About Studio Viva!

Studio Viva! started in January of 2006 by Dora, with the idea to bring creative and health-oriented movement to all — accomplished dancers, anyone interested in learning how to dance, those who are looking to improve their balance and posture, as well as those who are pressed for time, or limited in movement.

Dora Baroti, Founder, Owner and Director of Studio Viva!, has an extensive background in a variety of dances and other movement disciplines. Dora's experience encompasses decades of training in Ballet (28 years); Jazz (6 years); Ballroom with Laszlo Oze, a Master of International Style; Swing (Lindy Hop, Boogie Woogie, East Coast Swing, Charleston, West Coast Swing, Hustle); Acrobatic elements: lifts, drops, air steps; Latin dances (Salsa, Merengue, Cha-cha, Bachata, and several ethnic dances.) Dora's experience includes competitions in swing, salsa and acrobatic rock n' roll, performances, group and solo choreography for shools, theaters or private parties; teaching classes (in private and group setting), as well as teaching workshops. Please see her Bio for more detail.

Dora developed her trademark program, Flexercize, in 2003. She taught Flexercize classes in Chicago studios, with wonderful results. The original program was an overall stretching program developed for dancers, but the interest quickly spread to non-dancers, and the modified program for all was developed. Today, Dora is bringing Flexercize programs to those who benefit from them most — people in corporate offices, schools and to seniors.

Riley Wimes Jr., Independent Instructor: Riley began dancing socially at a young age and grew up in a family and community surrounded by music and dance. He was Lead Clarinetist, Drum Major, Band President, and Gold Medal of Music Recipient in High School and received a B.A. in Communications in 1984 from Western Illinois University. He began swing dancing in 1997 then teaching swing dance to adults in 1998 and expanded his horizons to teaching swing dance and music to children in schools throughout Chicago in 1999. Aside from being the mastermind behind the annual Swingers Ball (an events that often welcomes more than 700 guests), Riley promotes live jazz music for dancers and listeners through weekly events. He is one of the North-American scene's premier Deejays playing swing/jazz/funk and lots more on a regular basis. He has been seen at many international caliber events and of course at the 4 of the 5 CSCs and ECSCs where his DJ-ing class and Jazz classes were also greatly appreciated.

Dawn Xiana Moon, Associate Instructor: Dawn specializes in swing dancing, particularly blues and lindy hop. A true social dancer, she is sought-after on floors throughout the country , where she has traveled extensively both to dance and study in workshops with instructors from throughout the United States , Australia , and Canada . As a teacher, Dawn prides herself on being approachable and imparting her passion for dancing; she emphasizes developing personal style, fluid connection, and most of all, a sense of fun. She has taught through Dance Revolution, Saline Community Education, and Swing Ann Arbor, where she was also a member of the Board.

Marco Suarez, Associate Instructor: Marco Suarez started dancing Salsa as a child in his native Colombia. In the United States , he continued dancing, and his distinctive style is a unique combination of Colombian, Puerto Rican, Cuban and Rueda styles of salsa. He and Dora have formed a dynamic and successful dancing, competition, and teaching partnership.

Studio Viva! offers event planning services for all your celebrations. We dare to think outside the box — if you have a specific theme or mood you want to set for your dream event, we can help! Let us help you plan truly unique and memorable events for private and corporate and not-for-profit clients.

We put our creative passion to work to create lasting memories.

For articles and references, please click on these links:

http://www.dailyherald.com/search/searchstory.asp?id=204873
http://www.dailyherald.com/search/searchstory.asp?id=203272
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stretching/WL00030&slide=1
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ergonomics/WL00029
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/HQ00955
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/DS00171
https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/DS00171