Introduction: A Movement Workshop with a Newfound Childhood
In the lively stretch of Atwater Village, a movement workshop is redefining what it means to dance. Teresa “Toogie” Barcelo, known for her trailblazing choreography with pop icon Dua Lipa, invites participants to Wiggle Room—the space where grown bodies shed stress and reconnect with the playful instincts of childhood. On a Tuesday night, the room hums with curiosity as people arrive unsure of what to expect and leave with a renewed sense of possibility. This is not a formal class in technique alone; it’s an invitation to explore rhythm, release, and joy in a supportive, communal setting.
The Vision: A Portal to a Freer Self
Barcelo’s concept of Wiggle Room rests on the idea that movement is most powerful when it isn’t burdened by perfection. She stands with arms extended, creating a symbolic threshold—an invitation to cross from the day’s errands, worries, and screens into a realm where the body can improvise, experiment, and giggle without judgment. The workshop emphasizes process over product: time to play, fall, recover, and try again. Participants report feeling lighter after even a few minutes, as if a secret doorway to spontaneity has opened just for them.
What to Expect: A Guided Yet Liberating Experience
Wiggle Room blends structured prompts with open movement, allowing attendees to explore steps you might recognize from dance floors as well as entirely new shapes. Barcelo guides with clear, encouraging cues, yet she deliberately leaves room for personal interpretation. Expect:
– Gentle warm-ups that awaken the spine, hips, and breath
– Short improvisation segments that celebrate individuality
– Group activities that build a shared sense of play and trust
– Moments of stillness to notice how the body feels in the moment
Why It Feels Different from a Typical Dance Class
Unlike conventional choreography sessions that chase precision, Wiggle Room centers on accessibility and emotional honesty. You don’t need formal dance training to participate. The goal is not to perform a routine but to experience movement as a form of self-care and community building. The workshop leverages a supportive environment where “failure” is just another shape to try and learn from, not a verdict on worth.
From the Studio to Everyday Life: The Therapeutic Benefits
Research into expressive movement highlights several benefits that align with Wiggle Room’s aims: improved mood, reduced anxiety, better body awareness, and a strengthened sense of belonging. In a city that can feel fast-paced and isolating, Barcelo’s class offers a deliberate pause—an opportunity to breathe, reconnect with your senses, and step back into daily life with a lighter, more resilient stride. Participants often describe leaving the room with a renewed sense of play that informs friendships, work, and personal routines.
Community, Creativity, and the Spirit of Dance
At its core, Wiggle Room is about community as much as it is about movement. It brings together a diverse group of people—from locals who attend weekly to newcomers curious about Barcelo’s approach. The shared experience of allowing the body to improvise creates a powerful social glue, encouraging conversations that extend beyond the studio. When the music fades, the sense of connection lingers, echoing the spontaneity of a child at play.
How to Join: Practical Details
Participation is open to anyone with curiosity and a willingness to move. Check the workshop schedule for Tuesdays in Atwater Village, arrive comfortable and ready to play, and bring an open mind rather than a specific expectation. While the vibe is inclusive, it’s also energetic—participants should be prepared for light-hearted exertion and a generous dose of self-expression. If you’re curious about how your inner child can lead your outer life, Wiggle Room might be the perfect place to begin that journey.
Conclusion: A Portal Worth Walking Through
Teresa “Toogie” Barcelo’s Wiggle Room reframes dance as a sanctuary for emotional release and social connection. It’s more than a workout; it’s a playful experiment in living with less fear and more freedom. By guiding participants to wiggle toward their own authentic rhythms, Barcelo offers a pathway back to the joy many carry from childhood—reimagined for an adult world that often forgets how to listen to the body’s natural invitation to move.
