Located in the northern boundaries of Los Angeles’ Koreatown, Rūts Dance Studio is more than just a place to learn choreography and dance, it’s a cultural refuge welcoming people of different ethnicities, ages, and traditions to escape from the daily doldrums of life to connect and unite with others through the language of dance. Having danced all my life, I have relished expressing myself through dance with others at this studio.
Front of the rūts Studio! [Source: Author, Summer Park]
The last line of the studio’s mission statement, “We believe in a community that challenges individuals to become fearlessly themselves, and through that, can ultimately become shifters of culture through their own movement and expression,” speaks to the goal of empowering individuals through dance while building meaningful connections. The studio’s welcoming environment encourages dancers to become fearlessly themselves, and through that, shift culture through their unique expressions.
Classes at Rūts range from K-pop to hip-hop, contemporary to heels. The roster of 27 passionate instructors — including the co-founders—offers flexibility to choose from diverse styles and teaching philosophies. The instructors, most with industry experience, maintain a welcoming vibe in class. I enjoy how everyone cheers for and high-fives each other.
Me following the instruction during the Grooves class taught by Crystal Jackson [Source: Author, Summer Park]
Rūts hosts monthly specialty workshops and choreography showcases. These community events often integrate dance with topics that matter to me, like social justice, wellness, and Korean-American cultural celebrations.
The studio also partners with local artists and organizations to drive awareness of the power of storytelling through dance to underrepresented areas, including schools and nonprofit organizations. During the pandemic, Rūts pivoted to online classes, ensuring that community-building and creativity never stopped—even when the world did.
Now, back to in-person sessions, the vibrant energy, multicultural roots, and community focus of Rūts prove that dance can be a powerful tool for connection.
Whether you’re 60 years old or 16 years old like me, Rūts welcomes you with open arms and a whole lot of rhythm.
For more information or to book a class, visit rutsstudio.com.
