rio dance studio events

in addition to our weekly classes, we love hosting monthly social dances, line dancing pop-ups, specialty workshops, guest instructors, and more!

afrofusion dance class
Dec
13

afrofusion dance class

[This class is not affiliated with Rio Dance Studio and cannot be booked in advance. Please plan to just show up!]

Afrofusion Dance is West African based movement with live drumming.

View Event →
cha-cha: workshop
Dec
13

cha-cha: workshop

born in the vibrant streets of 1950's Cuba, the cha-cha blends the passion on the Mambo with the elegance of the Danzón. its name comes from the playful "cha-cha-cha" rhythm created by the dancers' quick, shuffling feet- and it's just as fun as it sounds!

for this workshop no dance experience is required. we will be learning basic rhythm, style and technique for the signature cha-cha-cha steps with deliberate breakdown of each step that will build into a short routine.

we will teach solo cha cha dancing- no partner needed!

plan to wear comfortable clothing from athletic/dance wear with or without a shorter skirt with playful movement. shoes can be dance heels (nothing too high), socks, ballet slippers, jazz shoes, etc.

we will start with a warmup and floor stretching and progress into more techniques and steps.

BOOK HERE!

View Event →
ecstatic dance: sunday pop-up!
Dec
14

ecstatic dance: sunday pop-up!

join us for a join us for a cleansing 1.5-hour journey of freeform movement, music, and connection.

we'll begin with a brief check-in to ground and connect, then flow into an expansive dance space where you can move however your body desires. ecstatic dance is a practice of embodied freedom — a safe, judgment-free space to release, express, and recharge through rhythm. we’ll close together in community, integrating the joy and energy of the experience.

no experience needed! most dancers wear socks or prefer to be barefoot.

BOOK HERE!

View Event →
dancing through christmastime
Dec
19

dancing through christmastime

join the dancers of Rio Dance Studio for a holiday performance at the Wachholz College Center with world renowned violinist, Wai Mizutani and fellow musicians. this community performance is priced so all can attend!

purchase tickets here: https://wachholzcollegecenter.org/Online/default.asp

View Event →

West Coast Swing: Social Dance
Dec
12

West Coast Swing: Social Dance

join us monthy for an evening of west coast swing!

tikwiza will lead dancers in a short lesson and then the social dancing will begin!

beginner lesson; 6:45pm

social dancing; 7:30pm

come ready to learn, practice and dance.

[cover charge is $10 per person, no advance sign-ups are required. please consider tipping your instructor!]

View Event →
dance together: a contact dance workshop
Dec
7

dance together: a contact dance workshop

in this workshop will learn and practice how to listen to ourselves, how to trust ourselves through movement and exploration, and how to foster connection beyond physical touch.

we will integrate guided dance with self and others, while learning new tools and taking time to practice with each other. we will use therapeutic modalities such as meditation, reflection, verbal processing and breath work to deepen our experience and movement practice.

you can expect a gentle warm up, individual movement to connect deeper with self, progressive prompts to facilitate consensual and respectful movement with a partner, utilizing tools to practice with a partner, frequent opportunities to process and/or share, progressing to groups of three and potentially the entire group.

to be clear: you do not need to come with a partner! we will connect with the other participants and rotate partners.

no experience necessary as long as you are curious :)

Benefits:

slowing down, mindfulness

connection to your heart, your boundaries

practice trusting yourself and your body deeper understanding of how to read the energy of others and how to attune to others

learning how to listen to yourself and finding clear intentions of what you want and don’t want

BOOK HERE

View Event →
afrofusion dance class
Nov
22

afrofusion dance class

[This class is not affiliated with Rio Dance Studio and cannot be booked in advance. Please plan to just show up!]

Afrofusion Dance is West African based movement with live drumming.

View Event →
West Coast Swing: Social Dance
Nov
21

West Coast Swing: Social Dance

join us monthy for an evening of west coast swing!

tikwiza will lead dancers in a short lesson and then the social dancing will begin!

beginner lesson; 6:45pm

social dancing; 7:30pm

come ready to learn, practice and dance.

