‘New space, same heart’: Shaun Evaristo’s dance studio is back

Photo from shaunevaristo/Instagram

Craft, connection, culture, and community—these four pillars define the ethos of Filipino-American professional dancer and choreographer Shaun Evaristo’s Movement Lifestyle, and he is dedicated to reinforcing these principles once more as the studio dances back into the scene.

Dance has always thrived in Los Angeles. Back in 2012, the global dancer who had worked with big K-pop groups, took it upon himself to foster this dancing community by establishing Movement Lifestyle, a dance studio designed to connect and inspire dancers from all walks of life. 

However, in the face of COVID-19, the studio was forced to close its doors in 2020. Evaristo faced the heartbreaking decision to temporarily shut down the studio that had been the heartbeat of so many dancers’ lives—even his own.

“The hardest part about closing [the studio] was feeling like I was letting my community down,” he expressed in a Los Angeles Times video.

Now, with resilience and determination to continue what has been started, Evaristo is making a triumphant return to bring the studio back to life.

In a collaboration post between his Instagram and the studio’s account, the caption reads: “Welcome back to Movement Lifestyle. New space. Same heart.”

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A post shared by Movement Lifestyle (@movement.lifestyle)

As the studio’s doors swing open once again, movers and enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipate the new choreographies to be taught, reigniting the passion that had been dormant during its three-year hiatus.

“I think even as we create a lot of it, it doesn’t mean it’s done, [because] there’s always work to be done—craft, connection, culture, and community—the depth goes far, and each one has so much in it. I don’t think that work will ever be done,” he quipped. 

The ‘Movement Lifestyle’ team has already posted their official weekly schedule and are now open for registrations. Kindly take note that they are now cashless.