About Us
MEET RITA
CLASSES OFFERED
CLASSES OFFERED
A native of Accra, Ghana, Rita Addico Cohen has been dancing (and singing) all her life. Thanks to her extraordinary performing and teaching skills, Rita is in high demand all over the Mid-Atlantic region as an African Dance instructor, presenting in, and teaching for conferences, retreats, parties, and other celebrations/events, in addition to her own classes. She loves what Dance & Fitness has done for her and is passionate about sharing those benefits with YOU!
Rita also uses her talents to give back to the community. She is the Founder and Executive Director of TACA, the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit Tidewater African Cultural Alliance (TACA) that seeks to bring African culture to the Hampton Roads region. Rita has also developed and travels to offer I <3 Afrobeats! workshops. She is the recipient of the 2022 Zumba Fitness Humanitarian Award.
With 2 music degrees (B.A. in Classical Music, University of Virginia; M.M. in Classical Voice Performance, Manhattan School of Music); a 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do; several years of dance instruction (Ballet, Jazz, Ballroom, Belly Dance); a professional 15-year performing career; and a mastery of 10 languages - including Spanish, Rita's classes and style are truly unique!
CLASSES OFFERED
CLASSES OFFERED
CLASSES OFFERED
Rita is a certified American Fitness & Aerobics Association (AFAA) certified Group Fitness Instructor, who makes continuing education a priority, so that she can keep up with all the latest fitness trends to make sure you are getting fun, yet effective classes. In addition to being part of the faculty of the Governor's School for the Arts, Rita is currently offering:
- African HEAT (Healthy Energetic Authentic Transformation) Dance Fitness: Come experience Rita's own creation, using African Dance moves to an all African playlist in each class.
Rita is also a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified Fitness Nutrition counselor and can help you become fitter inside and out, with private Nutritional Counseling.
CLASS SCHEDULE
CLASSES OFFERED
CLASS SCHEDULE
Rita is available by appointment for corporate wellness/fitness programs.
She is currently teaching one public African Dance class IN PERSON ONLY.
MONDAY*
African Dance 6-7 pm
(Offered through TACA)
Offered in person on the campus of Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach.