Rio Rhythmics Latin Dance Academy celebrated its 25 year anniversary recently. Since 1994 more than 43,000 people have danced on the West End dance studio’s floors, either as a part of Rio Rhythmics’s courses, which run seven days a week, or at its Saturday night Latin Mix Introductory Lesson and social dance nights.
Founding Director Tarcisio Teatini-Climaco said, “I started to teach Latin dance privately the year I arrived in Australia, 1989, but it all started on a roll when someone saw me dancing at a party and asked me to teach them and a few friends. I said if they could get 10 people together and a hall I’d do it.”
When opening Rio Rhythmics in 1994, Tarcisio’s vision was to share his knowledge and joy of Latin dance, and to bring the roots and heritage of Brazilian and Latin culture, music and rhythm to life in Brisbane. “I’ve learned so much over the years, and my mission has evolved too. Now my biggest dream is to infiltrate the Australian culture with some of the Latin cultures so that dancing becomes ‘normal’ and part of everyday life,” Tarcisio said.
Participant Jada says, “the benefits I’ve enjoyed through Latin dance and Rio Rhythmics go way beyond the dance floor. From the shy young girl I was when I started, I’ve gained enormous amounts of self-confidence, made life-long friends, improved my communication skills and ability to mix with people of all ages and walks of life.”
2019 is a big year for Tarcisio as he celebrates 30 years living in Australia as well as the huge milestone of running Rio Rhythmics for 25 years. Tarcisio is proud to be one of the first people to introduce Latin dance to Australia.
View our socials from Rio Rhythmics Celebrations.
