Our Story
Perhaps surprisingly, MN Social Dance's origins trace back to the vibrant city of Kolkata, India. MN Social Dance was founded by Raj Mukherjee, who discovered his passion for Latin dance after relocating from India to Minnesota for his undergraduate studies. Since our launch in 2020, we have cultivated an inclusive space that offers quality group classes, personalized private lessons, and fun and welcoming dance events. We invite you to join us on the dance floor to experience the joy of salsa, bachata, kizomba, and zouk!
Our Team
Our team is dedicated to bringing together the best talent in dance instruction, each with unique backgrounds and expertise. From salsa to zouk, our diverse instructors are passionate about sharing their love for dance and helping you grow in your journey.
Raj Mukherjee
Founder / Latin & Zouk Instructor
Raj began his journey in Latin social dance in 2008, quickly igniting a passion for the fiery rhythms of salsa. His love for dance only deepened when he discovered Brazilian Zouk in 2017. Over the years, Raj has trained with renowned professional artists, including Minneapolis based Cuban dancers René Thompson and Chini Perez. In 2020, Raj founded MN Social Dance to share his enthusiasm for dance with others. He is celebrated for his engaging group classes and welcoming socials, creating an inclusive environment where dancers of all levels can thrive and enjoy the fun world of social dance.
Inna Lipatkina
Latin Instructor
Inna started dancing when she was 5 years old! She began from the Russian folk dancing and got into classical choreography including ballet then switched to ballroom dancing. Inna is trained in many different genres which makes her a well rounded dancer. Inna started her teacing career in 2019 in Russia. Her favorite style is salsa but also loves bachata and kizomba.
Lulu Bea
Zouk Instructor
Lulu Bea is a dance instructor, visual artist, and retreat leader who creates transformative spaces where movement and creativity become tools for personal growth, connection, and joy. Since 2019, she has been teaching Latin partner dances, beginning with salsa and bachata. She joined Zouk Algorhythm in 2024 to expand her training and teaching in Brazilian Zouk, a fluid, deeply connected dance that invites presence and partnership.
Lulu believes that dance is a powerful way to build confidence, develop trust, and return to the body as a source of wisdom and expression. Whether guiding beginners or seasoned dancers, she offers a welcoming, judgment-free environment where students can explore movement as a path to both freedom and connection.
Her retreats and classes weave together dance, visual art, and mindful practices, offering an integrated experience that speaks to the whole person. With warmth, clarity, and a deep respect for each individual’s journey, Lulu helps people rediscover their creativity, embody their truth, and move through life with more ease and joy.
You can dance, draw, and grow with Lulu through private lessons, creative mentoring, and immersive retreats.
Learn more at www.LuluBeas.com
Katie Harris
Zouk Instructor
Katie brings more than two decades of experience as a professional educator to Zouk Algorhythm. She has taught music, writing, and dance, and she infuses her teaching with playfulness, curiosity, and affirmation. Katie has been dancing socially for fifteen years, and she continues to learn new dance forms. Since she began studying Brazilian zouk in 2017, she has regularly received training from the top international artists. She enjoys being a facilitator for people as they attune more fully to their bodies, to each other, and to their confidence. Through guiding this attunement, Katie supports students as they pursue their goals in Brazilian zouk, whether those are having fun, being social, developing better technique, or trying something new.