[cover charge is $10 per person, no advance sign-ups are required. please consider tipping your instructor!]

save the dates for our next social dance: dec 12

View Event →
intro to CHINESE DANCE
Nov
15

intro to CHINESE DANCE

Chinese dance is a traditional dance form tracing back more than five thousand years in Chinese history. it has been compared to ballet in its grace, flexibility and intense practice. in particular, flower hands (hua shou) and cloud step (yun bu) are integral parts in showing the ethereality and gentleness of its form.

for this workshop, no dance experience is required, we will just be learning basic poses and some simple choreography. plan to wear ballet dance shoes, socks or go barefoot. as for clothing, athletic wear is preferred and if you have a top with flowy sleeves that is a bonus!

instruction by our very own, Criss Sak! Criss practiced traditional Chinese Dance for four years, attending a rigorous dance high school where they practiced 4-6 hours a day. During this time, their dance troupe won various first place awards at competitions such as the International Dance Competition and the KAR Dance Competition. They have continued to practice Chinese Dance on and off during college and further into adulthood and they are thrilled to offer our community this introduction!

BOOK YOUR SPOT

View Event →
ecstatic dance: sunday pop-up!
Nov
9

ecstatic dance: sunday pop-up!

join us for a join us for a cleansing 1.5-hour journey of freeform movement, music, and connection.

we'll begin with a brief check-in to ground and connect, then flow into an expansive dance space where you can move however your body desires. ecstatic dance is a practice of embodied freedom — a safe, judgment-free space to release, express, and recharge through rhythm. we’ll close together in community, integrating the joy and energy of the experience.

no experience needed! most dancers wear socks or prefer to be barefoot.

BOOK HERE!

View Event →
baby dance club: pop-up!
Nov
8

baby dance club: pop-up!

baby dance club™ is a 30 minute dance class for the parents and caregivers of babies 0-12 months old and their babies!

the class is designed to create community and JOY for adult participants while providing tools to connect your baby through dance. no baby music! we'll have a fun upbeat playlist to get us dancing and laughing. you can expect an easy going warm-up and new choreography each week!

the class has seated alternatives. most parents enjoy dancing with their babies carriers - we have a few to lend out if you do not have access to a carrier. we understand that people who have given birth may need to modify and take breaks that will be encouraged and celebrated.

to support new parents our studio also has: a changing table [dresser-top, not wall mounted], disposable bags for diapers, fresh water, private space if needed.

[this class was developed and is licensed by Flux Flow Dance Center]

book now!

save the date for our next pop-up classes >> November 8, December 20

View Event →
SEXY HEELS
Nov
1

SEXY HEELS

it's time to celebrate your FEMININE 👠 with confident, sensual movement set to sexy music.

choreography will be designed to be playful, flirty and fun for ALL levels and abilities. you can expect a warm up, stretch and accessible choreography!

☠️ song >> unholy by sam smith

grab your fishnets, your sparkles, and your heels - and let's DANCE.

BOOK NOW!  ❤️‍🔥

[to be clear - all gender expressions are welcome 🌈, heels optional! but encouraged]

View Event →
ecstatic dance: [spooky] sunday pop-up!
Oct
26

ecstatic dance: [spooky] sunday pop-up!

join us for a join us for a cleansing 1.5-hour journey of freeform movement, music, and connection.

we'll begin with a brief check-in to ground and connect, then flow into an expansive dance space where you can move however your body desires. ecstatic dance is a practice of embodied freedom — a safe, judgment-free space to release, express, and recharge through rhythm. we’ll close together in community, integrating the joy and energy of the experience.

no experience needed! most dancers wear socks or prefer to be barefoot.

BOOK HERE!

View Event →
West Coast Swing: Social Dance
Oct
24

West Coast Swing: Social Dance

join us monthy for an evening of west coast swing!

tikwiza will lead dancers in a short lesson and then the social dancing will begin!

beginner lesson; 6:45pm

social dancing; 7:30pm

come ready to learn, practice and dance.

[cover charge is $10 per person, no advance sign-ups are required. please consider tipping your instructor!]

save the dates for our next social dances: nov 21, dec 12

View Event →
afrofusion dance class
Oct
18

afrofusion dance class

[This class is not affiliated with Rio Dance Studio and cannot be booked in advance. Please plan to just show up!]

Afrofusion Dance is West African based movement with live drumming.

View Event →
clothing exchange & movie night!
Oct
17

clothing exchange & movie night!

fall is the perfect time for a CLOSET CLEANSE! 🧼

bring clean, unwanted clothing to Rio Dance Studio for a FREE clothing exchange. we will also be playing some fun old dance films on the projector. 🎥

save the date, and we will see you then!

