Brasil In Motion/Balance Studio

For individuals in the Washington region seeking a vibrant hub for cultural immersion, dynamic movement, and holistic wellness, Brasil In Motion/Balance Studio stands as an unparalleled community center right here in Seattle. Located at 418 N 35th St in the eclectic Fremont neighborhood, this award-winning Brazilian Arts organization offers far more than just classes. It's a place where the rich cultural heritage of Brazil comes alive through dance, music, and martial arts, fostering a profound sense of balance, joy, and community for everyone who walks through its doors.

Brasil In Motion, formerly Bahia in Motion, is co-founded and directed by Daniel Nery dos Santos and Aileen Panke. Their shared journey began in Salvador, Brazil, where they met studying dance, nurturing a dream of creating a studio that would promote wellness and build community. Since opening Balance Studio in June 2012, they have meticulously cultivated a space that embodies their commitment to a balanced body, mind, and spirit, and the integral role the arts and cultural awareness play in nurturing this balance. Their work is deeply rooted in the belief that individuals and families thrive when they feel healthy, engaged, and part of something larger than themselves.

At Brasil In Motion/Balance Studio, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive environment where cultural diversity is honored, and health is promoted through the healing power of the arts and human connection. Whether you're interested in the fluid movements of Capoeira, the vibrant rhythms of Brazilian dance, the invigorating energy of Zumba, or the mindful practice of Nia, there's a class designed to inspire and challenge you. As one highly satisfied Capoeira student eloquently put it, "the instruction was excellent, the pace was intense, but there was room to slow down the movements to figure things out, and everyone there gave the atmosphere of a return trip home to family and friends. Highly recommended." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the warm and supportive essence of the studio.

Beyond the regular class schedule, Brasil In Motion/Balance Studio is actively engaged in broader cultural education, offering yearly cultural immersion tours to Bahia, Brazil, and partnering with major arts organizations both locally and internationally, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Pacific NW Ballet, Seattle Theater Group, and the University of Washington. This commitment to building cross-cultural bridges and sharing the transformative power of Brazilian arts makes it an invaluable resource for the Seattle community and a shining example of what a true community center can achieve.

Brasil In Motion/Balance Studio is conveniently located at 418 N 35th St, Seattle, WA 98103, USA. This address places the studio in the vibrant and often whimsical Fremont neighborhood, affectionately known as the "Center of the Universe." Fremont is a highly artistic and community-centric area, celebrated for its unique blend of small businesses, art installations, and lively events like the Fremont Sunday Market. This setting perfectly complements the studio's ethos of creativity, community, and cultural engagement.

The studio itself is nestled within a charming, bright yellow house, adding to its welcoming and unique character within the neighborhood. Its location on N 35th Street, a major thoroughfare, ensures relatively easy access for individuals traveling from various parts of Seattle and the broader Washington region.

For those commuting by car, free street parking is generally available in the Fremont neighborhood. However, it's worth noting that Sundays are Fremont Market days, so allowing extra time for parking and arrival on those days is advisable due to increased activity. For individuals utilizing public transportation, Fremont is well-served by King County Metro bus routes, with numerous bus stops within comfortable walking distance of 418 N 35th St. This makes the studio highly accessible for students relying on public transit, ensuring that a wide range of locals can easily participate in classes and events. The studio is located on the upstairs floor of a historical house, meaning entering the studio requires climbing a flight of stairs, which is a detail for visitors to be aware of.

Brasil In Motion/Balance Studio offers a diverse and enriching array of services centered around Afro-Brazilian cultural heritage, promoting wellness through movement, music, and community. Their programming caters to various age groups and skill levels.

• Capoeira Classes (Youth & Adult, Beginner to Advanced): Instruction in the unique Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. Classes focus on technique, physical conditioning (strength, stamina, flexibility, balance), and the history of Capoeira Regional.
• Brazilian Dance Classes (All Levels, Youth & Adult): Energetic classes celebrating Brazilian rhythm and dance, drawing from the rich cultural traditions of Bahia and Northeast Brazil. Styles include Afro-Brazilian, Samba Reggae, Samba de Roda, Orixa Dance Movement, Forro, and Carnaval/Street dances.
• Zumba Classes: High-energy fitness program that fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves, with Daniel Santos adding his unique Brazilian flair for a fun and dynamic workout.
• Nia Classes: Mindful movement practice combining dance, martial arts, and healing arts. Classes are taught by skilled teachers who welcome students of every level of athletic ability, fostering a deeper dive into self-awareness and healing.
• Wassa Dance Classes: Afro-fusion and poly-rhythmic dance classes led by Lara McIntosh, offering dynamic, accessible, and invigorating experiences (selected Sundays with live music).
• Afro-Brazilian Cardio: High-intensity cardio classes rooted in Afro-Brazilian movements for a powerful workout.
• Gateway to Hula: Classes exploring the traditional Hawaiian dance form, expanding the studio's cultural offerings.
• Workshops and Special Events: Regular workshops featuring guest instructors (e.g., Esraa Warda for Algerian dance), cultural presentations, and larger events like "BENIN TO BRAZIL," deepening cultural understanding and offering specialized training.
• Cultural Immersion Tours to Bahia, Brazil: Yearly organized tours providing an unparalleled opportunity for students and enthusiasts to experience Brazilian culture firsthand at its source.
• Studio Rental: The Balance Studio space (approximately 1200 sq feet with a sprung floor and mirrored wall) is available for rent for independent workshops, events, private classes, and rehearsals by other practitioners.
• Online Class Options: Select classes are available online, providing flexibility for students who cannot attend in person.

