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Anita Birkerte, Senior Dance and Wellness Expert, portrait photograph in professional setting
Position
Senior Dance & Wellness Expert
Organization
evenmix SIA
Education
Riga Dance Academy, Certified Latin Dance Instructor
Specialization
Senior fitness, Partner dance, Dance communities over 45
Experience
16 years designing and leading dance programs across Latvia
What Anita Teaches

Areas of Focus

Latin Dance Workshops in Rīga

Structured salsa and bachata instruction tailored for mature learners. We're teaching proper technique from day one, with group classes held at community centers across the city.

Partner Dance Evenings

Social dance gatherings at community centers in Jelgava where dancers practice partnership skills in a welcoming environment. These aren't competitions—they're chances to connect and grow together.

Dance & Fitness Integration

Using bachata and salsa as fitness tools. Dance improves balance, strength, and cardiovascular health. You'll feel it working, and you'll actually enjoy the process because you're dancing, not exercising.

Senior Dance Communities

Building inclusive communities for dancers over 45 in Daugavpils and beyond. The social connection matters as much as the dancing. These groups become genuine friendships.

Instructor Training

Mentoring dance instructors across Latvia in senior-focused teaching methods. We've trained over 30 instructors who now work with mature adult communities.

Wellness Research & Content

Creating evidence-based guides on how dance supports physical health, mental wellbeing, and social engagement for mature adults. This isn't just theory—it's what we see happen every week.

Professional Background

How Anita Got Here

From a single salsa class to building dance communities across Latvia

2001

First Dance Class

Anita took her first salsa class in Rīga at age 28. It wasn't planned—a friend invited her, and she almost didn't go. That class changed everything.

2003

Formal Training Begins

Completed intensive instructor training at the Riga Dance Academy. The program was rigorous—technique, music theory, teaching methodology, everything.

2003-2008

Early Teaching Years

Five years of recreational dance classes in Rīga. She taught young adults, students, beginners. The classes were good, but something was missing.

2008

Recognition of a Gap

Realized there were almost no structured dance programs for people over 45. Dance studios marketed to younger crowds. The mature adult community was underserved.

2009

Senior Fitness Credentials

Completed certification in senior fitness from Riga Stradiņš University. This wasn't just dance knowledge—it was understanding how aging bodies work, what they need, how to adapt technique.

2010

Golden Steps Initiative Launches

Founded 'Golden Steps,' bringing structured Latin dance workshops to Rīga's community centers. The response was immediate. People had been waiting for this.

2012-2014

Geographic Expansion

Extended partner dance evening programs to Jelgava and Daugavpils. Each city had different needs, different community dynamics. We adapted the approach each time.

2014-Present

Community Impact

Over 800 mature adults engaged in regular dance activities. More than 30 instructors trained in senior-focused methodologies. Featured in several Latvian wellness publications. Currently at evenmix SIA as Senior Dance & Wellness Expert.

Key Work

Notable Achievements & Publications

Featured in Latvian Wellness Publications

Multiple articles and interviews about dance's role in senior health and social connection. Publications include Latvian health magazines and community wellness guides focusing on active aging.

Instructor Training Program

Developed and delivered training for 30+ dance instructors across Latvia. The program covers senior-specific teaching methods, injury prevention, and community building—not just dance technique.

Partnership Networks

Established formal partnerships with community centers in Rīga, Jelgava, and Daugavpils. These aren't one-off collaborations—they're ongoing programs that've served hundreds of participants.

800+ Mature Adults Engaged

Direct impact on senior wellbeing through structured dance programming. Participants report improved mobility, stronger social connections, and increased confidence in physical activity.

Evidence-Based Content Creation

Produces research-informed guides on dance as a wellness practice for mature adults. Topics cover fitness benefits, social engagement, balance improvement, and community formation.

Thought Leadership

Recognized as a leading voice in senior dance education across Latvia. Her approach—combining rigorous technique with deep empathy for mature learners—has influenced how other instructors work with over-45 populations.

Teaching Philosophy

What Drives the Work

"What drives me is witnessing the profound impact dance has on people. We're not just teaching steps. We're improving mobility, building stronger social connections, and giving people back their confidence."
— Anita Birkerte

Anita's approach is grounded in a simple insight: mature adults don't need to be treated like they're fragile or limited. They need quality instruction, authentic community, and respect for where their bodies actually are. That's different from teaching 20-year-olds, but it's not easier—it's just different.

She combines rigorous attention to proper technique with deep empathy for the physical and emotional needs of dancers over 45. Yes, we focus on form and movement. But we also pay attention to confidence, social belonging, and the joy of moving well with other people. Dance becomes a vehicle for all of it.

Her work across Rīga, Jelgava, and Daugavpils reflects this philosophy. In each community, she's listened to what people actually want and need. The result? Dance programs that feel authentic to the places where they happen, not imported templates from somewhere else.

Explore Anita's Work

Learn more about dance, wellness, and community through detailed guides and resources