I’ve always wanted to learn to dance but never considered myself coordinated enough. I used to walk past Rio Rhythmic on the way to boxing class and hear the music play. Eventually I plucked up the courage and asked about classes – and signed up for Latin Starter as well as a Mens leading 101 class. I was going alone – knowing no one so I was incredibly nervous and assumed everyone else there would be with their partners. This was far from the truth.

I showed up for my first class – was greeted with enthusiasm and made to feel comfortable. Standing in front of the mirrors for the very first time was nerve wracking, as well as the first time I had to grab a girl for a dance. The teachers however had obviously seen this a million times, and made me feel completely at home. Even with my lack of natural grace, they encouraged me – showed me how to step and how to move. The classes were fun – with passionate and talented teachers. There was never a time where I felt laughed at – even at my most awkward.

From the very first class I was hooked. I met a few friends and I was far more ready to take the second, the third.. the tenth.. classes. By the time I finished the starter class I had become close friends with those learning with me – and I was beginning to feel more comfortable asking people to dance at social nights. I was also beginning to relax and far less concerned that people were watching.

I was hooked! I signed up for another couple of classes – and a whole world started to open around me. The teachers all had different styles – but I was in awe of each and every one of them. I saw amazing people dance – and started to emulate their moves. My friends who started with me continued – Rio became family to me.

A year later – and hundreds of classes (I now dance most nights – and can barely miss a party night!) – and I can’t stop! I still have plenty to learn – but I’m improving every day. The attention of the teachers has been faultless – and I now social dance – and ask girls to dance without any worry of looking silly and I can relax and enjoy every dance.

There are now many other places I can dance – but Rio is like home to me, the staff and other students like family – and my ears constantly filled with music. Thank you Rio Rhythmic for introducing me to a wonderful world I barely knew existed.

Nowadays I don’t know what I would do if i couldn’t go out social dancing. The thing is that Latin dance isn’t only about connecting with a partner to the music, it is a social scene, a network of friends, a meeting place for young and old.  I go out most weekends dancing, I don’t drink much alcohol, I meet lots of new and interesting people, I stay fit, and my confidence in all sections of my life has gained a boost.

As a bloke, dancing always scared me.  I love music, but the idea of putting myself out there and dancing in pubs and clubs and at parties always seemed to be beyond me.  One day I was walking past Rio’s with a lady I was on a first date with and we walked into the studio and I commented that I could never do that stuff, but it looked like a lot of fun.  The lady I was with called Rio’s the following day and we enrolled in a 4 week short course. That relationship lasted those four weeks, but my confidence in being a dancer grew and grew.  Now days I don’t know what I would do if i couldn’t go out social dancing.  The thing is that latin dance isn’t only about connecting with a partner to the music, it is a social scene, a network of friends, a meeting place for young and old.  I go out most weekends dancing, I dont drink much alcohol, I meet lots of new and interesting people, I stay fit, and my confidence in all sections of my life has gained a boost.    Tarcisio has assembled an energetic and professional group of instructors and over the decades he has honed his teaching methodology to the point where the lessons are not only effective, they are a lot of laughs.  In short, my life would be totally different if I hadn’t enrolled at Rio Rythmics to learn to dance.  I don’t care if you literally have two left feet, if you come along to lessons and stick with it you will widen your group of friends, you will learn to dance, and you will have a whole lot of fun!

 

When a friend invited me along to Rio Rhythmics in West End to try the Latin Mix intro class one Saturday night, I thought I’d give it a try. I had no idea that night would be the turning point to a wonderful new life full of dance & lovely friendships. I’ve dropped 20kgs in weight & feel fit, alive & so happy.
 

When I moved to Brisbane three years ago, being a single woman, I found it very hard to meet new people, so when a friend invited me along to Rio Rhythmics in West End to try the Latin Mix intro class one Saturday night, I thought I’d give it a try. I had no idea that night would be the turning point to a wonderful new life full of dance & lovely friendships. Soon after, I’d signed up for classes & became a regular at Rio’s parties… and the rest is history! Two years on, including classes, I usually dance at least 4 nights a week, I get to meet up with my friends, I’ve dropped 20kgs in weight & feel fit, alive & so happy.

I would recommend to everyone to come to the Rio Rythmics Latin Mix intro class on any Saturday night and just give it a try. (Why not make it this Saturday?) It’s so much fun & you just never know what wonderful new life may be waiting for you there! Thanks Tarcisio, Jada & the Rio Rhythmics crew, for always making me feel so welcome. These days I go to Rio Rhythmics for the hugs & stay for the dancing!