Musical Energy Matching in Kizomba with Rina and JR
The Emerald

Join us for a Weekend of Kizomba Feb 6-7, 2026 for dancing. workshops and community conversation. The weekend events are:

• Fly Friday with DJ Yawo on Feb 6
• Music Energy Matching workshos with RIna and JR on Satuday Feb 7 
  • Community Conversation facilitated by Frances after the workshops (open to non-workshop attendees)
• Kizomba Social with DJ Mojo on Sat Feb 7.

Purchase Tickets for the workshop with Rina and JR here. Eary Bird Pricing good through Jan 25 

Payment for socials and the Community Conversation (for non-workshop attendees) can be made at the door. 

Musicality Energy Matching
This workshop will offer 4 hours of instruction to give you exercises to increase your ability to match the energy of your Kizomba dancing with the music. Following the worshops, you are also invited to attend a Community Conversation around how we as a community stay true to our code of conduct. 

These workshops are recommended for students who have completed at least one beginner Kizomba series. 

12:00 pm to 2:15 pm (15 minute break included) Workshop 1

Practical exercises and drills, mixed with theory on energy matching and musicality. We will discuss the necessary building blocks for connecting your dance to the music. Expect learning tailored to the group's needs. 

2:30 pm to 4:45 pm (15 minute break included) Workshop 2

Students will apply what they learned in the first two workshops to a choreography, where we will specifically discuss how and when to utilize energy matching. 

5:00 pm to 6:30 pm Community Conversation

Facilitated by Frances Tee (Kizomba Program Director at Reverie Ballroom), this conversation is about what we can do to and how we can help each other uphold the code of conduct for our dance community and the veues that host classes and socials. Non-workshop attendees may also attend.  

INSTRUCTOR BIOS

Rina Arai

Seattle-based Rina excels as a Kizomba and UrbanKiz dancer and instructor, showcasing impressive adaptability. She has been dancing Kizomba since 2014, teaching since 2017, and continually refines her skills through dedicated learning. Rina's teaching method is known for breaking down complex movements into simple steps while fostering a relaxed and uplifting environment with her quirky personality. She is committed to her students' growth and has a talent for creating memorable experiences with her partners on the dance floor.

JR Desire

Originally from Montreal, Canada, Jean Richard a.k.a. JR grew up expressing himself through music and body movements. Born in a Haitian family, he grew up listening to Konpa and Zouk. Many of his family members break-dance so he was also heavily influenced by Hip-Hop and R&B. His family parties always had a mix of all these genres of music and dance combined.  JR first started partner dancing in 2012, beginning with latin dance.  Through that community he was introduced to Kizomba two and a half years later. Once he moved to Seattle, he had the chance to pursue his Kizomba journey thanks to the amazing support of his community and the help of many instructors. He has been lucky enough to learn with Lucia, Adoree and Jamba, Josy and Fabricio, Miguel and Susana, and many more. Thanks to all of these people, he is now ready to share what he has learned and his passion for this culture with all who seek to learn.

Questions? Please email frances@reverieballroom.com