Sometimes you need to shake
things up a bit. That might include your hips.
“Dance is therapy,” explains Tonja Dias, co-founder of Pivot, the new dance studio in Ridgefield.
You know what? She’s right. I popped into my first-ever line dancing class at Pivot. Once I conquered my nerves, I noticed that items on my to-do list previously buzzing around my brain had disappeared—poof! Instead, I felt elated—giddy, even—as I stumbled across hardwood floors attempting to keep up with instructor Anastasia in her cool white boots, as well as Kenny Loggins, who urged us to cut loose. So, we did.
Pivot is the dream of partners and real-life couple Tonja and Randy Dias. Between the two dancers, they share just under 65 years of experience in the professional dance world as champion competitors, choreographers, and instructors. They are the real deal. Highlights from Tonja’s resume include choreographing for Tony Bennett, Gossip Girl and The Handmaid’s Tale, while Randy toured with Champions of the Dance alongside Dancing with the Stars fan faves Jonathan Roberts, Anna Trebunskaya, and So You Think You Can Dance star Iveta Lukosiute.
Tonja and Randy are also long-term residents of Ridgefield, which inspired the business in a big way.
“The community really grew on us,” says Tonja. When the Dias family decided to open the studio in Ridgefield, Tonja celebrated the idea of combining her passions: “I can bring dance and life and joy to the community all together!”
Tonja and Randy found the perfect spot within Way of the Sword Academy, where owner Mike Martin welcomed the dancers into his community space. (Pivot shares it with the chess players on Saturdays. If you think about it, chess is also a dance. Of the mind.)
At Pivot, Tonja and Randy offer ballroom, Latin, and social dance instruction for all levels and ages through private lessons, group classes, and social practice parties. Three additional instructors round out the crew. It’s okay—even encouraged—to sign up for a lesson or hop into a class if you haven’t tried a style before.
“People can come to us, expect to be seen, welcome, and supported, regardless of experience level,” Tonja says. “You just need to bring some curiosity and the willingness to move.”
It’s hard to resist Tonja’s enthusiasm when you’re in her class. Guiding the group with lightness and a wry sense of humor, she senses when students are ready for the next step or need more time to master a move. Her mission to bring joy through dance is also clear. It’s fantastic exercise, helps you connect with your partner, as well as make new friends within the community. Reluctance to sign up for a lesson or class, Dias observes, is often related to busy schedules. What we need is to dedicate
time for ourselves to unplug and get on the dance floor.
“When students come into Pivot,” she says, “They’re always so happy they took that first step.”
It’s in the name. If you’re feeling stuck, it’s time to pivot. •
