Tess Bondavalli has always had a knack for bringing people together. For years, she helped shape the live music and marketing programs at Preservation, one of downtown Geneva’s most popular restaurants and live music destinations. 

Now, she’s channeling that same creative energy into a new venture of her own — Soul Studio, a multifaceted gathering place tucked behind Water Street Studios in Batavia.

Why here, why now?

“The Fox Valley has supported me through some tough times,” she said. “We have a shocking number of skilled, talented, generous people around here.” 

That spirit of generosity and experimentation is at the heart of Soul Studio, which blends mocktail bar vibes with dance, music, workshops, and community conversations.

It’s also what helped solidify her bond with Jamie Kruse, who leads Torus Center, an integrated healing and wellness center. Tess is carrying forward the mind–body–spirit approach of Torus Center’s loft space, which is merging into the new studio, while branching into passions like music and dancing. 

“Jamie Kruse has made sure that the quality of programming in there is top-notch, and she will help me continue that with Soul Studio,” Tess said. 

The new studio allows her to provide a welcoming space for locals in various stages of life while continuing her own growth.

“I felt so vulnerable in the process of opening this place,” Tess said. “So, we’ll be having a vulnerability workshop on October 9. And you’ll be seeing me at the “Money Mindset” workshop on October 23.” 

Following is a condensed version of a question-and-answer session with Tess about the launch fo Soul Studio.

Who will Soul Studio serve? 

I don’t want to hang out with the same type of people every day. Our community has diverse interests and needs. Since we’re a “Mocktail Bar” with no alcohol, we can have people from ages 18-108.

Our mocktails are a permission slip for you to just be yourself, and you won’t get a DUI or wake up with a hangover. We welcome people in recovery and people who just want to try taking the training wheels off of an evening of fun. (We also make the space available to rent for special events where alcohol is allowed.)

I love collaboration, so I look forward to working with more and more skilled, talented people in our community.

You’ve described Soul Studio as a space for curiosity, courage, and even a little chaos...what might that look like in practice?

Music and dance are a great release.

For example, I heard a story of a gazelle running for its life being chased by a cheetah. After the gazelle escaped and was safe, it stopped and shook like crazy. It had to shake that stressful experience out of its body to get on with its day. Us humans don’t shake it out. We trap all that stuff inside. No bueno!

At the end of the week, we have to shake some stuff out of us! Relax and let go. Have a delicious mocktail, and the next thing you know, you’re on the dance floor learning salsa moves.

What do you hope people walk away with after spending an evening with the group at Soul Studio?

We want people to feel lighter and more connected with others when they leave. Belly up to the mocktail bar and come to connect in whatever way grabs you.

There’s plenty on the calendar this fall, ranging from playful to profound — all designed to get people moving, talking, and connecting.

“Think about the parades in New Orleans when someone dies. They cry and they dance,” Tess said. “There aren’t enough places to do either of those things. Here you can do both. No one is trying to judge you — we’re all goofing off, screwing up, learning, and exploring together.”

Here’s a list of events coming up in October, all held at the Batavia space: 

Vulnerability: Is it really as great as Brené Brown says? | October 9, 7:00–8:30PM 

Vulnerability isn’t weakness—even if it feels like it. Discover your unique style with Brené Brown–trained teacher Lisa Pisha. Learn more

Open House: Hello, Batavia! | October 10, 6:00–9:00PM 

Come see the space, taste-test mocktails, and dream together at this free community night. Learn more

Still Grieving (and That’s Okay) | October 13, 7:00PM 

Explore your grief needs, share them safely, and begin shaping purpose with Dr. Kimberly Rich. Learn more

Beginning Line Dancing | October 16, 7:00PM

Shuffle, stomp, laugh — repeat. Beginner line dancing, mocktail bar, snacks. Learn more

Grateful Dead Night | October 18, 7:30PM

Deadheads unite for tie-dye, tunes, hugs and grilled cheese. Learn more

Changing Your Money Mindset: Money Lies We Fell For | October 23, 7:00PM

Uncover the money lies you grew up with and rewire your old beliefs. Learn more

Wicked Singalong | October 24, 7:00PM 

Grab a mocktail, warm up those vocal cords, and belt it out. Costumes and off-key harmonies welcome. Learn more

Beginning Salsa Lesson with Vargo Dance | October 25, 7:30PM

Learn the basics in one fun lesson, then stick around for mocktails and snacks. Learn more

Ghost Stories: A cozy haunt for curious souls | October 30, 7:00PM

Gather ‘round the faux fire for spooky tales and mocktails. Learn more

Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Singalong | November 1, 7:30 PM

Belt it out, dress it up, drink it down — a Halloween weekend celebration with themed mocktails. Learn more

Soul Studio is still new, but it’s already forming into a unique space that is part classroom, part dance hall, part neighborhood living room. Tess hopes the studio will keep evolving as the community brings its own ideas forward. 

What do you want to learn about the Fox Valley community? Email Tess at [email protected] and let her know. Because chances are you’re not alone — and most likely, there’s someone out there who can teach us a thing or two.

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

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