Meet Ry’el

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ry’el and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ry’el, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’m going to take a step back in time and share my thought process—what ignited my passion and set me on fire to pursue this creative, artistic path.

LAMBARADO Dance Studios is a school dedicated to sharing the love and appreciation for connection, movement, and play found in a beautiful Brazilian partner dance called LambaZouk (a partner dance born from the Lambada in the 1980s). This dance is captivating hearts across the U.S. and the world. Known for its deep connection, body movement, and flow, I believe LambaZouk has benefits that go beyond our understanding.

I have been part of the incredible Brazilian Zouk Lambada scene since 2010, when I first saw it at the DC Bachata Congress—a social dance event where I was teaching and performing Salsa. That was the moment my life took a whole new turn, setting me on a mission to learn and share the love for this art. Seeing it for the first time truly blew me away.

Before discovering this dance, I had already been a dancer and instructor, teaching and sharing Latin partner dancing and solo movement since 2006 in New Jersey. In 2011, I moved to New York City, where I spent eight years refining my craft, and where my career in LambaZouk truly flourished.

Why social dancing?
One thing outsiders may not know about my industry is the profound impact movement—especially social dancing—can have on our daily lives.

Most people see dance as just a fun activity, a way to gain confidence, or a chance to meet others. But in reality, social dance—especially LambaZouk—goes far beyond that.

It’s a full-body experience that enhances both physical and mental well-being. The smooth, flowing movements promote cardiovascular health, flexibility, and posture by encouraging natural spinal fluidity. Dynamic weight shifts and footwork improve balance and coordination, while controlled movements build core strength and endurance. LambaZouk’s multiple layers of motion support range of motion and overall movement efficiency, keeping the body agile and strong.
The dance’s undulating motions hydrate and keep fascia elastic, reducing stiffness and improving mobility in daily life.

Beyond the physical benefits, partner dancing is a powerful tool for mental and emotional well-being. Its rhythmic flow and partner connection reduce stress, release endorphins, and promote relaxation. Learning and memorizing dance patterns strengthens cognitive function, while close connection with a partner fosters trust, emotional awareness, and deeper social bonds.

The expressive nature of the dance builds confidence and self-awareness, allowing dancers to move freely and connect with both themselves and others. More than just a workout, LambaZouk is a joyful and immersive experience that unites people, creates community, and keeps both the body and mind engaged—all while offering a beautiful introduction to Brazilian culture.

I had been teaching locally and internationally until 2020, when the world changed. That moment shifted all my priorities, leading me into a new phase of my journey. Life showed me it was time to refocus on what truly mattered—family, steady growth, and spiritual and emotional ease.

This shift had a secondary effect—allowing me time to digest and integrate years of experiences. It deepened my artistic thought process and fueled my creative expression more than ever before.

These years of exploration, creativity, and travel have now become the energy that I am bringing into my new home—Colorado Springs. Here, a new chapter of my dance career has begun, taking a beautiful shape.

The goal of my business—a dance studio specializing in LambaZouk and solo movement—is to provide the local community with the opportunity to explore the mental and physical benefits of social dance while becoming part of a global movement.

Located in Colorado Springs, we aim to bring people together through social dancing, body awareness, and self-expression—creating a welcoming and vibrant community connected through the art of movement.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

As a Latin man, expressing rhythm with my body has been part of my life since I was a little kid, but I was never a sporty or physical boy until I found classical Ballet here in the U.S.
You know when you find something that makes you feel so good, that makes you feel powerful and complete? Dancing did that for me—well, solo dancing: Ballet, to be specific. The physical discipline transformed my life and helped me find physical strength and grit while developing a life in this country. Every hurdle, every difficult moment, and every obstacle became smaller just by having this mental and physical strength. I can say dancing is what helped me trust and believe that everything is possible.

After learning ballet for a few years and seeing how it affected me positively in my life, I felt I needed to share this magic and sensation movement game me with everyone. At first, I thought it was ballet that did it, but then, after each new genre of dance I dove into, I realized that the secret formula that makes this work is simply physicality and joyful discipline through imagination and playfulness. This formula, which I experience firsthand through each incredible teacher, mentor, and student I encounter in my life, helped me develop a unique blend of imagery, numbers, and geometry throughout the years.

These have an important role in our exploration of movement in each one of my classes, no matter the age or skill level (Geometry shapes, the natural elements – Earth, Water, Fire, and Air, as well as many other images like sexy turtles, Zentaurs, happy armpits, flamingos, crickets, sexy sharks, and many more that continue to emerge year after year). This mirage of concepts and mindsets I have develop is what I call R.A.D method for Lambazouk (Ryel Art Dance).
What makes my teaching special is that once I started to teach solo movement and slowly got into partner dancing (salsa, ballroom, and later Brazilian Zouk Lambada), I developed a passion for making dancing as simple as possible and accessible for students to understand through ARTistic methods of teaching, while still providing a good amount of challenge and expression opportunities to grow their confidence in every dance moment.

