Student Spotlight on Tatiana Denall
Some people grow up knowing exactly where they belong. For Tatiana, that sense of belonging arrived later in life, through music, movement, and the quiet beauty of ballroom dance. Tatiana was born in a small town in northern Sakhalin Island in what was then the Soviet Union and is now Russia. At eighteen, she moved […]
California Open 2026 Huge Success for Aria Ballroom
Team Aria Kicks Off 2026 at the California Open Representing Aria Ballroom, four talented adult Pro/Am students: Sara, Tatiana, Rumi, and Becky—launched the 2026 competitive season at the California Open DanceSport Championship this past weekend. Dancing alongside Coach Misha, they shared the floor with some of the strongest competitors in the country, performing with heart, […]
Teacher Spotlight on Washington Chim
Before he ever learned a step, Washington Chim already understood rhythm. It lived in the music he grew up with, in the way his body naturally responded before he had the words or the training to explain it. What he didn’t know then was that a single, curiosity-driven night on a dance floor would quietly […]
Student Spotlight on Sirina King
Student Spotlight: Sirina Gross Sirina Gross, originally from Thailand, passed away from pneumonia on December 16th 2025 at the age of 79. With this Student Spotlight, we honor a life defined by movement, elegance, and wisdom, a life that always found ways to bring people together. Many will remember Sirina at Aria Saturday night parties, […]
January 2026 Director’s Note: The Importance of Partnering and Connection
Recently, many students have been asking me to teach and discuss connection, partnering skills, and the art of dancing together. It led me to reflect on the true value of ballroom dancing in our modern world of emails, text messages, zoom calls and screens: to truly connect with another human being. Not through a screen. […]
Student Spotlight on Kendra Michaels
Every dancer has a story; how they found the ballroom, what kept them coming back, and the moments that changed everything. This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight a dancer whose journey began during a major life transition and has carried her all the way to international success. Kendra’s dance story starts in March of 2015, […]
Why Salsa Dancing Has Become So Popular – The Cuban Connection and Social Dance Craze
Salsa dancing is more than just a lively, rhythmic art form—it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captured hearts around the world. At Aria Ballroom, we see every day how salsa brings people together, combining fitness, fun, and social connection. But what makes salsa dancing so popular, and why is it experiencing a resurgence, particularly in […]
The Surprising Health Benefits of Ballroom Dancing
Ballroom dancing is more than just an elegant pastime—it’s a proven activity for improving your physical and mental well-being. According to an article from Harvard Medical School: Dancing and the Brain, the unique combination of physical activity and mental challenge offers significant health advantages: Body Benefits: A Full-Body Workout Ballroom dancing is a […]
Momence Student FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Transitioning to Momence As we transition to our new client management system, Momence, we understand you may have questions. Below are answers to some of the most common inquiries about the change. If you have additional questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 1. Why is the […]
Exciting Updates to Look Forward to in 2025!
As we approach the new year, we’re thrilled to share some exciting updates and changes that will elevate your experience with us in 2025. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just starting your journey, we’re committed to enhancing every aspect of your time at our club. From a new account management system […]