¡Zumba!
Roda movement studio brings Latino energy to Takoma Park
April 2008
by Adriane Watson
When Roberto Tapia began thinking about opening a dance studio, he went back to his roots for inspiration. He grew up immersed in the cultures of Mexico and Chile, and discovered capoeira when he traveled to Brazil at 18. He began studying it in 1996 and received his professor status in 2006, just one year after moving to the United States.
With those credentials and his passion for capoeira, Tapia has opened Roda, a Brazilian-Latino movements studio at 7003 Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park. The grand opening will be celebrated on Thursday, April 3, with free introductory classes and workshops through Saturday, April 5.
“I decided to open a studio focused on Brazilian-Latino movements because I have grown up with these rhythms and they have collectively had a big influence on my life,” he said.
According to the Roda website, capoeira is a “blend of martial art, game, and culture created by enslaved Africans in Brazil during the 16th century. Participants form a roda, or circle, and take turns playing instruments, singing, and sparring in pairs in the center of the circle.”
Tapia said that Takoma Park was a natural choice for the location of the studio.
“Takoma Park offered a diverse mix of people along with along with a strong sense of community and appreciation for the arts,” he said. “I hope to provide the community with a studio that emphasizes both cultural awareness and physical fitness...and I hope our studio will also give students the opportunity to build their self-confidence and be part of a team or a larger community.”
Tapia and his staff hold classes seven days a week. There will be capoeira classes for adults and children, plus lessons in salsa, samba, and zumba for adults.
The health benefits of each style of movement are wide-ranging, according to Tapia.
Capoeira can increase strength, improve reflexes, and increase the body’s flexibility. Zumba is effective for cardiovascular workouts and weight loss, while salsa and samba help increase muscle tone and coordination, he said.
Tapia’s goal is to see his studio expand. He hopes to incorporate lessons in more movement styles, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, tango, flamenco, and Latin ballroom dancing. Eventually, he would like to open another Roda location in the Washington area.
He also aims to “create partnerships with other schools and non-profits to increase understanding of the movement styles of Brazil and Latin America.”
For more information about Roda’s schedule of classes, workshops, and events, visit www.rodamovements.com.
Roberto Tapia and Erika Pereira: Roda
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