View Event →
baby dance club: pop-up!
Oct
11

baby dance club: pop-up!

baby dance club™ is a 30 minute dance class for the parents and caregivers of babies 0-12 months old and their babies!

the class is designed to create community and JOY for adult participants while providing tools to connect your baby through dance. no baby music! we'll have a fun upbeat playlist to get us dancing and laughing. you can expect an easy going warm-up and new choreography each week!

the class has seated alternatives. most parents enjoy dancing with their babies carriers - we have a few to lend out if you do not have access to a carrier. we understand that people who have given birth may need to modify and take breaks that will be encouraged and celebrated.

to support new parents our studio also has: a changing table [dresser-top, not wall mounted], disposable bags for diapers, fresh water, private space if needed.

[this class was developed and is licensed by Flux Flow Dance Center]

book now!

save the date for our next pop-up classes >> November 8, December 20

View Event →
SEXY HEELS
Oct
10

SEXY HEELS

it's time to celebrate your FEMININE 👠 with confident, sensual movement set to sexy music.

choreography will be designed to be playful, flirty and fun for ALL levels and abilities. you can expect a warm up, stretch and accessible choreography!

☠️ october song >> unholy by sam smith

grab your fishnets, your sparkles, and your heels - and let's DANCE.

BOOK NOW!  ❤️‍🔥

[to be clear - all gender expressions are welcome 🌈, heels optional! but encouraged]

View Event →
ecstatic dance: sunday pop-up!
Oct
5

ecstatic dance: sunday pop-up!

join us for a join us for a cleansing 1.5-hour journey of freeform movement, music, and connection.

we'll begin with a brief check-in to ground and connect, then flow into an expansive dance space where you can move however your body desires. ecstatic dance is a practice of embodied freedom — a safe, judgment-free space to release, express, and recharge through rhythm. we’ll close together in community, integrating the joy and energy of the experience.

no experience needed! most dancers wear socks or prefer to be barefoot.

BOOK HERE!

View Event →
afrofusion dance class
Sep
27

afrofusion dance class

[This class is not affiliated with Rio Dance Studio and cannot be booked in advance. Please plan to just show up!]

Afrofusion Dance is West African based movement with live drumming.

View Event →
West Coast Swing: Social Dance
Sep
26

West Coast Swing: Social Dance

join us monthy for an evening of west coast swing!

tikwiza will lead dancers in a short lesson and then the social dancing will begin!

beginner lesson; 6:45pm

social dancing; 7:30pm

come ready to learn, practice and dance.

[cover charge is $10 per person, no advance sign-ups are required. please consider tipping your instructor!]

View Event →
ecstatic dance: sunday pop-up!
Sep
21

ecstatic dance: sunday pop-up!

join us for a join us for a cleansing 1.5-hour journey of freeform movement, music, and connection.

we'll begin with a brief check-in to ground and connect, then flow into an expansive dance space where you can move however your body desires. ecstatic dance is a practice of embodied freedom — a safe, judgment-free space to release, express, and recharge through rhythm. we’ll close together in community, integrating the joy and energy of the experience.

no experience needed! most dancers wear socks or prefer to be barefoot.

BOOK HERE!

View Event →
EMBODYED pop-up class
Sep
20

EMBODYED pop-up class

taught by guest instructor, nikki norenberg!

EMBODYED is a music-driven, soul-igniting movement experience that blends contemporary dance-inspired choreography with guided intention. It’s designed to shake off the stuck, melt the mind chatter, and bring you back to life. No performance. No pressure. Just movement that actually means something. Because sometimes, the most powerful work is done on the dance floor.

Learn more about EMBODYED!

please bring a yoga mat for this class.

BOOK HERE

View Event →
BROADWAY pop-up: Sweet Charity
Sep
19

BROADWAY pop-up: Sweet Charity

[ rescheduled from the original date, august 1 ]

join us for a sultry, stylized theatre jazz class exploring the iconic Bob Fosse choreography from Sweet Charity's “Big Spender.” we will spend time diving into specifics of the Fosse method including precision, isolations, and breath-driven movement.

you can expect:

a full warm-up

time to stretch

discussion of history, style and character

approachable choreography

this class is an amazing chance to embody classic broadway sensuality, confidence, and storytelling through movement. all instruction will be open level - meaning anyone can step into character and SHINE.

footwear: heels are optional, character shoes or jazz shoes welcome if you have them - but not necessary!

BOOK HERE!

View Event →
merengue night! lesson + social dance
Sep
12

merengue night! lesson + social dance

join us for MERENGUE night at Rio!

merengue is wonderfully accessible for people with very little or no partner dancing experience and you can’t help but want to dance to the strong beat of this music (also called merengue!).

beginner lesson: 6:45pm social dance to follow! $10 cover

please plan to wear smooth-soled, clean shoes or take your shoes off and dance in your socks! very high heels are not recommended unless you are already comfortable dancing in heels.

also - don’t miss our INTRO TO MERENGUE semester, details here: https://momence.com/s/120869392

BOOK HERE!

