Wiggle Room: A Movement Workshop That Feels Like Play
When popular choreographer Teresa “Toogie” Barcelo invites you to move, you don’t just stretch and stretch; you step through a doorway of play. On a Tuesday night in Atwater Village, her workshop Wiggle Room offers more than exercise—it invites participants to tap into a playful, childlike energy that often gets tucked away in the bustle of adulthood. This is not a formal dance class with a fixed routine. It’s a portal where music, spontaneity, and community converge to spark creative freedom and emotional release.
At its core, Wiggle Room is a movement workshop designed to help people reconnect with their bodies, trust their instincts, and let the hips, shoulders, and feet lead. Barcelo’s approach blends street-dance flavor, contemporary phrasing, and accessible cues that encourage anyone to try, wobble, and experiment. The goal isn’t perfect technique but authentic expression—an invitation to “wiggle” your way toward a lighter mood and a clearer mind.
The Mentor Behind the Portal: Toogie Barcelo’s Vision
Toogie Barcelo is a celebrated choreographer whose work with high-profile artists has highlighted her ability to translate music into kinetic storytelling. Wiggle Room reflects her belief that movement is a language everyone can speak, regardless of training. “If it feels good to your body and lightens your heart, you’re doing it right,” Barcelo often says. The studio becomes a space where the lines between performance and play blur, and participants discover a renewed sense of possibility.
A Night in Atwater Village: Community, Confidence, and Joy
On a typical workshop night, you’ll find a mixed crowd: long-time dancers, fitness enthusiasts, and curious newcomers all sharing the same floor with laughter and tentative twists. The setting is intimate and welcoming—soft lighting, a floor that gives a little, music that ranges from R&B to upbeat pop, and a facilitator who cheers every quirky movement as if it were a victory. The vibe is grounded in community, where mistakes are celebrated as part of learning and where every wiggle is a step toward confidence.
What to Expect During a Wiggle Room Session
Participants begin with gentle, full-body warm-ups to release tension and invite breath into the body. From there, Barcelo guides a sequence of playful movements—think wiggles, shuffles, and sculpted poses—that encourage improvisation. The emphasis is on listening to your own body while staying connected to others in the room. Music cues guide tempo shifts, and the room’s energy builds as attendees shake out worries, stretch out stiffness, and discover that lightness can coexist with effort.
Wiggle Room emphasizes the inner-child aspect of movement: the chance to return to a pace and spontaneity that often gets crowded out by adult responsibilities. The practice can feel therapeutic, offering a fun escape from the day’s stress while also improving mobility, balance, and coordination. By the end of a session, many participants describe a sense of release—like a small, joyous reset that carries into the rest of their week.
Why Wiggle Room Matters in Today’s Wellness Landscape
Modern wellness trends frequently spotlight structured routines and disciplined workouts. Wiggle Room stands out by prioritizing play, curiosity, and connection. Researchers and practitioners alike note that playful movement can reduce stress hormones, boost mood, and enhance creativity. In this setting, the act of wiggling becomes not just a dance move but a catalyst for better mental health and a stronger sense of community. For many attendees, the workshop is a reminder that self-care can be enjoyable and effortless.
How to Join
Interested participants can check local listings for Wiggle Room sessions in Atwater Village. No prior dance experience is required; the class is designed to accommodate a broad range of abilities. Bring comfortable clothing, a water bottle, and an open mind. Whether you stay for the whole session or simply try a few moves before heading home, you’ll leave with a lighter step, a brighter mood, and a renewed sense of play.
In a world that often prizes precision and polish, Wiggle Room offers an inviting counterpoint: a space to wiggle, wonder, and reengage with your inner child through movement. It’s a reminder that joy can be found in the most unassuming moments and that the act of moving—together—can feel like a doorway to a better version of yourself.