This mission of sharing with those around me what once in my life provided me with the strength and resilience to overcome obstacles is the same feeling I want to share with my dance community: the gift of simplicity and ease in our dancing journey, the belief that anything is possible if we put our mind, good intentions, and energy into it, and the joy of sharing movement with others—even when we don’t speak the same verbal language, we speak the unique, beautiful kinetic language of partner dance.
This journey of sharing dancing hasn’t been all peaches and cream; it has had many ups and downs and has been a balancing act between my personal life and work in this country.
I like to think of it like a river—the closer to the middle, the faster you go; the closer to the edge, the slower you go. Sometimes, you will find streams and creeks that slow us down, places where we rest and reflect on the journey. The beautiful thing is that these pauses are helpful in reassessing the direction we are taking, as they are still part of the magnitude of the river. They are still part of that which set us on fire from the beginning, just with a different speed and cadence.
Patience comes with age, experience, and decision-making, and it is in those slow detours and crossroads we find where the magic happens. Allowing ourselves to go off-road just for a bit or to rest on the riverbanks is where the golden nuggets of wisdom come.
Any slowdown represents an opportunity to become more and more in tune with the balance between regular life and work. The pandemic, for me, represented this time—this opportunity to reassess our path.

Since 2020, I have allowed myself to listen to my heart more and more, to my family and life partner, and to shift my focus from being in the ongoing, fast-speed middle of the river with weekly international and national traveling work into the slow banks and edges of the river, with a greater focus on local community-building and personal growth.
As I age ….like wine , there is a question I feel any teacher and instructor comes across, what I want my legacy to be and what is that special thing I would like people to remember about me?
I believe this question is one that I think everyone at some point will come across. With time, this question shifts slightly the more I learn about what is truly important and meaningful in my career and the parts of it I have grown to love more. The truth is, I have learned to embrace the fact that all aspects of this dancing entrepreneur journey are essential in making me feel complete and accomplished. Local community builder, national and international instructor and performer, choreographer, coach, and now businessman—each role requires a unique approach and mindset, a sense of calmness, and patience that only comes with time. Like dancing a full choreography, even with any bumps or raw edges, arriving at the end always brings a full-circle moment.
I have been so blessed and grateful for the many years I have been able to contribute to the dance scene nationally and internationally, through my teachings, art, and choreography with incredible dancers. I aimed to introduce innovative concepts that expand our minds and bodies while enhancing the essence of the dance without taking away from it. One of my favorite things to do is “learn the rules of the dance and break them like an artist,” always with the focus and intention of expanding and ensuring the longevity of the dance.
Like many artists around the world, I am part of a common goal, a common river, a shared sentiment to expand this dance and all that it gives us.

Over the past four years, my river’s flow has shifted. Before the pandemic, I spent over ten years traveling across the U.S. and the world with established dance partners on an ongoing basis. Now, I have entered a whole new chapter, focusing on supporting local communities that do not have regular access to this dance. This shift has also marked a personal artistic evolution, as I have been working on new teaching concepts and theories that have been successfully taking root in different communities, including Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Hawaii. This type of work has always been in my heart since the beginning, but now it has my full attention as it has become a significant part of my growth and calling.

With that said, legacy is a powerful word—one I have needed time to fully grasp.
I suppose this is what dreaming big and bold is all about, right?

As I continue to explore many aspects of the dancer’s journey, I would love to encourage a legacy of social dancers and teachers who are curious about venturing into their unique skills—whether as teachers, organizers, choreographers, DJs, or simply great, comfortable, and supportive dancers in their community.

A legacy of people who believe in the power of our elemental bodies and the strength of our imagination. How, through love, positive encouragement, and self-motivation, we can achieve gentle physical transformation and growth. How, through play and imagination, we can develop movement qualities we never thought possible.

A legacy of movers and dancers who inspire others to shift their language toward themselves so we can learn how to listen and shift it towards others during their dance journey.

A legacy of dancers and teachers who allow themselves to take their unique journey with a mindset of positivity and solution-making.
A legacy of instructors and dancers who develop their own voice and craft, inspired by what they learn from me and from any teacher they resonate with.
A legacy of dancers who understand that the only way to grow is to let go, accept, and carry on—releasing expectations imposed by the world and embracing their unique essence.

A legacy that values eternal curiosity and exploration of the qualities and treasures we all carry in our bodies—our Temples.