View Event →
LINE DANCE night!
Sep
5

LINE DANCE night!

join us for a night of line dancing at Rio Dance Studio!

dancers who sign-up in advance will receive a few tutorials via email prior to the event. you are welcome to review these dances, and arrive ready to show off your moves!

hilary will also be teaching a few new dances and giving lots of time to practice!

we suggest western themed attire you can sweat in, and, we request CLEAN shoes (different dancin' boots than the boots you wear in the parking lot). bring your family and friends for a lighthearted and fun night of dance and community!

BOOK NOW!

View Event →
West Coast Swing: Social Dance
Aug
29

West Coast Swing: Social Dance

join us monthy for an evening of west coast swing!

tikwiza will lead dancers in a short lesson and then the social dancing will begin!

beginner lesson; 6:45pm

social dancing; 7:30pm

come ready to learn, practice and dance.

BOOK HERE

[cover charge is $10 per person, no advance sign-ups are required. please consider tipping your instructor!]

View Event →
90's DANCE CAMP [for adults!]
Aug
27

90's DANCE CAMP [for adults!]

WE ARE BACK FOR ROUND ✌️!! spend a summer evening living out your POP STAR dreams!

[your most incredible 90's inspired outfits ENCOURAGED]

we are so excited to offer an adult "dance camp" - because why do the kiddos get to have all of the fun?? you can expect an evening full of iconic choreography, nostalgic hits, new friends, new moves, and so. much. fun.

camp will include:

warm-up

dance #1 with kara!

break for snacks

dance #2 with hilary!

dancing will be for all levels, 18+.

BOOK HERE

View Event →
ecstatic dance: summer pop-up!
Aug
24

ecstatic dance: summer pop-up!

join us for a join us for a cleansing 1.5-hour journey of freeform movement, music, and connection.

we'll begin with a brief check-in to ground and connect, then flow into an expansive dance space where you can move however your body desires. ecstatic dance is a practice of embodied freedom — a safe, judgment-free space to release, express, and recharge through rhythm. we’ll close together in community, integrating the joy and energy of the experience.

no experience needed! most dancers wear socks or prefer to be barefoot.

BOOK HERE!

View Event →
afrofusion dance class
Aug
16

afrofusion dance class

[This class is not affiliated with Rio Dance Studio and cannot be booked in advance. Please plan to just show up!]

Afrofusion Dance is West African based movement with live drumming.

View Event →
SEXY HEELS
Aug
15

SEXY HEELS

it's time to celebrate your FEMININE 💋 with confident, sensual movement set to sexy music.

choreography will be designed to be playful, flirty and fun for ALL levels and abilities. you can expect a warm up, stretch and accessible choreography!

grab your fishnets, your sparkles, and your heels - and let's DANCE.

BOOK NOW!  ❤️‍🔥

[to be clear - all gender expressions are welcome 🌈, heels optional! but encouraged]

View Event →
dance together: a contact dance workshop
Aug
9

dance together: a contact dance workshop

in this workshop will learn and practice how to listen to ourselves, how to trust ourselves through movement and exploration, and how to foster connection beyond physical touch.

we will integrate guided dance with self and others, while learning new tools and taking time to practice with each other. we will use therapeutic modalities such as meditation, reflection, verbal processing and breath work to deepen our experience and movement practice.

you can expect a gentle warm up, individual movement to connect deeper with self, progressive prompts to facilitate consensual and respectful movement with a partner, utilizing tools to practice with a partner, frequent opportunities to process and/or share, progressing to groups of three and potentially the entire group.

to be clear: you do not need to come with a partner! we will connect with the other participants and rotate partners.

No experience necessary as long as you are curious :)

Benefits:

slowing down, mindfulness

connection to your heart, your boundaries

practice trusting yourself and your body deeper understanding of how to read the energy of others and how to attune to others

learning how to listen to yourself and finding clear intentions of what you want and don’t want

BOOK HERE

View Event →
West Coast Swing: Social Dance
Jul
25

West Coast Swing: Social Dance

join us monthy for an evening of west coast swing!

tikwiza will lead dancers in a short lesson and then the social dancing will begin!

beginner lesson; 6:45pm

social dancing; 7:30pm

come ready to learn, practice and dance.

BOOK HERE

[cover charge is $10 per person, no advance sign-ups are required. please consider tipping your instructor!]

our next social dance of the summer >>> friday, august 29th!

View Event →