article by Renata Haidle | photo by Arica Lipp

Akvilina Rieger’s journey into the world of dance began with an email that turned her life upside down - in the best way possible. It was an invitation from Big Sky Senior Services, announcing her nomination to perform at their Dancing with the Big Sky Stars fundraiser. Although stepping onto a dance floor in front of an audience was far outside her comfort zone, Akvilina took it as a sign to say yes.

Working on her physical well-being had been a goal she had set for the year ahead, and this opportunity seemed like a perfect way to take a leap toward that goal. Despite having its challenges, taking dancing to the next level proved exhilarating. ”A dance partner with a great attitude (Andrew Rahn) and an exceptional dance instructor (Arica Lipp) allowed for smooth sailing and a trophy at the competition,” she says.

The competition came and went, leaving behind a trophy and a renewed sense of purpose. One of the judges, Lyle Gabriel, encouraged her to keep dancing and invited her to join the Yellowstone Ballroom Dance Club. Before long, Akvilina’s infectious enthusiasm earned her the title of the Club’s president. With this role came a new determination to explore every corner of Billings’ dance scene. She embraced the lively rhythms of country swing and line dancing and found a particular love for the expressive freedom of Latin dance. “While some of the other dance styles are more structured and require classes,” she says, Latin beats allow for more improvisation and allow you to express yourself.” While opportunities to practice Latin dance were limited, she discovered the joy of Zumba classes led by Sarah Kennedy and Jennifer Kline at Pura Vida studios. Dance became her exercise of choice, perfectly blending fitness with fun and creativity.

Yet, Akvilina wanted more. One day, while walking along the Rims with her daughter, she had an idea: why not start her own dance group? Her vision was clear: to create an inclusive space where people of all ages and backgrounds could come together and share the joy of dance. What began as a spark quickly caught fire. Her group, named “En Fuego” (Spanish for “on fire”), grew rapidly to 25 members, ranging in age from their twenties to seventies and representing a beautiful array of cultural and personal backgrounds.

Under the guidance of dance instructor Arica Lipp, the troupe honed their skills and prepared to take their passion to the next level: performing for audiences. For En Fuego, performing was more than entertainment; it was a chance to share the transformative power of dance. Their performances showcased their skills and inspired others to embrace dance as a path to joy, health, and connection.

“Other forms of entertainment have become almost too high-priced to fit into most budgets,” says instructor Arica Lipp, “and so dance lessons and social dance events have become a very affordable option. Some learn to dance because of an upcoming wedding. Others want a way to meet new people. It doesn’t take long for people to realize that what they have, in fact, done is given themselves a skill they enjoy and will last them a lifetime!”

With a full calendar of performances and a growing community of dance lovers, Akvilina Rieger is proving that it’s never too late to rediscover a passion and turn it into something extraordinary. En Fuego is lighting up dance floors and hearts across Billings, whether through country swing, Latin beats, or ballroom elegance. So why not join them? Take that first step onto the dance floor, and you might find yourself, like Akvilina, rediscovering a joy you thought you’d lost and finding a whole new way to connect with the world; after all, life’s too short not to dance.

For More Information:

Billings Ballroom Dance Studio. Owner Arica Lipp offers weekly dance classes in Ballroom, Latin, Country Western, and Swing and is looking for instructors.

Evolutions Dancesport Studio. Co-owners Ryan and Summer Duvall offer regular dance classes and social dances in Ballroom, Latin, Country Western, and Swing.

West Coast Swing Montana, a non-profit organization headed by Lynn Perry, offers West Coast Swing and social dance classes at Rimrock Mall.

High Horse Saloon offers Country Western and Social Dance Classes free to the public on Tuesday evenings, as instructed by Steve Gillis and Geno Savini (Treasure State Country Entertainment).

Moose Lodge holds Country line dance and Swing dance socials on many Friday evenings hosted and instructed by Northern Lights Country Dancing.

The Yellowstone Ballroom Dance Club hosts a quarterly dance with a beginner-level lesson by a guest instructor, followed by social dancing. Most of these classes are held at the Billings Depot.

The Pub Station will host Latin dance nights with instructors Maribel Parmen and Tyson Zentz of Breccia Performing Company.

Don Luis Restaurant hosts Latin nights monthly with guest DJ "Big Lou" from Chicago.

Pura Vida offers Zumba classes under the direction of Sarah Kennedy.

En Fuego Dance Troupe has weekly rehearsals at the Billings Ballroom Dance Studio.

Dancing with the Big Sky Stars will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Billings. “This vital fundraiser allows us to provide low-cost, in-home services for senior citizens, enhancing their quality of life, promoting independence, and keeping them safe and free from abuse.” - Tyler Amundson, Big Sky Senior Services Executive Director

Originally printed in the February 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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