a welcoming space for community connection. Revived in the queer communities of mid-century America, the tradition evolved into a vibrant celebration of expression and belonging.
In that spirit, our Sunday Tea Dances offer a space to unplug, connect, and move together. These afternoons are for everyone: curious beginners, practiced dancers, and people just looking to enjoy good music and warm company.
Come for the class, stay for the social, and rediscover the art of togetherness.
Free and open to all. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.
Schedule:
Sunday, July 13, 3-6 pm, Beach Cities Swing Band
The Beach Cities Swing Band was founded in the year 2000 by members of the El Segundo Concert Band. It is a 17-piece Big Band with featured vocalists, playing works made famous in the Big Band era by the likes of Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, and Artie Shaw, along with more modern arrangements in the traditional swing styles, and innovative new takes on famous songs. The BCSB is now operating under the umbrella of the South Bay Music Association.
The BCSB is dedicated to keeping the sound of the big band alive and out in the public. True to its name, the BSCB has performed in all the beach towns of the South Bay, including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes Estates, Long Beach, Marina Del Rey, and Los Angeles, as well as in its home base of El Segundo. The BCSB has an extensive repertoire of instrumental and vocal charts, and is available for event booking by contacting the South Bay Music Association. Whether a concert or a dance event this band is a swinging good time.
Sunday, July 20, 3-6 pm, Groove and Step
This is an all levels dance class that captures certain elements of traditional southern line dance and hip hop choreography simultaneously! The class will involve choreography however, there is still space for individual creativity and unique dance expression. Groove and Step cultivates energy, connection, and JOY! After an intial period to mix and mingle, an hour-long class will begin at 3:30, after which time, attendees will be invited to share their own line dances with the group during the open session until 6:00 pm!
About the instructor: Ronnie Martin is a professional dancer/choreographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been a part of two major dance companies, So Real Dance Co. and Texas Southern Dance Co. and has been teaching all levels of hip hop choreography for the past 10 years. Once he relocated to LA he developed a love and passion for fitness which encouraged him to create his own fun and effective way to have the best of both worlds (Dance and Fitness). He has been teaching hip hop cardio classes for 7 years now and line dance classes for 5 years ! He believes that Dance fitness is great way to get active as well decompress. His goal is to constantly create spaces for the advancement of physical and mental health in a creative way!
Sunday, August 3, 3-6 pm, Beach Cities Swing Band
Sunday, August 17, 3-6 pm, Oxygen Tango
Discover the global language of tango in this one-hour beginner class led by Oxygen Tango, a beloved LA-based school known for its welcoming, connection-driven approach. You’ll learn the essentials of this improvised social dance and be ready to join the informal practica that follows—no partner needed. Just bring comfortable clothes, shoes you can walk backward in, and a spirit of curiosity.
Sunday, August 31, 3-6 pm, Groove and Step

Tea Dances at the Wende Museum Community Center with Oxygen Tango
2025-07-06 15:00 - 18:00
The Wende Museum’s Tea Dance series invites you to move, mingle, and unwind through the joyful rhythm of social dance. Hosted in the Wende Museum Community Center, each session features different dance traditions, ranging from Argentine tango to vintage swing, led by local artists and dance instructors. No experience or partner required.

Tea dances originated in early 20th-century Britain and America as daytime socials, often held in hotels and ballrooms, offering live music, light refreshments, and a welcoming space for community connection. Revived in the queer communities of mid-century America, the tradition evolved into a vibrant celebration of expression and belonging

In that spirit, our Sunday Tea Dances offer a space to unplug, connect, and move together. These afternoons are for everyone: curious beginners, practiced dancers, and people just looking to enjoy good music and warm company

Come for the class, stay for the social, and rediscover the art of togetherness.

Free and open to all. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.

Schedule:
Sunday, July 6, 3-6 pm, Oxygen Tango
Discover the global language of tango in this one-hour beginner class led by Oxygen Tango, a beloved LA-based school known for its welcoming, connection-driven approach. You’ll learn the essentials of this improvised social dance and be ready to join the informal practica that follows—no partner needed. Just bring comfortable clothes, shoes you can walk backward in, and a spirit of curiosity.
Sunday, July 13, 3-6 pm, Beach Cities Swing Band
The Beach Cities Swing Band was founded in the year 2000 by members of the El Segundo Concert Band. It is a 17-piece Big Band with featured vocalists, playing works made famous in the Big Band era by the likes of Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, and Artie Shaw, along with more modern arrangements in the traditional swing styles, and innovative new takes on famous songs. The BCSB is now operating under the umbrella of the South Bay Music Association.
The BCSB is dedicated to keeping the sound of the big band alive and out in the public. True to its name, the BSCB has performed in all the beach towns of the South Bay, including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes Estates, Long Beach, Marina Del Rey, and Los Angeles, as well as in its home base of El Segundo. The BCSB has an extensive repertoire of instrumental and vocal charts, and is available for event booking by contacting the South Bay Music Association. Whether a concert or a dance event this band is a swinging good time.
Sunday, July 20, 3-6 pm, Groove and Step
This is an all levels dance class that captures certain elements of traditional southern line dance and hip hop choreography simultaneously! The class will involve choreography however, there is still space for individual creativity and unique dance expression. Groove and Step cultivates energy, connection, and JOY! After an intial period to mix and mingle, an hour-long class will begin at 3:30, after which time, attendees will be invited to share their own line dances with the group during the open session until 6:00 pm!
About the instructor: Ronnie Martin is a professional dancer/choreographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been a part of two major dance companies, So Real Dance Co. and Texas Southern Dance Co. and has been teaching all levels of hip hop choreography for the past 10 years. Once he relocated to LA he developed a love and passion for fitness which encouraged him to create his own fun and effective way to have the best of both worlds (Dance and Fitness). He has been teaching hip hop cardio classes for 7 years now and line dance classes for 5 years ! He believes that Dance fitness is great way to get active as well decompress. His goal is to constantly create spaces for the advancement of physical and mental health in a creative way!
Sunday, August 3, 3-6 pm, Beach Cities Swing Band
Sunday, August 17, 3-6 pm, Oxygen Tango
Sunday, August 31, 3-6 pm, Groove and Step
