Dancer: Riley Wimes Jr.

Background: Riley Wimes Jr. is a dancer, teacher, performer and DJ. He began dancing socially at a young age and grew up in a family and community surrounded by music and dance. He has always enjoyed movement and music even though it wasn’t always his professional pursuit. Riley began partner dancing extensively in 1997, teaching adults in 1998 and began a dance and music touring program for schools in 1999.

He has placed first several times in dance competitions in the US and Canada, has graced the cover of a CD, a poster campaign and a full-page Chicago magazine pictorial. Riley is a featured instructor for the City of Chicago’s Summer Dance Program, a staff instructor for the Willowbrook Ballroom in Willow Springs, Illinois and Heart and Sole Dance  Studio in Tinley Park, Illinois . He is also a touring and artist –in-residence and instructor for Urban Gateways in Chicago and May I Have This Dance Studios, also in Chicago.

He also leads fitness classes at ratio One to One Fitness Studio in Glenwood, Illinois and is excited to have just been added to the teaching roster at the University of Illinois Fitness Facility. Riley has literally performed for, and instructed thousands of people and thinks the world would be a better place if everyone danced.