Latin Dance Classes, Culture, Parties

Dance your way to a whole new life with authentic Latin dance

Put the spring back into your step and inject passion into your life with social Latin Dance. Classes run 7 days a week and parties are every weekend – you’ll transform not only your health, but your social network too!

Start Dancing With Us

We are about way more than just the dancing

Our philosophy is that dancing is NOT in Latino blood, rather it is a learnt life skill used throughout South America for socialising, self expression and celebration. We believe ANYONE can learn and benefit from these skills.

“The thing is that Latin dance isn’t only about connecting with a partner to the music, it is a social scene, a network of friends, a meeting place for young and old. I go out most weekends dancing, I don’t drink much alcohol, I meet lots of new and interesting people, I stay fit, and my confidence in all sections of my life has gained a boost.” Stewart Shuker

We have a large and incredible community and run classes across two studios, seven days a week with weekly parties every Friday and Saturday as well as a program of workshops, specialty courses, annual balls, themed parties, bootcamps and private dance tuition and coaching.

Your experience with us will be authentic, fun and life changing

In our Latin Starter and Foundation courses, we teach several styles concurrently so that you can feel the differences in music, allowing you to learn organic movement rather than focusing just on steps. The result is a far more authentic experience.

With qualified South American instructors leading our teaching team your experience at Rio Rhythmics will see you learning Latin dance in an authentic, professional and inclusive environment with a lot of heart and soul.

No previous dance experience, or partner required.

Our Academy is centrally located in Brisbane’s West End and classes have a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Our instructors are assisted with a network of student supporters within the class to help and encourage you through the learning process.

About Us

Founded as Australia’s first Latin Dance & Culture Academy – In 2019 we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary!

Tarcisio founded Rio Rhythmics Latin Dance Academy in Brisbane in 1994 – the first Latin Dance Academy in Australia. Still at the helm as the Founding & Creative Director, with our team of over ten passionate and highly experienced dance instructors, he will be leading the celebrations of a whole year of 25th anniversary events and courses.

How we teach, and more than a ‘dance class’

The way we teach is a little bit different.

At Rio Rhythmics you’ll learn step-by-step all the technical elements of how to Salsa, Samba and much more. But you’ll also gain cultural insights to the styles so you can dance with authentic Latin connection and understanding. We create experiences and journeys through our courses and our dedicated Academy studios … not just drop-in classes … that means you have the opportunity to join a mix of social events, festivas and workshops that are included in your courses or offered across our whole Academy.

Right from the beginning, you’ll learn all the most popular Latin Dance styles as we believe it’s the fastest and most enjoyable way to get you ready for the social dance floor.

Learn about our specialised Beginner Courses and get started.

Two Studios in the heart of West End

163 Boundary Street and 196 Boundary St – two beautiful upstairs studios a 1 minute walk apart in the centre of Boundary St.

News, Upcoming Courses & Events

Term 4 October Starter Courses Open for Booking – Latin Dance Starter & Cuban Salsa & Rueda Starter
October 8, 2018

The #1 reason people start Latin dance is FUN!
September 8, 2018

A healthy way to meet people
August 23, 2018

Linear Salsa Bootcamp with Chon & Pablo – Saturday 24 June 2018
June 13, 2018

From our Community

Rio Rhythmics ran a workshop for us linking Latin dance skills to Leadership. I wanted to say thank you very much. We received so much positive feedback from it that it really concluded our leadership workshop day on a high note. Initially I thought it would be a struggle as we had mostly senior male leaders in the room and the thought of them dancing with each other willingly was difficult to conceive. However you made it so much fun and all about leading and following that most of them forgot they were dancing with another man and just saw a human being that they were trying to communicate with. Your leadership analogies and examples were fabulous and made a lot of sense. We would definitely do this again.

Neil Barr

Aurecon Brisbane Delivery Centre Manager

Dance As Leadership Training
"Music and dance have always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. In 2009 I got my first taste of Latin dance at Rio Rhythmics. My experiences with Rio Rhythmics over the past years have been nothing but fantastic. The team at Rio’s has always nurtured, supported and guided the dancer within me and given me plenty of exciting and fun opportunities. I’m so proud and grateful to be a part of the team at Rio Rhythmics. Dancing isn’t just about being able to do the steps or having good technique or exercising to keep fit, it is about how it makes you feel inside and how you share your energy and emotions with those around you. Dance is a way to be heard without having to speak. Dancing has weaved itself into every aspect of my life and is one of the things closest to my heart. It is one of my true passions. A special thanks to Cathy Barker and Tarcisio for being such phenomenal role models and mentors. I have learnt so much from you both". Archana Kishore

New opportunities await
It was such a privilege to be part of the Rio Rhythmics samba team and to finally perform at the West End carnival after years of watching it from the side! The team was so fun and friendly, I've got great memories of the performances and training sessions we did together! Cathy is not only a beautiful dancer but also a great teacher! She showed so much patience and kindness when I first joined the team. She taught me how to dance samba with my heart, from head to toes! 🙂

I learnt to dance Samba with my heart!
"I started Latin dance in Mackay a few months before moving to Brisbane. Since I started at Rio Rhythmics my dancing has improved so well! Especially at the social dance nights every Friday and Saturday! Also I'll add the staff and instructors are so welcoming. Always a happy smile from Toneya and Flavia at the desk! I won't ever stop dancing!! "

Rhys Ahearn
Learning Salsa/Bachata was on my bucket list, so I took the plunge and started classes at Rio Rhythmics.

After attending a few of the Saturday night dance parties, I decided I wanted to learn a few more styles,

so enrolled in Latin Starter. I think I'm addicted. The teachers are so supportive and encouraging, making learning a pleasure.

Gail Hall
I was hooked! I signed up for another couple of classes - and a whole world started to open around me. The teachers all had different styles - but I was in awe of each and every one of them. I saw amazing people dance - and started to emulate their moves. My friends who started with me continued - Rio became family to me

Nigel