House of Duende, New York

Duende loosely translates to "having soul" or a "heightened state of emotion, expression, and authenticity." House of Duende invites visitors to unleash their duende through its dance, music, and art offerings at its East Harlem studio. In addition to letting students' creativity flow freely, the wide-ranging schedule of classes aims to educate and honor the cultural history behind the art forms.

• Beginner's sabar sessions cover a traditional West African style of dance that originated in Senegal and is performed to the beats of a sabar drum. The sensual dance incorporates all parts of the body with jumps, arm swings, hip twists, and high knee lifts.
• Soca aerobics classes are centered on the dance style of Trinidad and Tobago. Best known for whining, or hip swiveling, dancers continually roll their hips to the music's beat—except when the instructor adds aerobic exercises.
• Waacking was born in LA's LGBT clubs of 1970s and popularized by Soul Train. With that in mind, the style's posing, footwork, and arm movements are performed to disco music during House of Duende's 90-minute classes.