This Montreal dance studio goes beyond powerful steps, stomps, and shakes.
Rabaterapia also steps in to help newcomers to Quebec find a supportive community –- uplifting their mental and physical well-being through their downtown studio.
“It’s where you can dance, you can feel safe, show your energy,” said Priscila Sanches, CEO & head of communications at Rabaterapia. “Everybody’s gonna embrace you.”
“Rabaterapia is not just a dance place, it is a community,” explained Sanches. “Since were from Brazil and we didn’t have a place where we could gather together, we wanted to offer this to people who are Brazilians, but also immigrants from other places.”
“And Canadians too,” she added. “So you can get to know us a little bit more.”
From Brazilian pop and funk to yoga and a book club –- the studio has something for everyone who wants to be immersed in this joyous environment that feels like family.
“I always say the vibe of my classes is an exchange between my vibe and the students,” said Guilherme Sperb, CEO & dance Instructor at the studio. “I’m always doing my classes asking everyone to share their energy with each other and with myself.”
This initiative began when the two Brazilian best friends, Sanches and Sperb, came to Montreal — studying miles away from home, navigating immigration.
Sanches asked Sperb to teach her and her friends some dance moves –- after that first class in May 2022, it took off.
“That’s the high point of my week,” said Camila Monteiro, class participant. “I love to have fun and dance with friends, and celebrate our culture.”
“I don’t think they realize how important this community is to us” she added. “As a newcomer I always dreamed to be here so I’m so happy.”
“All the class they are amazing,” said Ana Carolina Torres, who has been attending the studio since they launched two years ago. “It’s hard to choose one.”
“We want to come everyday to dance at all classes.”
“When I first got here I felt really lonely,” explained Sperb. “I didn’t really have many friends that shared that culture.”
“When we started Rabaterapia it just reconnected me with not only with dance but this amazing community of people.”
And the community –- truly immersed.
Their logo created by a member –- and the song the crew was dancing to on Thursday, made from a participant too.
“Me and my husband, we made a song,” said Rayssa Ruas, class participant and singer. “It’s a gift for them.”
“Since I started here, dancing and with the community I felt like I was at home.”
“We see everyday the impact that we have on their lives,” said Sanches. “The impact that we have on even their families, their kids.”
“They become more active, sometimes they bring their kids to dance with them.”
“This feeling that what I’m doing matters,” she added. “And it’s something that will help a lot of people.”