it’s probably the best place to start in order
to build your flexibility, so that when you try
other genres, all you have to worry about is
having a wonderful time.
Herring said that when co-founder Rioult
worked with the architects to create
the “nice, open space,” it was “designed to
make people feel welcome and at home.”
She’s satisfied with the result: “I think it
worked because when I see all these kids
running around and dancing in the hallways,
it really is like a community in itself and that
was our goal.”
To learn more about RIOULT and check out
their schedule of classes, visit RIOULT.org.
FEBRUARY 2020 I BOROMAG.COM 23
Meanwhile, adults who would like to continue
their training — or just try something different
in their fitness routine — can choose from
classes in a wide variety of styles, depending
on how adventurous they'd like to be. Adults
can sign up for single classes or purchase a
class card with five, 10 or 20 credits, and walkins
are welcome.
Step into a belly dancing class, and
you’ll find newbies in workout gear alongside
regulars donning hip scarves. Many
students who drop into the tap class enjoy
the opportunity to dust off their tap shoes
from their childhood and teen years.
Another unique offering is the center’s
BollyJazz class, which is a mix of Bollywood
and jazz dance moves. One student,
Nneka Symister, loves to dance but is not
a professional dancer, so she decided to
step out of her comfort zone.
“The BollyJazz class was wonderful,” Symister
said. “I tried it because it sounded interesting
and I wanted to see how the instructor
would combine two very different genres of
dance. She made me so comfortable and the
routine was easy to follow; I will definitely
take this class again.”
Instructor Pooja Uberoi said that all levels
are welcome and that anyone can get
the hang of BollyJazz.
“Bollywood uses a lot of footwork, hip
and chest movements along with getting a
full body workout,” Uberoi said. “Everyone
must try this class once to experience the
essence of Bollywood dancing.”
Borrow a mat for RIOULT’s weekly Pilates
class, which focuses on stretching and core
work. While the class may be a bit challenging
for those with limited flexibility, it’s
certainly worth breaking a sweat for; plus,
Photo by Luke Antony Neville
Photo by Alex Pepper Photos by Jillian Jacobson
Photos by Jillian Jacobson
RIOULT DANCE CENTER
RIOULT.ORG
34-01 STEINWAY ST., ASTORIA
212-398-5901
@ @RIOULTDANCENY
/RIOULT.org
/BOROMAG.COM
/RIOULT.ORG
