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Welcome to Saraleno

Never miss a chance to dance!!

We are so blessed to make a difference to many people’s lives. It is our mission to create a safe space where you feel welcome and comfortable to learn, to make new friends and to feel lighter and have a good experience where you create and cherish memories.
We continue to see friendships and connections build; confidence grow, and happy hearts radiate full of dance. We are so grateful to share many special moments to see the growth and transformation of so many and lives forever changed.
Each one of you makes a difference in helping to build and support such a special dance family. We Thank you for continuing to help us in cultivating and watering those seeds and spreading the joy of dance.
We look forward to seeing you soon! 

Much love, Sarah & Galeno

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Why Dance?  Even if you have 2 left feet. 

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We Saraleno Dance Company strive to promote dancing as a way to improve lives and to experience joy and happiness. Our mission is to create a welcoming safe space, to connect the bridge between individuals and groups of all levels.

 

We always aim to lead with love, compassion, understanding and acceptance. We build connections through creativity, respect, learning and having fun with a great community that feels like family.

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Our welcoming and encouraging environment always creates a light and at ease feeling that helps the students, whatever level they are at, to learn effectively with less pressure. 

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Whether you are looking for a new hobby, honing your skills, getting your exercise, social interaction, and self-expression; our supportive dance family are ready to welcome you!

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Our Team

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Sarah Melville

Sarah was born and raised in England and had a natural love for dance from a young age.  She found a strong connection with Bellydance which grew into teaching and performing around the world. With her love of travel, she spent many visits to the Dominican Republic where she studied, learned and fell in love with the dance Bachata. After transferring with her employment to America, she decided to give up her job and follow her Dance passion. She has been teaching for over 25 years with experience in all styles built from dancing and performing internationally. Sarah specializes in Bachata, Lady Styling, Bellydance, Kizomba, Cha Cha Cha and Salsa on 1.

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Galeno Navarro

Galeno was born in the Philippines. At the age of 17 he moved to America having no interest in dance.  That was until he took on a counseling job in a summer camp requiring him to participate and help the youth perform ballroom dances on stage.  Unexpectedly, he found he liked Salsa. The students told him that he can really shake his "hips" and even though he was embarrassed he always remembered that moment. From there he decided to pursue his new found passion.

Galeno has been teaching for over 10 years with experience in all styles and he specializes in Bachata, Salsa on 1 and 2, Cha Cha Cha and Kizomba.

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Sarah and Galeno have helped me re-define my confidence and love for myself through dance. At a difficult time in my life, I found light and love through dance. Sarah and Galeno have been so welcoming and kind-hearted into a safe space and community. I feel like I am able to learn so many new skills while my boundaries and needs are respected and cared for. They are talented, professional, understanding, wise, truly amazing teachers, and wonderful people. They have hooked me into a community that I have fallen in love with. I cannot imagine living my life without dance and the pure happiness that comes from it. 

~ Haley S.

 

Before taking classes at Saraleno I was unaware of how fun and exhilarating dancing could be. I started going and was hooked by my first bachata class. Sarah and Galeno made me feel like a part of their dance family. It gave me and my fiancé an amazing escape to spend quality time together while also building an amazing skill. Not to mention how reasonably priced they are to help people of all price points to learn to dance. There is no doubt in my mind that anyone who goes to any of their classes or events will leave incredibly empowered and be hooked into coming back again!

~ Aleisha F.

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My wife and I have taken many lessons with Sarah and Galeno. They are absolutely wonderful instructors and create such a positive environment to step out of your comfort zone and experience the joy of dancing. The last package we bought was to prepare for our first dance at our wedding. Not only do we have wonderful memories preparing for that dance, but to share that dance and all of our hard work with our families on the most important day of our lives was priceless. We will always be grateful for Sarah and Galeno’s love of dancing and passion to bring out that love in others.

~ Sean and Brenda C.

 

I absolutely enjoy my time at the Saraleno classes. Sarah and her partner make a good team that inspires all involved to let loose and have a good time.  Sarah is a phenomenal dance instructor.  I was surprised how quickly I was able to learn what seemed like impossible routines.  The whole experience is very refreshing and so much fun!
~ Ni
kki D.

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First and foremost, I’d like to thank Sarah and Galeno for being such great instructors and making classes fun. In the few short months, I’ve been attending class, I’ve learned far more than I ever imagined. Sarah and Galeno make learning the steps easy to follow and are very attentive to every member of the class, to make sure no one is left behind. Aside from learning how to dance, the friendships that I’ve made will last a longtime. I would recommend taking classes at Saraleno to everyone looking to make new friends and have fun.

~ Alex Q.

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Sarah and Galeno are very amazing dancers and instructors. They have both mastered their craft and it shows in every class. But they aren't just dance instructors. They very easily become people who you view as family. Their hard work has created a community full of life and movement and fun. It's all centered around the love and support they have for their students. My life changed for the better when I met these two, and I am honored to call them my teachers and my friends. 

~ Mari Jane P.

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Sarah and Galeno are two wonderful dancers who share their love of dance with every single person at every single lesson. The moment you walk in the door, you are greeted with smiles from both of them and instantly feel welcomed. The lessons are super fun, the music is fantastic, and there is something offered for every level of dancer. If you have ever considered trying dance lessons, you should definitely experience Saraleno!!

~ Amber W.

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I couldn't recommend Saraleno Dance Company more highly. Their classes are fun and welcoming to all.  I have learned so much and they have also become family. Their events are my favorite because of the joyful and safe atmosphere. 

