LaVida Dance Studio

For families and individuals across Washington, especially those in the bustling Eastside communities like Kirkland, finding enriching and engaging activities that foster both physical and personal growth is a top priority. LaVida Dance Studio, nestled in the convenient Totem Square Plaza, stands out as a vibrant and versatile hub for dance education and memorable summer camp experiences. More than just a place to learn steps, LaVida Dance Studio is dedicated to creating a supportive and joyful environment where students of all ages and abilities can discover the power of movement, build confidence, and cultivate a lifelong love for dance.

LaVida Dance Studio distinguishes itself through its commitment to an inclusive approach, believing that dance is for everyone, regardless of age, prior experience, or perceived talent. This philosophy is evident in their diverse class offerings, catering to everyone from energetic toddlers taking their first steps in creative movement to adults looking to master ballroom or Latin dance styles, or even couples preparing for their special wedding dance. Their highly responsive and accommodating staff, coupled with a flexible scheduling approach, ensures that dance can seamlessly fit into the busy lives of Washington residents.

Beyond their regular classes, LaVida Dance Studio is particularly well-regarded for its exciting summer camp programs, offering a fantastic way for children to stay active, creative, and socially engaged during school breaks. These camps are designed to be "loads of laughs" while also focusing on developing crucial skills such as coordination, flexibility, attention span, and positive social interactions. With a team of experienced and patient instructors, LaVida Dance Studio truly provides a nurturing space where individuals can learn, grow, and make unforgettable memories, making it a cherished establishment within the Kirkland community and beyond.

LaVida Dance Studio is strategically located at Totem Square Plaza, 11961 124th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034, USA. This placement offers significant advantages for residents across the greater Seattle metropolitan area, particularly those in Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, and Woodinville. Totem Square Plaza is a well-known and easily navigable commercial center, ensuring that the studio is simple to find and access.

The studio's location within a plaza typically means ample parking is available, providing convenience for parents and adult students. Its position on 124th Ave NE, a primary arterial road in Kirkland, contributes to straightforward vehicular access. For those utilizing public transportation, Kirkland's bus system may offer routes with stops within reasonable walking distance of Totem Square Plaza, further enhancing accessibility. The availability of Saturday classes, as highlighted by a customer review, is another critical aspect of its accessibility, catering to busy family schedules. This combination of a prominent location, easy parking, and flexible scheduling makes LaVida Dance Studio a practical and convenient choice for local families seeking quality dance instruction and summer camp options in Washington.

LaVida Dance Studio offers a comprehensive range of dance services designed to cater to diverse interests, ages, and skill levels. Their programming extends beyond traditional classes to include specialized offerings and community events.

• Youth Dance Classes: A wide array of classes for children and teenagers, including styles such as creative movement for preschoolers, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, K-Pop, and Latin ballroom for various age groups (e.g., 6-11 years, 11+ years). These classes focus on developing coordination, rhythm, discipline, and a love for dance.
• Adult Group Classes: Extensive options for adults, including popular social dances like Salsa and Bachata (beginner to advanced levels), Argentine Tango, Solo Latin Mix (Cha-Cha, Samba, Jive, Rumba without a partner), and dance fitness classes like Zumba, Latin Fusion, and Booty Barre.
• Private Dance Lessons: Highly personalized one-on-one instruction for individuals or couples across various dance styles, including ballroom (Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Swing), Latin (Salsa, Bachata), Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, and more. These are ideal for rapid progress or specific goals.
• Wedding Dance Choreography: Specialized private lessons for couples preparing for their first dance, mother-and-son dances, father-and-daughter dances, or even bridal party group dances and flash mobs. Instructors work with couples to create unique and memorable routines.
• Youth Dance Camps: Engaging full-day and half-day dance camps during summer and other breaks. These camps, like "Princess Camp," "#dancecampRemix - Hip Hop Camp," and "Circus & Tumbling Camp," are theme-based and focus on increasing coordination, flexibility, attention span, social interactions, and motor skills, while ensuring plenty of fun and creative expression.
• Early Drop-off Program: For summer camps and potentially other programs, an early drop-off option is available from 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM, providing flexibility for parents' schedules.
• Parents Night Out Events: Occasional "Parents Night Out" events where children can enjoy a fun evening of movies, crafts, dancing, and pizza while parents have some free time.
• Performance Opportunities: Students are given opportunities to showcase their skills, including participating in a special performance for parents during the last 15 minutes of Friday camp sessions, and potentially year-end recitals and community performances.
• Social Dance Events: Regular social dance parties, such as the "Social Salsa/Bachata Dance Party + Classes" every Friday, and Argentine Tango Milonga dance socials on select Sundays, open to both members and non-members, fostering community and providing practice opportunities.

