Busy mamas of Ladera, when was the last time you did something just for yourself? Between raising kids, working, running businesses, managing sports and extracurriculars, tackling endless errands, and keeping up with the household, carving out personal time can feel nearly impossible.
That’s where Valerie “Val” Ioriatti, creator and leader of the Hip-Hop Tribe, comes in—offering women across SoCal a much-needed outlet to move their bodies, take a musical trip down memory lane, and let their hair down.
Her class, Hip-Hop Mom’s Gone Wild, meets weekly on Thursday evenings at PAVE School of the Arts. With the motto “Building confidence one beat at a time,” this transformative experience is more than a dance class; it’s a positive, uplifting hour where women gather to reset, rejuvenate, and reconnect with themselves.
We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Creating space for moms to fill their own buckets through movement and connection has a ripple effect that touches every area of life. Most importantly, it helps women rediscover a sense of self-worth and identity outside of their daily roles.
Val shares, “My class provides a place where you can get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You can bring your bestie—or meet your new best friend there.” She continues, “The feedback has been unanimous: it helps decrease stress, anxiety, grief, insecurity, and negativity, while fostering love, focus, clarity, and acceptance—all in a supportive environment where barriers are broken every week.”
For more than a year now, Ladera’s Hip-Hop Tribe has been coming together weekly to build—or rebuild—confidence through dance, movement, and a shared sense of freedom. If you’re feeling intimidated and convinced you have “two left feet,” leave your worries at the door. As Val puts it, “The hardest thing about my class is getting yourself there. The rest is up to me. There is no such thing as a bad dancer—only bad dance teachers.”
So much more than strong beats and good choreography, there’s something deeper happening in that studio. For one hour every Thursday, there’s no drama, no gossip, no pressure—just a safe, welcoming space where women can let go, have fun, and show up for themselves.
This Mother’s Day, consider gifting yourself the joy of movement, music, and community. The Hip-Hop Tribe is giving Ladera women the outlet they need to thrive—and a reason to look forward to Thursday nights.
To learn more, follow @hiphop_tribe on Instagram. Mention “LRN” in your Venmo reservation and enjoy your first class for $20 (a $15 savings!).
