our story

BodyWaves was founded in 2023 by the late Karen Ritscher and Meghan LeBorious to create a space for people to connect with themselves and each other, discover pathways to self-healing and empowerment, and unleash their creativity.

Group of diverse dancers performing in a dimly lit studio with polished floors
Karen in a black dress holding a wooden violin against a dark backdrop

Karen Ritscher

Karen Ritscher started dancing the 5Rhythms in 2000. After an initially challenging relationship with the dance, her practice gradually grew into a deep commitment, and she became a 5Rhythms teacher in 2010. A professional musician, lover of poetry, viola teacher, and excellent friend to many, Karen's care, joy, and creative fire continue to burn at BodyWaves every Friday night.

Meghan smiling with glasses and wearing a black dress with gold floral patterns indoors

Meghan LeBorious

Meghan started dancing the 5Rhythms in 2008. After years of dancing more than she slept at underground parties and raves, she had withdrawn completely from dance when she first encountered the 5Rhythms. Within a few months, she was dancing every Friday night and attending every workshop that came to town. Creative work started to pour out of her, and fear-tightened muscles began to soften and surrender. Meghan became a 5Rhythms teacher in 2021 and delights in sharing the practice every Friday night and in special workshop formats.

Drawing on her experiences as a multi-media visual artist, NYC teacher, and Kagyu Buddhist practitioner, Meghan creates unique conditions for transformation, creativity, and self-healing.

Smiling man dancing in a studio with a group of people

Karen and Meghan's shared vision for a creative, inclusive class led to the founding of BodyWaves Friday Night 5Rhythms.

Black-and-white photo of people dancing in a fitness or dance class, with two women raising their arms in the foreground.
Group of dancers performing in a dimly lit studio.
Woman dancing in a blue butterfly tank top during a group dance class

What Makes BodyWaves Different

One thing that makes BodyWaves different from other 5Rhythms classes is our approach to working with themes over several sessions. This allows us to continually explore new territory and move deeper into the heart of the practice.

Every class includes two full waves, where we move through all of the five rhythms. In each session, we also focus on one rhythm in particular, giving dancers the opportunity to deepen their understanding and embodiment of each rhythm over time.

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Meghan, BodyWaves Facilitator: meghan@notesonpractice.com