Lambarado Dance Studios

Lambarado Dance Studios opened on 6 September 2023 at MACS (Movement Arts Community Studio) in Colorado Springs. Founded by Ry'el, an international instructor and choreographer, the studio teaches Lambazouk — a hybrid partner dance blending Brazilian Zouk and Lambada — alongside Salsa Romantica (On1) and Bachata.

Lambazouk is the heart of Lambarado's programme. The studio offers Level 1, Level 1.5, Level 2, and Open Level classes built on the RAD (Ry'el Art Dance) Method, which uses three core teaching concepts: Dance Calligraphy (2023), Lambazouk Dimensions (2018), and Zenzouk Colors (2013). Level 1 classes teach the seven fundamental moves based on the Dance Calligraphy alphabet of Lines, Circles, and Diagonals. Level 1.5 layers connection drills, body-awareness technique, and movement variations. Level 2 expands vocabulary and builds longer movement sequences. Open Level classes challenge experienced students and work well for dancers with background in other partner dances who want to adapt their skills to Lambazouk. The Latin Series — Bachata and Salsa classes — provides foundational technique in both dances, designed to build confidence for any social dance floor.

Ry'el's teaching integrates dance, mindfulness, and geometry. He has taught and performed in over 17 countries and 34 cities worldwide. He was a dancer and dance captain for the international show Brazouka (2014–2015), the story of Lambada legend Braz Dos Santos, which toured England, South Africa, and Australia. He co-organised the New York Zouk Festival (2014–2022), Lambanapolis Crossroads Festival (2023), and Zouk 'n Play in Atlantic City (2018–2020). He is a council member of both the American Lambada Organization and the Lambada World Dance Council. His classes are described as clear, playful, and deeply welcoming, with a community that feels welcoming, uplifting, and full of laughter.

Classes run on a flexible schedule. Drop-in rates are $12–25 on Tuesdays and $25 on Wednesdays. Memberships start at $79 per month and offer unlimited training at roughly $7 per class. All memberships are flexible — you choose which classes fit your schedule each week and can cancel anytime. Privates and workshops are available for one-on-one lessons tailored to your goals.

Lambarado hosts monthly, weekly, and pop-up Latin Mix socials where you practise, connect, and explore in a warm space. Recent socials include Lambazouk Latin Social events with Bachata classes, DJing by Ry'el, and Lambazouk Express combinations taught for anyone wanting to experience the style. No partner or experience is needed — walk-ins are welcome to all beginner classes.

Drop into a Level 1 or Intro class any week as a beginner — no partner required. Ry'el will guide you through the fundamentals from your first move. Classes emphasise connection, body awareness, playfulness, and expression in a welcoming, joyful atmosphere.

Ry'el is an international instructor and choreographer who has taught and performed in over 17 countries and 34 cities worldwide. Since 2011 he has played a significant role in the growth of Brazilian Zouk in the United States, especially in New York City. He was a dancer and dance captain for the international show Brazouka (2014–2015), touring England, South Africa, and Australia. He co-organised the New York Zouk Festival (2014–2022) and Lambanapolis Crossroads Festival (2023). His teaching is known for being clear, playful, and deeply welcoming.

Beginners welcome any week; no partner or experience needed, and you can drop in anytime.