By Ersilia Pompilio
Hey babes, ever wonder what it’s like to dance like nobody’s watching, while also living your best life in the Coachella Valley? Meet Eline Berber, a Dutch dynamo who's shaking things up with Twerk in Progress, a dance class that's basically a masterclass in letting go, having fun, and, well, shaking what your mama gave ya. We sat down with her to chat all about how she went from military psychologist to twerk queen. Spoiler: It’s as fabulous as it sounds.
SQUAD: Eline, give us the lowdown. Who are you and what’s your vibe?
Eline: Alright, let’s do this. I’m Eline Berber—music lover, dance enthusiast, and a sucker for the Cali sunshine. I’m that person who had to get out of my head and into my body. Like, the desert heat? Give me that any day over grey, rainy days. I’ve got a Master of Science in Psychology (yep, I’m a Dutch Military Police psychologist), but what I really vibe with is dancing to anything. The desert? Absolutely in love with it. It’s the best backdrop for shaking off all those stress vibes.
SQUAD: So you’re not from around here, huh? Where are you from originally?
Eline: Nope! I’m from the Netherlands—a little spot you might’ve heard of. Born and raised, lived in Amsterdam for a while, but the Cali desert called to me. Now I’m living my best life in Palm Springs, teaching twerk classes like it’s my full-time gig.
Twerking, How'd That Happen?
SQUAD: Wait, twerking? How’d that happen?
Eline: Okay, so I’ve always been that girl who danced around her room to anything—just vibing, ya know? But I was low-key shy about dancing in front of people. Like, who wants to show off all that energy when you’re busy being a perfectionist? But twerking—oh, that was different. A friend dragged me to my first class, and let me tell you—I felt it. The smile, the freedom, the “I don’t give a damn” vibe—it clicked. After moving to the desert, I was like, "Okay, I gotta keep this energy going." That’s when Twerk in Progress was born. I wanted to create a space for people to just let go, have fun, and shake off whatever was weighing them down. Plus, I was already working as a military psychologist, so it was the perfect balance.
SQUAD: So, how long have you been dancing and when did Twerk in Progress become a thing?
Eline: I’ve always been dancing at every chance I got, but I didn’t start taking actual classes until a couple of years ago. It was terrifying at first, but then I found this twerk class, and suddenly I couldn’t stop. After about 4 classes and a couple online courses, Twerk in Progress kicked off in September 2024. Now it’s all about building a community of women (and men) who wanna dance, vibe, and let go. It's less about "perfect" moves and more about real connection and fun.
The Vibe: It's Always A Party
SQUAD: We love that! Tell us more about your classes. Where can we get in on this action?
Eline: You can catch me at SOS Dance Studio in Palm Desert every Tuesday at 7:30 PM and in Palm Springs on Thursdays at 6:15 PM. And the vibe? It’s always a party! I teach special themed classes, too—think Galentine’s Day vibes with women in their 60s and 70s (yes, they killed it) or TwerkxHeels for that extra sass. I also do private lessons, and I mix it up with everything from old school hip-hop to reggaeton, afrobeats, sensual slow jams, and even Dutch R&B.
SQUAD: We need to get in on one of those bachelorette parties! Have you done any of those?
Eline: Yesssss, and they’re always a blast! I get all kinds of groups—young, old, and everywhere in between—and we make it into a full-on party. It’s not like a regular class—it’s more about fun, laughter, and shaking it with a little bit of chaos. The best part? I tailor each class to the group. I ask about music tastes, vibes, and any other requests. I recently taught a legendary Galentine’s Day class for a group of ladies in their 60s, and trust me, they could move! You don’t need to be a pro to have a blast.
SQUAD: Who are your typical students? Is it just a bunch of Gen Zs, or do you have a mix?
Eline: Honestly, it’s such a cool mix. I get women of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. It’s like a melting pot of cultures, and that’s what makes it amazing. Some people have never danced before, while others are seasoned pros, but the main thing is that everyone’s there to have fun. And that’s all that matters, right?
SQUAD: Are your classes good for beginners?
Letting Go
Eline: Oh, 100%. I do special beginner classes, and even in my regular ones, we take it step by step. I’ll break down the moves, do a warm-up, and then we put it all together into a short choreography. But trust me, the focus is always on having a good time. No pressure, just vibes.
SQUAD: How do you make sure everyone feels comfortable in class?
Eline: I’m all about staying authentic. I tell my students about my own insecurities and share tips that have helped me. I’m not afraid to make things a little awkward—sometimes I’ll even show the weirdest way to do a move just to break the ice. And if someone’s shy or nervous, I’ll tell them to just laugh it off. I always tell them, "This is about having fun, not being perfect!"
All the BEST Places in Palm Springs
SQUAD: Spill some tea—what are your fave spots in Palm Springs/Coachella Valley?
Eline: Ooh, let’s go! First off, you’ll probably find me at a dance studio, but when I’m out and about, I’m all about those good vibes. Tommy Bahama’s in downtown Palm Springs for their coconut cloud martinis, the Sandwich Spot (number 15 on Dutch crunch, trust me), and Farm for brunch or dinner—yum. Perilous Coffee in Cathedral City is my coffee spot, and I love wandering around Villagefest. Oh, and if you’re into networking, this valley has the BEST events. It's all about meeting new peeps
and finding good energy.
SQUAD: Anything else you wanna shout out to our readers?
Eline: Come dance with me! Whether you’re looking to let loose, find your confidence, or just have fun, Twerk in Progress is all about building community and self-love through dance. It’s not just about twerking—it’s about empowerment, freedom, and feeling good in your body. See you on the dance floor!
Catch Eline’s next class, and let your inner dance queen shine. You deserve to shake it off in Palm Springs style!
About the Author
Ersilia Pompilio is the Editor in Chief of SQUAD Magazine, a Palm Springs guide for bachelorettes and ladies who love to leisure. With over two decades of experience in performing, producing live storytelling shows, and hosting a podcast, she has also taught storytelling classes and written professionally for several media outlets. Originally from Los Angeles, Ersilia is also a twenty-year resident of Palm Springs, California.
Comments