Ligaya Line Dancing
I’m not sure when I was first introduced to line dancing. I do remember learning the “Electric Slide“ and the “Cotton Eyed Joe“ in middle school and also going to the local firehouse to learn the dance moves to “Todo Todo” from people my parents forced me to call Tita and Tito even though they had just met them that evening.
Line dances have developed for decades and have been inspired from all cultures. Growing up, there was always a playlist of songs that we expected to hear at family parties to signal that it is time for everyone to get up out of their seats and onto the dance floor to get the party started.
Songs like:
“Todo Todo Todo“ by Daniella Romo
“Chilly Cha Cha” by Jessica Jay
“On ne s’aimera Plus Jamais“ by Larusso
“September“ by Earth Wind & Fire
When I was younger, I was volun-told to lead the line dances at gatherings. Now, I happily place myself in the front of the crowd to guide guests through dance steps the moment I hear any of these types of songs start to play.
When I started the business, I wanted everyone to remember that no matter what day September 21st fell on, The Studio Ligaya will be hosting their Annual Line Dancing Social that day! Our first Line Dancing event was such a hit, multiple people have reached out to request these socials more frequently.
We heard you and we listened! Ligaya Line Dancing Socials are now being hosted every other month with the next one planned for NEXT FRIDAY!!
WHAT: Ligaya Line Dancing Gala 🎉 Celebrating a NEW YEAR and a ReNEWed YOU!
WHEN: Friday, January 19th, 2024 | Doors open 7pm | Dinner & Dancing from 7:30pm - 10pm
WHERE: The Studio Ligaya, 160 Durham Ave. Metuchen, NJ 08840
ATTIRE: Semi-Formal (sneakers are welcome)
COST: Presale Tickets $30 | $40 at door
REGISTER HERE!
WHAT TO EXPECT?
✨ Filipino Food by @leosbarbecue
✨ Photobooth by @_ajcreates_
✨ Instruction by @tiffanyjoyjoy & @j.varcas
Can’t make this one? SAVE THE DATE FOR FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024 for TIFF’S Birthday EXTRAVARGONZA & subscribe to the event calendar here!
If you learned nothing from this blog… Whenever you hear Earth Wind & Fire ask “🎵 Do you remember the 21st night of September…” Mark your calendar cause you’re coming to The Studio Ligaya for a night of dancing you won’t ever forget!
Self Celebration
The Studio Ligaya is meant to be a space for celebrations. It is a space where families can celebrate life's milestones but more importantly - it is a place where women can feel safe to celebrate themselves as they are right now - a sanctuary for physical and mental well-being, where JOY is the heartbeat of our community.
Movement has always been my happy place. As a child I recorded music videos on VHS tapes to learn the choreography to my favorite songs. In high-school I was in a hip-hop dance group and was captain of the marching band color guard. In college, I became a CrossFit enthusiast and Zumba instructor and as I entered my professional career as an executive assistant for a fortune 50 company, I became a personal trainer.
Even through all of this, my size fluctuated. I faced constant fat-shaming, not just from others but from myself.
Fast forward to becoming a mom, and life took an unexpected turn. I was laid off from my job, I spiraled into deep depression. Although my son is my greatest gift and my husband is my greatest love and supporter, I lost myself. One night my insomnia caught up to me and I found myself driving on the the wrong side of the road. It was at that point I knew that something had to change.
Growing up, I was made to believe that being Filipino you don’t believe in therapy, you just got bullied or shamed until you got your shit together. I allowed all the trauma and negative comments from others turn into my inner voice. All of this was wrong and I didn’t want my son to see me like this.
As a new mom, I had to change and mourn my past self and make way for positivity for me and everyone around me.
I began planning for the studio. I envisioned a haven intentionally crafted to guide moms through life's transitions. I also realized that the word "mom" wasn't just the general meaning of the word - I saw moms everywhere: in caregivers taking care of elderly family members, adults acting as mentors for adults, even people who care deeply for their pets. As caregivers, we all have put others needs before ourselves - It’s time to make time for us.
I was born as Tiffany Joy and “ligaya” translates to joy or happiness in Tagalog. My fitness journey restarted not from hate but from happiness and love—for myself. I've learned that self-love isn't a destination; it's a continuous journey toward overall health and wellness. I want to do what I can to care for me so I can be here for my family as long as possible. I want my children to see me and see a strong, resilient woman who embraces her true self so that they may grow up to be strong, resilient and confident in themselves too (no, this is not a baby announcement post).
The Studio Ligaya is meant to be a space for celebrations. I created a space where families can celebrate life's milestones but more importantly, it is a place where women can feel safe to celebrate themselves as they are right now - a sanctuary for physical and mental well-being, where joy is the heartbeat of our community.
As we approach the New Year, don’t wait to begin your fitness resolutions. Come to The Studio Ligaya, to get started. Celebrate and find the fun in fitness, build a community and help spread joy to the world through the women in it.