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At a glance

our classes

Instructors

Olivia Blahowsky

Melanya Zerpa

Nissa Drum

Instructors

Kim Reigle

Olivia Blahowsky

Owner/
Instructor

Kim Reigle

Instructor

Nani Orsillo

Instructor

Olivia Blahowsky

our passion

what we do

The dance styles we offer all have community and communal origin stories. One thing I knew then, and I know now, is that dance should be accessible to all, regardless of age, shape, or ability. I was able to experience such an environment when I spent three months in Jerez, Spain in the spring of 2024. There, flamenco IS community. 

Community members support those dancing, singing, and playing instruments–young or old, professional or novice, family taught, or academy taught, local or outsider–no matter who you are, if you participate respectfully, you are supported as part of the community.

meet the team

our instructors

Olivia Blahowsky

Instructor

Olivia has loved dancing all her life, from folk dance, to ballroom, from belly dance to Irish dance. As a child she danced Austrian folk dance and medieval social dances, as a teenager she danced ballroom.

nani Orsillo

Instructor

Aloha! Join Nani, a native hula instructor, from the island of Oʻahu, as she brings the enchanting world of traditional Hawaiian dance to Asheville, North Carolina. 

Melanya Zerpa

Instructor

Melanya Zerpa is a Venezuelan-born, NYC-raised visual artist, dancer, and entertainer who studies and performs contemporary Raqs Sharqi in the Western NC/Eastern TN area.

Toni Pollak

Instructor

Toni is trained in Hatha Yoga and has been a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) since 2023.  Wherever you’re at on your wellness journey, Toni is here to support you.

whatever your mood is

...We’ve got a Dance for it!!

Upcoming events

FREE Discover Bellydance
Class

Melanya’s monthly free discover bellydance class is especially designed for those with no dance experience. 

Movie Night
at the Studio

Bring a friend and join us for a movie night at the studio. Have a movie suggestion? Let us know (hello@worlddanceavl.com).

Sunday Group
Crafting Session

Grab your craft supplies and join us for an afternoon of crafting and community. Feel free to bring a friend and a snack!

You are already halfway here...

We’re a vibrant community of movers, makers, and rhythm-seekers.
Join us for a free class and see what makes World Dance Asheville feel like home