The Center for World Rhythms and Movement is where our community members come to be who we are individually and collectively and our creative ideas are nurtured and supported.

In 2004, after teaching Tribal Dance classes and conducting Gaiananda’s rehearsals in various studios for several years, one of Gaiananda’s co-founders, Suzanne Gerard, opened the first location for the Center. Before the year was over, our expanding community had already grown out of that space and we moved to a larger studio downstairs in the same location.

The new Center’s 3,000 square feet not only allowed us to create a larger dance studio and rehearsal space, but also an intimate performance venue.  David Johnson, another original Gaiananda member, designed and built the Center’s 20 X 16 foot stage and installed its professional lighting and sound system.  With this addition, Midwest Cultural Productions was created, another collaborative effort that also contributes to the collective community.

We teach many classes at the Center each week.  We have monthly haflas (performance and open music and dance events) where our students have an opportunity to perform and to dance to the live music offered by our Gaiananda Band. We bring culturally eclectic music and/or dance groups in for special workshops and performances from around the world. We often collaborate with our members to organize and co-produce performances and workshop opportunities.

The Center for World Rhythms is managed and operated as a private club. Membership is required but free to everyone who comes to the Center.  It is a space intentionally created with our growing tribal community’s needs in mind. The acceptance of diversity is honored and the choices that each member makes for themselves are respected. 

With our non-competitive perspective and an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement, we open up opportunities to share ourselves authentically within a very supportive environment.  This allows artists the opportunity to step outside of the box to create progressive, avant-garde performances and artistic expression that can have an impact on humanity.  

If you are interested in having a special celebration, performance, event, or conducting rehearsals at the Center for World Rhythms, please call for additional information.

Thank You,
Suzanne Gerard  (513) 312-9628
David Johnson   (513) 608-0056

This is a Member’s Only Club
Membership is free but everyone must sign a membership form before entering.
Please print and fill out the PDF before attending any functions to save time.
Forms will be available at all performances/haflas/concerts/etc.
Please advise any guests of this requirement.

Photos of the Center for World Rhythms & Movement by Kevin Hartnell

Descriptions and sizes of the various rooms in the Center for World Rhythms & Movement:

Entry Hall:  7 X 50  With Gaiananda / World Rhythms pictures and posters of previous events in a hand painted time line.(artwork by Diane Johnson) Community bulletin board and networking station.  Two restrooms.
Front Lounge (parlor):  18 X 19  Large open space with full wall of store front windows for posting flyers and event posters.
Office:  10 X 16  Can also be used as an additional dressing room or for private music sessions.
Dressing Room:  12 X 14 With lighted make-up mirrors and separate entrance for performers. This can also be used as a second instructional area for music workshops, rehearsals or lounge area.
Kitchenette:  15 X 5  I am thinking of getting a stove so I can have Indian cooking classes at the center.
Studio / Audience capacity:  53 X  26  With 45 feet of mirrors for instruction or covered for events.  Ceilings are rafted and 11 ft. high. Chairs for seating 100 in concert setting and four food service or vending tables and up to 6, 4 seat round table tops available.
Stage:  16 X 20 (Armstrong, wood laminant flooring) with an extended 8 ft. band box (carpeted), 4 X 12 backstage and two stage left wings (optional).  Side stage entrance and loading dock w/ ramp.

Testimonials:

You have created a wonderful space where we can all come to life creatively.  Thanks for your leadership, warm heart, and incredible dancing talents!
~Barb Boyne

Suzanne,
Jim and I had a great time at the Halloween Hafla, thank you for inviting Raqs Gypsy.  I saw all your classes dance and you must be very proud.  Your students were great and you have a lot of them!  It is good to see that your classes are going so well.
~PeggyShimko

I wanted to tell you what a great time I had at your hafla last Friday and was so happy to have been finally able to make one of them.  I LOVE the studio – it is lovely!!  LOVE the hardwood floors!!!  It is so warm!!!  I am so happy for you!!  I will see you on Saturday for Raquy and the Cavemen!! Thank you so much for bringing them here so we can all enjoy them once again!!  You rock!!
XXOO
~Kira LaFave