Welcome to Studio Viva
Studio Viva was founded in 2006 in Palatine, a Northwest Suburb of Chicago, with the goal of providing quality dance instruction and dance venues for adult and teen dancers. Since then, over 14,000 students have trained and continue to train and perform with Studio Viva.
SV offers a full curriculum of group lessons from complete Beginner to Advanced level, Performance teams, as well as private lessons. In addition to dance instruction, we offer social dancing events open to the public. SV offers tailored programs for schools, Park Districts and Libraries.
We specialize Latin social dances: Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue and Cha-cha, but we also have expertise in other social and Ballroom dances: especially East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop and all Smooth and Latin Ballroom dances.
Lessons & Classes
Upcoming Events
Thu, Nov 28PalatineNov 28, 2024, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PMPalatine, 600 N 1st Bank Dr Suite CB, Palatine, IL 60067, USA
Sun, Dec 01Oakbrook TerraceDec 01, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMOakbrook Terrace, 17W350 W 22nd St, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, USADec 01, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMOakbrook Terrace, 17W350 W 22nd St, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, USAPlease join us for the 1st Sunday Salsa Social!! Celebrating Birthdays with your friends and Family and on the dance floor! Also, ONE LAST CHANCE to do this in 2024! We will be in the Ballroom. Let us know if you would like to reserve a table!
Meet Our Instructors
Studio Viva specializes in teaching adults and teens - we proudly specialize in Latin social dance forms - Salsa, Bachata, Cha-cha-cha, Cumbia, but we also have expertise in other social and Ballroom dances, especially East Coast Swing & Lindy Hop, and Smooth & Latin Ballroom dances.
Dora Parks
Dora is a versatile instructor trained in classical ballet, jazz, Swing and Latin dances. She won various swing and salsa competitions in Europe & in the US. She danced and taught in Chicago since 1999. She taught in Chicago’s dance studios and performed at various corporate and private events, both in the US and internationally before founding Studio Viva in 2006.
Dora enjoys working with students in both private and group settings, coaching couples through their preparations for their wedding, or just getting into dance as a hobby. Dancing is her passion, and she strongly believes it is for all of us to share, at any age.
Amy Tsai
Amy Tsai Amy is a trained and skilled dancer and experienced performer. Her experience spans over 10 years in Chicagoland, and she is well known for her elegant and expressive performance style and effective teaching skills.
Amy currently teaches Intermediate and advanced Salsa and Bachata classes, and she coaches students in private lesson settings.
She is highly effective and students describe her as detail-oriented and patient.
She enjoys creating helping students start their journey as complete beginners and create choreographies for advanced dancers.
Silvie Jansen
Silvie Jansen hails from the Netherlands. Silvie has an extensive dance and fitness background. About 16 years ago Silvie was introduced to salsa, taught by a strict Cuban Maestro and she was hooked ever since. Latin dances quickly stole her heart.
In 2016 the team as well as her and her dance partner won the Dutch Nationals and Silvie started teaching salsa and ladies styling classes.
In 2022 her husband, who was working overseas when they met, had to move back to the U.S. and Silvie decided to leave everything behind and move with him. She is here, we are very lucky to have her!
You can find Silvie teaching Salsa, Bachata Level 1 & 2 as well as Salsa Rueda classes and Private lessons.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
I don’t give five stars to many places. This one I do. If you want to learn Latin dance (salsa, bachata, cha cha, cumbia etc.) This is the place to do it. The teachers are excellent. They take the time out to show you the small details which are important to do the dances right. And it’s affordable. They offer private and group lessons. I would start with group lessons and then take a few private lessons along the way after you have some experience under your belt.
I’ve been dancing at the Viva on and off since 2005. Dora is an amazing instructor, and it always feels good to come back and feel alive again. Don’t miss your chance to bring joy into your life with Studio Viva salsa lessons and socials!
Amy is an excellent instructor. She is patient and listens to meet the needs of each of her students. Dora is very inspirational and motivates me to be the best dancer I can be!!