Senior Dance Education Specialist
daugavaway SIA
Dance isn't about being young or perfect. It's about moving with intention, connecting with others, and discovering that your body can do things you never thought possible — no matter your age.
For 14 years, Inga has built something rare in Latvia: a thriving community where adults over 45 learn bachata and salsa without pressure, judgment, or pretense. She's created educational resources that make Latin dancing accessible to complete beginners while hosting seasonal socials along the Jūrmala coast that draw 60–100 participants month after month. Her work organizing evening dance events in Rīga Old Town and beginner classes in Liepāja has transformed how mature adults approach dance in Latvia.
What sets her apart isn't just experience — it's her philosophy that every body, at every stage of life, deserves patient instruction and genuine community. She's spent two decades translating that belief into real programs, real results, and real friendships on the dance floor.
How 14 years of dedicated work shaped Latvia's Latin dance landscape
Six-month sabbatical in Havana studying traditional salsa and bachata. This experience shifted her understanding of dance as community, culture, and connection rather than performance.
Completed degree in dance pedagogy at the Latvian Academy of Culture in Rīga. Focused on adult learning theory and adaptive teaching methods for diverse age groups.
Started teaching Latin dance at community centers in Rīga's Old Town, initially working with younger audiences. Gradually shifted focus toward adult education as she recognized the demand.
Developed the first dedicated beginner Latin dance curriculum for people over 45. Launched the program in Liepāja through partnership with the local cultural institute — a major turning point in her career.
Founded the Jūrmala Weekend Dance Social series. Attracted 60–100 regular participants monthly, establishing her reputation as Latvia's leading organizer of mature-focused dance events.
Joined daugavaway SIA as Senior Dance Education Specialist. Now translates on-the-ground experience into comprehensive educational resources, guides, and frameworks that help adults across Latvia discover Latin dance.
Deep expertise across multiple dimensions of adult Latin dance education
Specializes in creating welcoming, judgment-free environments where mature adults learn bachata fundamentals. Develops curricula that respect the physical needs and learning pace of this demographic. Runs regular socials where participants practice in a supportive community setting.
Organizes regular evening salsa socials in Rīga's historic Old Town. Creates events that blend cultural experience with accessible dancing. Attracts both beginners and experienced dancers, fostering genuine community connection.
Designed the foundational curriculum for absolute beginners in Liepāja. Teaches with patience and clarity, breaking complex movements into manageable steps. Ensures every student — regardless of prior experience — builds confidence from day one.
Hosts seasonal gathering events along the Jūrmala coast, combining dance with the region's natural beauty. These monthly socials consistently draw 60–100 participants and have become a cornerstone of mature-adult social dance culture in Latvia.
Creates comprehensive guides, teaching frameworks, and educational materials that make Latin dance accessible to anyone willing to learn. Focuses on practical advice grounded in 14 years of real classroom experience and community feedback.
Understands that dance is fundamentally social. Builds communities where people form genuine friendships, feel welcomed regardless of skill level, and discover the emotional and physical benefits of movement together.
Years of professional Latin dance instruction
Regular participants in organized dance events
Major regions served: Rīga, Liepāja, Jūrmala
Monthly participants in Jūrmala weekend socials
Latvian Academy of Culture, Rīga
2011
Specialized in adult learning theory, adaptive teaching methods, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Thesis focused on social dance as a tool for community wellness in aging populations.
International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA)
2012–Present
Maintains active certification in Latin ballroom dance instruction. Regular professional development through workshops and mentorship.
Traditional Cuban Dance & Music Institute
2009
Six-month sabbatical studying authentic salsa, bachata, and son cubano with master instructors. Gained deep cultural understanding of Caribbean dance traditions.
daugavaway SIA
2020–Present
Develops educational frameworks, teaching resources, and community-building curricula for Latin dance programming across Latvia.
Inga's approach is rooted in a simple belief: dance is for everyone. Not just young people. Not just those with prior experience. Everyone. She's spent 14 years proving it works.
Her classes don't feel like performance training. They feel like community. She structures every session — whether it's a beginner class in Liepāja or a weekend social along the Jūrmala coast — to make people feel safe trying something new. That means patient instruction, clear communication, and genuine celebration of small wins.
She understands that mature adults learn differently. They've got more self-awareness, sometimes more anxiety about looking foolish, and they're often recovering from years of thinking their body can't do certain things. Inga meets them there. She breaks movements into manageable pieces. She explains the "why" behind techniques. She builds confidence before complexity.
What she's discovered through years of organizing socials and events is that dance creates something you can't get anywhere else: genuine human connection. People come for the movement. They stay because they've found community. That's the real gift.
Practical advice from 14 years of teaching Latin dance in Latvia
A practical guide for mature adults who've never danced before. Covers what to expect in your first class, common concerns, and why starting at any age is genuinely possible.
Read the article
Everything you need to know about the weekly salsa socials in Rīga's historic Old Town. What to wear, how to get started, and why these events are some of the most welcoming in Latvia.
Read the article
Overview of the beginner-focused Latin dance program in Liepāja. Learn about class structure, what's taught, and how the curriculum is designed specifically for people with zero dance experience.
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A comprehensive guide to the monthly weekend dance socials held along the beautiful Jūrmala coast. Details about dates, what to bring, and why these events have become a cornerstone of mature-adult dance culture in Latvia.
Read the articleExplore Inga's educational resources on Latin dance for mature adults, discover upcoming events in Rīga, Liepāja, and Jūrmala, or get in touch with questions.