LaVida Dance Studio stands out in the Washington dance scene due to several key features and highlights that enhance the student experience and foster a vibrant community.

• Inclusive and Welcoming Philosophy: A core strength of LaVida Dance Studio is its commitment to inclusivity. As one review states, it has "No restrictions on weight, color, size etc. All inclusive, feels like a second home." This welcoming atmosphere is fundamental to its success, ensuring everyone, regardless of age, background, or experience level, feels comfortable and encouraged. The studio's origin story, driven by the Artistic Director Natasha Maltseva's own experience of being denied dance training at a young age for being "too old," fuels their mission to welcome all.
• Experienced and Patient Instructors: The quality of instruction is consistently praised. Instructors like Elena are highlighted for being "kind, funny, encouraging and incredibly patient." This patience is particularly beneficial for beginners, transforming "shuffling awkwardly" into choreographed routines. The instructors' ability to break down complex movements and adapt to individual learning paces is a significant asset.
• Diverse Dance Styles and Programs: LaVida offers an impressive array of dance styles, from various Latin dances (Salsa, Bachata, Argentine Tango) to classical ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and even specific wedding dance choreography. This diversity ensures that individuals can find a style that resonates with their interests, whether it's for fitness, social dancing, or performance.
• Strong Emphasis on Fun and Engagement: Reviews consistently mention the enjoyable and fun nature of classes and camps. For children, camps are described as "loads of laughs," and for adults, lessons are a "pleasure and so much fun." This focus on joy makes learning to dance an exciting and rewarding experience.
• Focus on Growth and Confidence: Beyond technical steps, the studio aims to help students "grow in her dance classes" and gain confidence. Whether it's a 3-year-old growing in their dance journey or adults proudly performing a choreographed routine, the emphasis is on personal development and self-esteem.
• Flexible Scheduling and Responsive Communication: The studio's immediate responsiveness and offering of Saturday availability (as noted in a review) highlight their commitment to accommodating client schedules. This flexibility, along with clear communication ("creative problem solving approach, very good organization and communication"), makes it easy for families to participate.
• Community Building Through Social Dance: Regular social dance parties create opportunities for students and the wider community to practice their skills, meet new people, and enjoy dancing in a relaxed, friendly environment. This fosters a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie.

For those in Washington interested in exploring dance classes or enrolling in summer camps at LaVida Dance Studio, here is their contact information:

Address: Totem Square Plaza, 11961 124th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034, USA

Phone: (425) 643-5433

For residents across Washington, particularly families and individuals in Kirkland and the surrounding Eastside areas, LaVida Dance Studio represents an outstanding choice for dance education and summer camp experiences. Its local suitability is rooted in its accessible location within Totem Square Plaza, making it a convenient destination for daily classes or weekly camp drop-offs. The studio's commitment to flexible scheduling, including weekend availability, caters perfectly to the busy lives of modern families, ensuring that quality dance instruction is always within reach.

What truly makes LaVida Dance Studio ideal for the local community is its deeply inclusive philosophy. The welcoming environment, which proudly states "No restrictions on weight, color, size etc. All inclusive, feels like a second home," creates a space where everyone, from a timid 3-year-old taking their first steps to an adult learning to dance for a wedding, feels valued and supported. This nurturing atmosphere, combined with the patience and expertise of instructors like Elena, fosters not just dance skills but also significant personal growth, boosting confidence, coordination, and social interaction.

The diverse range of classes and camps means there's something for every age and interest, whether it's a fun-filled summer camp for kids to develop new skills and make friends, or adult classes for fitness, social engagement, or even specialized wedding choreography. LaVida Dance Studio understands the importance of dance as a tool for joy, expression, and community building. For anyone in Washington seeking a professional, adaptable, and genuinely caring dance studio that feels like an extended family, LaVida Dance Studio in Kirkland is undoubtedly a top-tier choice that promises growth, fun, and unforgettable memories.

LaVida Dance Studio

Totem Square Plaza, 11961 124th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034, USA