~ Marissa M

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If you are looking for Latin dance in Southern Oregon, then look no further than Saraleno. Sarah and Galeno are the keystones to anything Salsa and Bachata. They are the most patient teachers I have ever met. The two work diligently to make sure there is a Latin dance scene by organizing social dances and special events every week. Joining Saralano is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve made all kinds of new friends and I can travel to new towns and dance with strangers in full confidence. If you’re brave enough to take a chance, Sarah and Galeno will welcome you with open arms. I promise you will not regret it.

~ Bobby S.

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Sarah and Galeno are just the best teachers you could ask for. They create an environment of safety so that anyone can feel comfortable to learn how to dance. It’s an environment of ease and fun first! After having strict dance teachers it’s a breath of fresh air to be able to learn how to dance while still having a light and care-free environment. I was so impressed at the first partnering class that I went to as they took the men through the etiquette of how to ask a woman to dance, how to hold her so that she felt supported and safe, and how to lead her on and off the dance floor. This might sound funny if you haven’t done Latin dance before, but in a dance that is intimate, learning this is essential. It creates a space where women can have fun and relax without worrying that someone is going to cross boundaries or hurt them unintentionally. There was always so much permission to modify things for your fitness or skill level. It really was the only studio I’ve been to in my long dance history where it felt like a family. People were so kind and welcoming. If you’re interested in Latin Dance at all then check out this studio. You won’t be sorry you did. 

~ Olivia M.

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I sought out dance classes during a valley in my life. What I found with Saraleno was a welcoming dance family in a beautiful event space buzzing with the energy of a community of people who love to dance without judgement.  Everyone was so encouraging and had such an inclusive spirit. Sarah and Galeno especially have done so much, not only to impart technical dance skills and to share their contagious love of dance and a respect of the dance’s cultures- but to also check in, take notice of each individual and inspire me to want more for myself and to believe in my full potential.  Dance is so much more than moving your body, and dancing at Saraleno has truly transformed my life. 

~ Sara W.

 

*So* lucky to have Sarah and Galeno here in So Oregon teaching Authentic Bachata! I highly recommend learning from them.​

~ Amy A.

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Sarah & Galeno's dance classes are a very healthy environment where everyone encourages each other and wants to see you empowered and succeed. so uplifting!

~ Sharon H.

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I am so grateful for Saraleno Dance Company.  They bring so much love, passion and compassion to the dance community.  If you have not been to a class, please go and enjoy your first experience releasing stress and picking up an abundance of love and fun!​

~ Nicole F.

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The first time I attended a dance class taught by Sarah and Galeno I was very unsure about it because I had never danced before and didnt know anyone there. They were extremely welcoming and made the entire process of learning fun and enjoyable. I’ve been attending their dance classes/events regularly for three months now and it’s been such a life changer, not only have my dancing skills and confidence gone way up, but my overall attitude has changed for the greater by leaps and my sales production at work has tripled. Whether you’re looking to learn a new dance skill, freshen up on an existing one, meet new people or just plain have a good time, I 1000% recommend taking some Latin dance lessons from them.

~ Brett R.

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I have just recently started taking classes with these two, and I absolutely love it! They are very patient and encouraging. I feel very blessed to have them in Grants Pass sharing their energy.

~ Mari Jane P.

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I've taken a few of their classes and loved it! Ready to go back for more.​

~ Sarah R.

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Thank you both so much for all of your patience and passion in our classes and in my lessons.  I never thought I would ever love dancing this much - let alone be decent at it!​

~ Kate A.

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I'm so thankful to be a part of Sarah's belly dance classes. Belly dancing has been so awesome for both my physical health and mental well-being! It brings such joy to my life, and it's been the perfect exercise during pregnancy. It's super low impact and many of the movements are very smooth, so I've been able to keep dancing even at 8 months pregnant! All of the hip movements are so good for my pelvis and lower back, and I'm convinced belly dance is the reason I haven't had back pain this pregnancy! It really has been the perfect prenatal workout for me.​

~ Ariel K.

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Thank you so much Sarah Jane and Galeno Navarro for having so much patience!! Learning to dance can be intimidating but you two really take the time to create a comfortable learning environment.

I always leave wanting to learn more and grow! You’re both amazing!​

~ Kayleen L.

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Hey, Just a special shout out to Galeno for his leading Tuesday night. This guy works hard to give every partner the best dance she can have. His dance with Kayleen was top-notch professional-grade beautiful. Kayleen really shined under his musical and caring lead.​

~ Paul D.

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Dance has excelled me in reading and math as each one relates, reading by using words to remember the moves by name and math using numbers to remember how long to do the moves.  I love dance because it is my escape from reality whatever is going on, I can get away and think about me for a bit.  I want to say Thank you for being my escape.​

~ Lacee H. (Age 10).

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Belly dancing lessons with Sarah is one of the best things I’ve done for my body this pregnancy. It feels so good to move my hips and belly in that way and I’m sure my growing baby loves it too. Belly dancing has strengthened and stretched the postural, pelvic and abdominal muscles I will need to use soon during labor and birth. I believe belly dance movements have also helped encourage my baby into the correct head-down position. Sarah has been belly dancing for years and her knowledge of the dance is vast. She understands how the pace and rhythm may need to be slowed down for pregnant women and how certain movements can be safely altered. Belly dancing with Sarah is a blast and I highly recommend it to any woman, pregnant or not.​

~ Jenny B.

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Sarah and Galeno are two excellent dancers and very talented instructors.  After eight lessons they have given me the skill and confidence needed to go on the dance floor and I know I have the ability to perform the dance moves I can be proud of.  I would recommend them to anyone interested in learning how to dance and being taught in the correct way.  They are very caring and patient while teaching class and I am glad to have met them and have them as my instructors.​

` ~ Frank N.

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You guys are the definition of love!

- Debbie C

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Thank you very much for the patience and love with which you teach us, dancing makes me very happy.

- Angeles

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Testimonials

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