Rigby's Jig Dance Studio

Rigby's Jig is a partner dance studio located in the Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen, Virginia. The studio offers private lessons, group classes, private group lessons, and regular dance parties. Every Thursday from 7:30 to 9pm, they host a $5 Dance Party — a recurring social event where students can practise what they've learned and dance with other dancers in the community.

The instructors at Rigby's Jig bring varied experience and backgrounds. Eleanor Robertson is the Owner and Director, with over 25 years of experience as a professional instructor and choreographer. She graduated from The George Washington University with a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre and Dance and is also the Executive Director and Founder of The Greater Richmond Dance Project. Her favourite dances are West Coast Swing, Hustle, Cha Cha and Tango. David Headly has been dancing since 1990 and works full-time as a high school teacher. He began working with Eleanor in the spring of 2005. Nicole Juliett Libby moved to Richmond from New York City in 2010 and serves as both an instructor and Special Events Coordinator. Marvin Simms, retired from the State of Virginia after 34 years of service, currently enjoys West Coast Swing and Night Club Two Step, and notes that the Waltz is one of his favourite dances to teach. Al Giles, from Tappahannock, started ballroom in the mid-1990s and has been teaching ballroom since 2014, having completed a Bronze DVIDA Teacher Training program. Debbie Yuhas began dancing at age two and holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.A. in Business/Human Resources from St. Francis University; she has been instructing at Rigby's Jig since 2018. Louie Mendoza, new to Richmond in September 2025, brings expertise in ballroom, Latin, swing, and country dancing, with West Coast Swing as his favourite. He and his partner Taylor actively practise and compete in West Coast Swing.

Classes and lessons accommodate all experience levels. Private lessons run from $98 per person or couple for a single session, with package discounts available. Group classes start at $5 for a half-hour session and $10 for a one-hour class. An unlimited monthly membership for group classes (Monday–Saturday) costs $75 per person. The studio also offers a Monday night 1.5-hour Intermediate/Advanced class at $15. West Coast Swing has dedicated offerings: a half-hour class for $5, a social dance for $10, or both together for $15. Private group lessons are available for groups of 3 to 10+ people, with pricing scaled by group size. New students can take advantage of an introductory offer for $99 per person or couple, which includes one private lesson, one group class, and one dance party, valid for six months from purchase.

The studio operates a 24-hour cancellation policy for private lessons. Members receive discounts on packages. You can book group classes and parties through the MindBody app (available for iPhone, Android, and computer). The studio uses the calendar system to post upcoming classes and events, and you do not need to register in advance for group classes — simply arrive a few minutes early to sign in.

Arrive a few minutes before your chosen class to sign in. You'll work with an experienced instructor in either a private one-on-one session, a group class, or a dance party. No partner is required — the studio encourages you to switch partners during group classes and parties, and there are plenty of dance partners available.

Eleanor Robertson (Owner and Director, 25+ years experience, West Coast Swing and Tango specialist), David Headly (dancing since 1990, joined in 2005), Nicole Juliett Libby (Special Events Coordinator), Marvin Simms (retired after 34 years, teaches Waltz and West Coast Swing), Al Giles (teaching ballroom since 2014, Bronze DVIDA certified), Debbie Yuhas (instructing since 2018), and Louie Mendoza (new September 2025, West Coast Swing and ballroom specialist who actively competes).

No partner or prior experience required; the studio encourages partner switching and provides plenty of dance partners in group classes and parties.