First Dance and Beyond - Rhythm & Smooth

Rhythm & Smooth is a partner dance studio based at Starlight Studio in Metairie, Louisiana. They teach ballroom, Latin, swing and acro dance through private lessons available 7 days a week by appointment, group classes, and practice parties. Their curriculum spans American Rhythm (Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo), American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz), Latin (Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Zouk), Swing, Partner Dance Fundamentals, and theatrical styles including Cabaret, Theatre Arts and Partner Acrobatics. They also teach New Orleans Social dancing and offer wedding dance instruction.

The studio uses a three-part learning system combining private lessons, group classes and practice parties. Group classes include an Intro to Latin Dance (6-week series, Saturdays 11am, $20 per person) and Kids' Class (6-week series, Saturdays 2pm, $12 per person). Private lessons can be scheduled at your convenience, including evenings after work and weekends.

Owner Kelley Alyson Spell is originally from New Orleans and spent over a decade in Costa Rica. She began with acrobatics and gymnastics, became a national-level springboard diver in high school, and later trained in martial arts and yoga before focusing on dance. Genaro "Nayo" Gutierrez is the Latin Principal Instructor. Born in Honduras and raised in New Orleans, he has 5 years of salsa training and travelling experience and specialises in body isolations and rhythmic patterns.

The studio hosts Mambo Night Lights, a Latin social dance event on the fourth Friday of each month (9pm–1am, $15 per person, $10 before 10pm, BYOB). They also organise guest parties, showcases, spotlights, community outreach events, coaching sessions and off-site group outings. The studio runs regional, national and international Pro-Am and Professional Dance Competitions and has hosted events including the NOLA OPEN amateur competition and pro ballroom show. Hours are 12pm–8pm weekdays, 12–5pm Saturday, and 12pm–8pm Sunday.

You will work with instructors in a friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere focused on fun. Private lessons are tailored to your needs and available at times that suit you; group classes are structured in 6-week series and introduce new dances and social opportunities; practice parties let you dance with multiple partners in a relaxed setting.

Kelley Alyson Spell, owner and instructor, brings experience from acrobatics, gymnastics, springboard diving, martial arts and yoga into her movement-focused teaching. Genaro Gutierrez, Latin Principal, has 5 years of salsa training and travelling experience and specialises in body isolations and rhythmic patterns.

They work with students of all ages and abilities, and recommend starting with a first lesson followed by private lessons to build fundamentals before attending group classes and parties.