Brasil In Motion/Balance Studio stands out as a unique and exceptional community center in Seattle due to several compelling features and highlights that consistently resonate with its diverse clientele.

• Authentic Brazilian Cultural Immersion: The studio offers genuine exposure to Brazilian arts and culture, rooted in the co-founders' (Daniel Nery dos Santos and Aileen Panke) direct experiences and studies in Bahia, Brazil. This authenticity distinguishes it from many other dance or fitness studios.
• Highly Skilled and Welcoming Instructors: Reviews consistently praise the "excellent instruction" and the welcoming, encouraging nature of the teachers. The co-directors themselves are professional and dedicated, creating a supportive environment where students feel at home and challenged appropriately, regardless of their skill level.
• Holistic Approach to Wellness: Beyond physical fitness, the studio emphasizes the "importance of a balanced body, mind and spirit" and the integral role of arts and cultural awareness in nurturing this balance. It's a place to "find joy within themselves and transform life's challenges through the arts and in the spirit of working with culturally diverse communities."
• Strong Sense of Community ("Return Trip Home to Family"): One of the most powerful highlights is the palpable sense of family and belonging. Students describe the atmosphere as feeling like a "return trip home to family and friends," fostering deep connections and friendships. This strong community aspect is central to its appeal.
• Diverse Class Offerings: The wide array of classes, including Capoeira, various Brazilian dance forms, Zumba, Nia, and Wassa Dance, caters to diverse interests and fitness goals, ensuring there's something for everyone from youth to adults, beginners to advanced practitioners.
• Emphasis on Inclusivity and Diversity: The co-directors are committed to creating an "inclusive and welcoming community and building cross-cultural bridges through the arts," making it a space where all ages and cultures can connect, restore, and grow.
• Professional and Artistic Collaborations: Brasil In Motion's partnerships with esteemed organizations like Alvin Ailey, Pacific NW Ballet, and the University of Washington underscore its professional standing and commitment to artistic excellence.
• Spacious and Well-Equipped Studio: Balance Studio offers approximately 1200 sq feet of space with a sprung floor and mirrored wall, along with amenities like yoga supplies, providing a conducive environment for various movement practices.

For individuals in the Washington region eager to connect with the vibrant Brazilian arts and wellness community at Brasil In Motion/Balance Studio, here is their essential contact information:

Address: 418 N 35th St, Seattle, WA 98103, USA

Phone: (206) 819-3334 (often listed for Bahia In Motion/Balance Studio)

Mobile Phone: (206) 819-3334 (This appears to be the primary number listed)

Email: studio@bahiainmotion.com or info@bahiainmotion.com (as found on various directories and their website, referencing their former name)

For the most current class schedules, workshop information, pricing details for drop-ins or class cards, and to learn more about their cultural immersion tours or studio rental, it is highly recommended to visit the official Brasil In Motion website. Their website typically provides a comprehensive calendar, allowing for online booking and detailed descriptions of all their offerings. Connecting with them directly via phone or email is the best way to address specific inquiries about classes, events, or their broader mission.

Brasil In Motion/Balance Studio is an exceptionally suitable and valuable resource for locals in the Washington region, particularly those in Seattle and its surrounding areas, who are looking to enrich their lives through culture, movement, and community. Its distinct offerings and philosophy make it a true gem within the city.

Firstly, for Washington residents seeking a unique and authentic cultural experience, this studio offers direct access to the vibrant arts and traditions of Brazil. Whether it's the dynamic martial art of Capoeira, the expressive rhythms of Brazilian dance, or the lively energy of Zumba with a Brazilian twist, locals can immerse themselves in a rich heritage right in their own city. This provides an invaluable opportunity for cultural learning and appreciation without requiring international travel.

Secondly, the studio's strong emphasis on building a welcoming and inclusive community truly sets it apart. As highlighted by numerous reviews, the atmosphere is often described as feeling like "a return trip home to family and friends." For locals looking to forge new connections, find supportive peers, and be part of something larger than themselves, Brasil In Motion/Balance Studio offers an ideal environment for fostering lasting friendships and a sense of belonging within Seattle's diverse population.

Furthermore, the holistic approach to wellness, which integrates a "balanced body, mind, and spirit" through the arts, resonates deeply with individuals seeking more than just a physical workout. Classes like Nia and the mindful approach to Capoeira and dance provide avenues for physical fitness alongside mental clarity and emotional well-being. This comprehensive focus on health makes it a perfect destination for locals aiming for overall personal growth and vitality.

Finally, the convenient location in the eclectic Fremont neighborhood, coupled with options for both in-person and online classes, ensures broad accessibility for many residents. The variety of classes catering to all ages and skill levels means that whether you're a child taking your first Capoeira class or an adult seeking a new way to move and connect, Brasil In Motion/Balance Studio offers a perfect fit. It is undeniably a cherished community asset that enriches the lives of countless individuals in the Washington region.

Brasil In Motion/Balance Studio

418 N 35th St, Seattle, WA 98103, USA