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NEW MEXICO'S BACHATA SCHOOL
The path to full expression. . .
WHO IS METTA DANCE?
The name Metta Dance Collective is a reflection of our core values and aspirations. The word 'Metta,' from the teachings of Buddhism means loving-kindness. It serves as the guiding principle behind everything we do. We aim to foster an environment of inclusivity and safety, embodying the spirit of 'metta' by creating a community where individuals can flourish and express themselves freely.
The choice of 'Collective' in our name is deliberate – it represents our commitment to community and collaboration. Metta Dance is not just about dance steps; it's about the collective strength and creativity that emerges when diverse individuals come together.
Rooted in the profound meaning of 'metta,' our collective is a dance community that celebrates love, kindness, growth, and expression. Join us as we dance together, learn from one another, and collectively create a space where everyone can thrive.
Our Vision
We envision a world where dance celebrates all identities and backgrounds while fostering human connection. A dance world where people feel safe to thrive and fully express themselves.
Our Mission
Our mission is to unite through dance, creating an inclusive space where individuals grow physically, emotionally and spiritually. We aspire to be a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals to embrace their truest selves through the transformative power of dance.
MEET THE STAFF
Lead Instructor
My name is Carina Palomino
Dance is more than movement; it is an exploration of self, a journey that unveils layers of connection, expression, and embodiment. During the challenging times of COVID, the absence of social dance during lockdown revealed its importance in my life.
When dance became accessible again, I dove deeper than ever. I joined a performing team and became fascinated by training. Such obsession led me to start teaching bachata classes in 2023. That same year I started traveling to the Dominican Republic, where I immersed myself in the heart of bachata as a student of its roots, culture, and history.
Now, I teach not only technique but also the story behind the music, honoring its origins while also leaning into bachata fusion. My goal is to equip people with the tools to find their own voice within the dance, always with respect for where it came from.
Dance has taught me the power of acceptance, the rewards of discipline, and the beauty of continuous expansion. Dance brings people together and helps us learn about ourselves; it is a vehicle for authentic connection to yourself and others. It transformed my life in powerful ways, and it is my great joy and opportunity to instruct others in it.
Level I Instructor
My name is Tammy Huynh
I found bachata completely by chance after being invited to a class while traveling in Chile a stranger. I had never even heard of bachata at the time. When I returned to Albuquerque, I took my first class with Carina and Jessica. Watching them dance together during the demo lit a fire inside me. I couldn’t stop smiling. I remember thinking, “I want that to be me someday.” Looking back now, it’s surreal to realize that I made past Tammy’s goals a reality.
Dance has opened doors I never expected while challenging me in ways I never imagined. It has pushed me beyond limiting beliefs, taught me to embrace vulnerability, and encouraged me to grow a little more every day. My younger self would be shocked to know that I now stand in front of a room and teach. Even today, I still get nervous before every class, but the moment the music starts, I feel energized like I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
As an instructor, I believe strong fundamentals create the freedom to be creative. My goal is to help students build confidence in their movement while discovering the version of themselves they want to express through the music. I hope that every person leaves class feeling a little lighter than when they walked in.
After all, a dance a day keeps the demons away. Am I right? Dance has transformed my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share that joy with others.
Level I instructor since January 2026
Dance Coaches
James Fluke
What I love most about being a Dance Coach at Metta is seeing people gain confidence, fluency, and creativity with their dance, then seeing that carry over into how they see themselves. There is nothing better than helping others access higher levels of fun! Metta is a place to learn and grow with others in our appreciation of dance and connection. For anyone considering joining our community, know this: at Metta, all are welcome and valued with loving kindness 💜
Dance Coach since January 2026
Community Leads
Laura Ray
"Being a Community Lead at Metta has given me the opportunity to step up and truly connect with our beautiful dance community, like when I had the opportunity to bring both the Zouk and Metta communities together. I love how I can express myself here while taking classes and dancing with Metta while staying active and feeling good—both physically and mentally. The connections I’ve made, both with others and with myself, has been a meaningful experience. Dedicating my time to Metta has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve had a lot of fun along the way."
Community Lead since January 2024
"Being an Ambassador aligns with my values of accessibility and community, and has given me an opportunity to be involved in dance in a way that I've never experienced before. What I appreciate most about Metta is how we build relationships that feel like family, not just as students in class. It's a place where everyone's contributions matter, where it is safe to explore your expression and be vulnerable, and where growth and connection are encouraged and embraced."
Naomi Palomino
"Being part of this community lets me share my passion for bachata with everyone, and I love interacting with all the other members. It’s such a safe space where you can have fun, connect with people, and build confidence. It’s helped me grow as a dancer and become part of a supportive, welcoming community. The more time you spend here, the more it feels like family. Everyone listens, values each other, and you learn to live in the moment while growing as a person"
Community Lead since August 2024
"Being an Ambassador aligns with my values of accessibility and community, and has given me an opportunity to be involved in dance in a way that I've never experienced before. What I appreciate most about Metta is how we build relationships that feel like family, not just as students in class. It's a place where everyone's contributions matter, where it is safe to explore your expression and be vulnerable, and where growth and connection are encouraged and embraced."
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Elisa DeVargas
“For me, the Metta community brings a powerful sense of connection, fun, and learning—it’s where I returned to dance in a way that truly aligns with my values of loving-kindness, inclusion, and safety. I was motivated to become a Community Lead to contribute my years of dance experience through leadership and collaboration, with a special goal of building a bridge between the Queer and Latin dance communities. Metta is the perfect place for this because its values create the safe, inviting space needed for everyone to thrive. What makes our community unique is that we don't just welcome newcomers; we genuinely connect beyond the dance floor, actually getting to know each other!”
Community Lead since November 2025
"Being an Ambassador aligns with my values of accessibility and community, and has given me an opportunity to be involved in dance in a way that I've never experienced before. What I appreciate most about Metta is how we build relationships that feel like family, not just as students in class. It's a place where everyone's contributions matter, where it is safe to explore your expression and be vulnerable, and where growth and connection are encouraged and embraced."
Isaac Carrillo
“Metta has created a community with the freedom, encouragement, and support to empower us all to express ourselves authentically and beautifully. This is a community that has allowed me to be vulnerable while challenging me to grow and that's exactly what inspired me to become a Community Lead. The Metta leadership team welcomed me with open arms, and I've made it my mission to emulate that same accepting energy. I love welcoming new people into our spaces and encouraging them to embrace the joy and positivity that radiates from this community. For anyone considering joining us: this is a safe place for you, exactly as you are. Dance is emotional, expressive, and vulnerable, and having a space to learn and challenge yourself can truly empower your entire life. Metta will be here to support you along your journey both on and off the dance floor.”
Community Lead since July 2026
"Being an Ambassador aligns with my values of accessibility and community, and has given me an opportunity to be involved in dance in a way that I've never experienced before. What I appreciate most about Metta is how we build relationships that feel like family, not just as students in class. It's a place where everyone's contributions matter, where it is safe to explore your expression and be vulnerable, and where growth and connection are encouraged and embraced."