What’s Your Why?
This season at Richmond Urban Dance we wanted to highlight and share insights and experiences of those who attend and teach classes regularly. As RUD looks to have a meaningful impact on those who walk through the doors of The HOUSE every single day in order to teach something new or learn something different, we love sharing the stories that show why we do what we do. You know…the “What it’s really all about.”
These accounts of staff and students were provided after being asked “Why did you come to Richmond Urban Dance?” and “Why do you choose to stay?”
The love that was shared and time and patience each person took to give their side of the story helps to explain our “why.” We hope these touch you as much as they have touched us.
J. MCKENZIE
What was your reason for pursuing dance at RUD?
“I first joined RUD because I have always had a love for music. I have been a dancer my entire life, but I never realized hip hop was the style of dance for me.
I began with ballet but the environment I was in grew toxic. No matter how skillful a dancer was, they were denied opportunities to be seen. My instructor at the time did not prefer dancers of darker complexions to be the face of the company. This bias also affected those who weren’t as fit as the other girls, in which we were also hidden.
My mom then discovered RUD, which seemed more inclusive. This is why I believe that RUD is the best company to dance with…no matter who you are, you’re given a fair chance to show the world what you’re capable of.”
What is your reason for staying?
“I joined RUD in 2019 and was immediately met with a more welcoming atmosphere than I had ever received.
The teachers are so sweet and supportive and they ensure that there’s never a moment where you feel left out or unappreciated.
I believe RUD has done so much for their dancers and they will continue to do so in the years to come.”
E. VIVIAN
What was your reason for pursuing dance at RUD?
“My mom got diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer in July 2021. A year and 4 months later, she passed away. Five months into my grief journey I knew that I needed to make a major positive change in my life…a creative outlet to express myself.
I've always loved dancing ever since…but never got formal training growing up. When I was ready to immerse myself in dance as an adult, I felt lost on where to start. I turned to google and did a search for dance studios in Richmond.
What initially drew me to choose RUD over all the other studios was the variety of classes they offered. I loved that they had adult specific dance classes for different skill levels. From watching their videos on instagram, it was apparent that these dance instructors knew their stuff!
I took my first class in February 2023 and I was immediately hooked. I found my passion.”
What is your reason for staying?
“In the past 9 months that I have been training at RUD, I have gradually grown as a dancer and a person.
I continue to train at RUD because there is still so much I want to learn from the community.
RUD to me means more than just a dance studio. RUD is a safe space, a community and a movement backed by the ever growing love of dance and I love being a part of it :).”
D. MIREBRAHIMI
What was your reason for pursuing dance at RUD?
“I had lived in Richmond for one year and I just felt like medical school had taken over my life. Also, my father had a health scare with his heart and so I wanted to get into the routine of exercising again.
I saw some deals on MINDBODY that would allow me to explore different exercise classes in the area and I saw that RUD had beginner hip hop classes. I took hip hop in middle school and have always loved doing YouTube dance exercise classes, so I decided to give it a try!”
What is your reason for staying?
“I felt an excitement after my first class that I hadn’t felt in a while. I got a great sweat in, but I also felt my artistic side being embraced.
When you pursue a career in medicine, a lot of other parts of yourself go to the wayside and I finally felt whole again after finding this creative outlet.
The atmosphere is so inviting and low pressure that I actually enjoyed exercising again. I am so grateful that I found RUD because it was exactly what I needed. My heart and my mind thank RUD for being there!”
E. ALLISON
What was your reason for pursuing dance at RUD?
“I came RUD because I had just moved from Malawi, Africa and I wanted to do dance and I had always wanted to do hip-hop.”
What is your reason for staying?
“I stayed because everyone was so welcoming and I just made friends with everyone super quickly and I felt included…”
E. CARRANCHOO
What was your reason for pursuing dance at RUD?
“I joined a hip hop dance club in college. After graduating and starting full time work I missed dancing a lot and searched for a place to dance at. Then the pandemic happened and any chance to dance was taken away.
Once I moved to Richmond and had the time and chance to find a place to dance at, I googled dance studios in the area that had hip hop and RUD came up immediately. I chose RUD because it gave a lot of variety in classes and from the reviews. I saw how communal it could be along with taking different classes like heels! It also seemed the most street style; more true to hip hop.”
What is your reason for staying?
“I stay because I have grown as a dancer so much with coming to RUD. With so many styles of teachers and classes I’m able to try new things, challenge myself, and grow.
I have also met some of the most genuine and inspiring people here. To be surrounded by a genuine group of people who shares their love of dancing is truly a blessing. I’ve also been able to perform at different events and locations including my first ever parade!
I didn’t realize I missed performing until I was doing it at RUD. The opportunities and growth RUD offers and the community keep me coming and inspire me to keep dancing and hopefully one day choreograph.”
A. LAU
What was your reason for pursuing dance at RUD?
“ I chose Richmond Urban Dance as it offered a structured studio environment to develop my dance skills, something I had pursued only sporadically and mostly self-taught during college. It has been about four years since graduating and one thing I missed the most was dancing,
I really wanted to get back into it so luckily I found RUD! As someone who is naturally introverted and shy, joining RUD was also a step towards challenging myself to express more openly.
Their inclusive approach to dance, which values diversity and community, provided a comfortable space for me to grow not just in dance, but in self-expression too. Additionally, it aligned with my New Year’s resolution to commit to dancing consistently throughout the year, aiding in both my personal and artistic growth.”
What is your reason for staying?
“I decided to stay at Richmond Urban Dance because of the incredibly supportive community I found there. It's not just a place to dance, but a space where I've formed meaningful friendships, enhancing my overall experience.
What really stands out for me is the judgment-free zone RUD provides. It's a welcoming environment where everyone is accepted and encouraged to express themselves freely through dance.
This positive and inclusive atmosphere has been pivotal in my decision to continue my dance journey with RUD.”
E.BROWN
What was your reason for pursuing dance at RUD?
“I dance at RUD because my sisters tried RUD and encouraged me to go and at first I felt really awkward and I did not have friends and when I kept going I made so many friends.”
What is your reason for staying?
“I stayed at RUD because I feel like everyone is so welcoming and heartfelt and I LOVE to dance. All of the teachers here are so nice and everyone makes me so comfortable.”
A.JOHNS
What was your reason for pursuing dance at RUD?
"I’ve always loved to dance and perform throughout my childhood, but I figured that would just remain a thing of the past once I became an adult and had a child of my own. Then, about six years ago, I took my son to the Christmas parade. I was already dancing as soon as I heard the RUD Christmas mix from down the street. When the parade dancers followed and I saw the choreography and dancers of all different ages, I turned to my friend and told her that somehow I will be one of those people next year.”
What is your reason for staying?
“Dancing with RUD has connected me to a part of myself that I had neglected for too long. Being able to express that part of myself to others in a context of people who are encouraging and non-judgmental has been an integral part of my mental and physical health since I’ve joined. “