Proyecto Barrio Dance Company

Rhythmz & Motion is owned and operated by married couple Allen Thomas and Niya Patel Thomas, two of the most respected instructors and performers in the Atlanta dance community. The studio specializes in teaching Latin dance classes to adults while offering a wide range of classes for all ages, from first-time beginners to professional dancers. Their mission is to bolster the quality of the local dance scene by providing professional instruction in a fun atmosphere that emphasizes developing proper dance technique.

The studio teaches Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha Cha, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, and Tap across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Group classes are offered as drop-in or open progressive sessions and are available for adults and children. Most instructors have graduated from performing arts programs at either high school or university level. The studio also offers private lessons personalized to your individual needs, with each lesson running 60 minutes.

Rhythmz & Motion hosts a busy calendar of social dance nights throughout the Atlanta area. Their signature event is Ritmos del Barrio, held on the 1st Saturday, which plays Salsa, Mambo, Cha-cha and Bachata with complimentary beginner and intermediate classes before the social. BACHATuesdays runs on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday with DJ Mike Arana. They also host or co-host several weekly socials including PASOFINO Thursday (Salsa & Bachata with lessons), Free Wine & Salsa on the 3rd Saturday, and participate in events across multiple venues including Academy Ballroom Atlanta, Taverna Plaka, Aatma Dance Studio, and others throughout the month.

Adult group classes are available at $20 per drop-in class, or on class cards (5 classes for $85, 10 for $150, 20 for $200). Kids classes are $180 per semester per genre or $50 per month, with a one-time $25 registration fee. Private lessons are $100 per 60-minute session, or $475 for a 5-session package. The studio is located at 3791 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080, with an office address at 2700 Northeast Expressway C-500, Atlanta, GA 30345.

Drop in to a group class or social night and find a welcoming, friendly atmosphere where you'll learn fundamentals alongside dancers of varying abilities. Classes are taught with an emphasis on proper technique balanced with fun. If you're new, many socials offer complimentary beginner lessons before the dancing starts.

Allen Thomas and Niya Patel Thomas are co-owners and instructors, both respected performers in the Atlanta dance community. Most of the studio's instructors have graduated from performing arts programs at high school or university level.

The studio welcomes first-time beginners and offers beginner-level group classes, complimentary beginner lessons at many socials, and private lessons tailored to your ability.