Rooftop Rhythms: Latin Dance Sunset Sessions

About the Event

This rejuvenating dance experience brings ICU nurses together on a stunning San Francisco rooftop to move, breathe, and connect through the vibrant rhythms of Latin dance. As the sun sets over the city skyline, we’ll leave behind the clinical environment to embrace joy, movement, and cultural celebration through Salsa, Bachata, and Cumbia. These sunset sessions will serve as both skill-building opportunities and therapeutic release, measuring how embodied movement and musical expression can counterbalance the physical and emotional demands of critical care work.

What to Expect

A supportive, judgment-free space where dancers of all levels—from complete beginners to experienced movers—can learn, practice, and simply enjoy the moment. Professional instructors with healthcare backgrounds understand the unique physical and emotional needs of nurses coming from high-stress environments. Participants will experience progressive instruction in three foundational Latin dance styles, alongside plenty of free dance time to simply enjoy the music, the movement, and the breathtaking views.

Session Schedule

Designed to work with varying ICU schedules and to maximize the magical sunset hours over San Francisco Bay. The preliminary schedule includes:

• 30-minute gentle warm-up focusing on releasing tension from common nurse “problem areas”
• 45-minute progressive instruction in rotating dance styles (Salsa, Bachata, and Cumbia)
• Social dancing during the golden hour with optional partner rotations
• Cool-down and reflection circle as city lights begin to twinkle

Dance Style Highlights

Each session spotlights different aspects of these rich dance traditions. Salsa’s energetic patterns mirror the quick thinking required in the ICU, while Bachata’s intimate connection offers a therapeutic counterbalance to the clinical distance we often maintain. Cumbia’s accessible, joyful movements remind us of the simple pleasure of being fully present in our bodies, away from monitors and machines.

Why Participate

Movement-based interventions are increasingly recognized for their effectiveness in processing stress and preventing burnout among healthcare professionals. Your participation will offer opportunities to:

• Connect with colleagues through non-verbal, creative expression
• Release physical tension accumulated during long ICU shifts
• Learn cultural and artistic skills that continue to provide joy outside work
• Develop sustainable movement practices to maintain physical and emotional balance

Registration Information

Open to all Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa ICU nurses regardless of dance experience or fitness level. Comfortable clothes and supportive shoes are all you need—no specialized dance attire required. The rooftop venue is exclusively reserved for our group, creating a safe space to learn and express. Space is limited for these intimate sunset sessions, so early registration is encouraged to secure your place.

Practical Considerations

These sessions honor the physical demands already placed on nurses’ bodies. Modifications are always offered, rest is encouraged when needed, and the emphasis remains on enjoyment rather than perfection. Light refreshments and hydration stations will be available, and transportation coordination from Santa Rosa can be arranged.

Looking Ahead

As we develop this dance community, we’ll explore how regular embodied practice might support sustained resilience and joy among our ICU team. Potential expansions include quarterly dance celebrations, optional performance opportunities for interested participants, and exploration of additional cultural dance traditions. These sunset sessions represent the first steps in discovering how rhythmic movement in beautiful surroundings might offer our dedicated nurses both immediate relief and lasting resilience tools to carry back into our demanding but vital work.