Andre Avila

Artistic Director

My passion is to make dance and integrative arts programs accessible to everyone. I am the owner of Rhythm Journey NC and an instructor for Wake Tech, the American Dance Festival's Parkinson's Movement Initiative, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke University.  I am certified to teach the American Dance Wheels Foundation Wheel One Bronze wheelchair ballroom syllabus, a National Exercise Trainers Association Pilates Mat Instructor and Senior Fitness Specialist, a Certified Adaptive Sports Coach, and a Dance for PD Stanley J. Wertheimer Fellow, and I have received special training in audio description for the visually impaired.  As the Artistic Director of ComMotion, my focus is to create adaptive and inclusive programs designed to improve the well-being of the participants. My journey with the arts started in my birthplace of Bogotá, Colombia where my ballet, jazz, and tap training began at the age of eight. Later, I expanded my repertoire to include South American folkdance and traditional Latin social dances. Training in rhythm and smooth ballroom dance began when I moved to the US in 2003. Since that time, I have taught and competed professionally with studios in Las Vegas, New York, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, specializing in rhythm and smooth ballroom with additional proficiencies in Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Kizomba, and Flamenco.