America has been my greatest teacher and mentor in my journey—teaching me resilience and positivity, finding the eternal silver lining in any circumstance and to commit to myself and my passion with ease and flow. It has thought me to shift my language from worries to possibilities, from self-judgment to self-motivation, from disbelief to full trust, and embrace the journey from nothing to everything.
These are the qualities I hope to inspire in the lives of others who are around me, in my students, in other teachers, and in anyone who encounters this beautiful dance, Lambazouk.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In my short time living in Colorado, my experience here has been so wonderful. I will do my best to share some of the things that I have checked so far.

Manitou Incline–I love physical activity in a meditative way, so I recommend acclimating to the Colorado altitude for two days before tackling the Manitou Incline during the stay. This climb is beyond imagination—steep, challenging and absolutely rewarding. It brings out the hero in you  if you embrace the right mindset.
The key? Go slow—sexy turtle speed. Just breathe, take your time, and don’t worry about anyone else. If you need to rest, rest. Every step is a golden nugget of resilience. Look back, take in the views, and when you’re ready, keep climbing. Patience is everything.
Reaching the top is pure magic, and the hike down through the scenic switchbacks is so beautiful. Doing the Incline isn’t just sightseeing—it’s giving your energy to the land and feeling its energy in return. Trust me, it’s worth it.
The tow Maniyou springs has this natural carbonated spring water all over, its so fun tro try them and taste nature. The town is so whimsical and magical. I highly recommend exploring all the little shops and place in town.
Another place to explore would be the Garden of the Gods – This is an absolute must. I love Walk among the towering red rock formations, exploring new hikes and loce barefoot=hiking as well when isn’t too cold. You can always take amazing pictures and reconnect with nature in really easy/medium hikes.

The Broadmoor Hotel – is A must-visit, it is so nice taking slow walks exploring this gorgeous, historic hotel. I love stopping at The Bee’s Knees bar for a drink and some food before wandering through the halls filled with Western statues and elegant décor.
In downtown I love The Mining Exchange – If you’re into coffee, happy hour, and a relaxed vibe, this is a perfect spot. You can grab a happy hour coffee or a cocktail while working remotely or just soaking in the atmosphere.
Other Great Coffee Shops – Two of my favorites are Building Three Coffee and Kairos Coffee House. Super cute spots that bring me back to the heart of Colorado Springs.
For food 
• Uchenna is an Ethiopian food restaurant, with one of the tastier flavors I have ever tried in the US, it feels as you are in the dinner room of a big house. It deel so homie and delicious
Rudy’s BBQ-– Maybe not the fanciest spot, but delicious BBQ and super cool looking old style restaurant.
Boonzaaijer’s Dutch Bakery is a nother must, this place has such good pastries, cookies and baked good. All with a dutch touch and if you happened to be there on a Saturday, they have a special Dutch donut called Olie Bollen, YUM-
Josh and Jhons ice creams are always good decision, I love their flavor specially the grasshopper and the purple majesty !

Colorado Springs has all the colors of the rainbow and more! Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or just good food and coffee, this place has something special waiting for you

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of my journey.

To my mother, whose unwavering support in my decision to become a dancer has been a source of strength. Her resilience has taught me to push forward, no matter what stands in my way.

To my life partner, whose unconditional love and encouragement have been my anchor, allowing me to pursue my passion with courage and dedication.

To all my mentors and teachers during the beginning of my dance journey in NJ and NYC, and to the masters and colleagues around the world who shared bits and pieces of information and knowledge—your time, trust, faith, and tough love have shaped me into the artist I am today. Each lesson, each challenge, and each moment of guidance has been a stepping stone on this path.

To all my dance partners and students with whom I have worked throughout the years—through endless hours of training, performing, and creating, you have helped me grow as a leader, follower, and passionate choreographer. Each partnership has taught me something valuable about leadership, connection, and artistry. Thank you for bringing my dance visions and choreographies to life; they will always hold a special place in my heart.

To my students, whose curiosity, struggles, and breakthroughs have inspired me every day. Your dedication has pushed me to be the best coach I can be, refining my ability to guide and uplift others.

To those students who have chosen to take this dance into the world as instructors, sharing it, evolving it, and making it their own—you are the legacy that keeps this dance alive. Thank you for your beautiful journeys and unique contributions.

To those fire angels (friends, family, students, strangers) throughout my life who challenged me or made me stop or detour on my path, unknowingly leading me to moments of deep reflection and growth—it is in those moments that the most valuable golden lessons arise.

And finally, thank you to the universe and the unseen angels who have carried me through every path, guiding me toward this new chapter in Colorado Springs.

Website: https://www.lambarado.com

Instagram: lambaradosprings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070084186199

Image Credits
Shadow Photography
Jhon Rosner photography
Brazouka Beach festival
Zouktime Brno