About Us

Founded in April 2011, we have been making people dance and creating a wonderful community of like-minded people

History

Making people dance since 2011

Tropical Soul Dance Studio is the brainchild of Juan Ruiz and Josie Cote – two of Australia’s most recognized Latin dancers and multiple time Australian Salsa and Bachata Champions. After a long dancing career working with/for various prestigious dance institutions in Australia and overseas, they decided to open up their own dance studio in the heart of Darlinghurst. Since opening in 2011, they’ve achieved numerous awards & recognitions, and are excited to continue to build and give back to the Latin dancing community.

TROPICAL SOUL DANCE STUDIO brings you the highest caliber of dancing instruction with a very professional staff, combined with fun social activities so you will not only learn how to dance, but will also be able to practice and develop your skills in a friendly and open environment.

Classes range from the core and popular Latin rhythms such as Salsa, Mambo, Bachata, Cha Cha, Cuban Salsa & Rueda de Casino, Kizomba, Zouk-Lambada and Reggaeton (Latin Hip Hop).

Tropical Soul Dance Studio also offers events and workshops with the best international and interstate instructors on a regular basis, which represents a wonderful learning opportunity and exposes all Sydney dancers to new and different styles of dancing.

We are looking forward to see you in the studio!

OUR TEAM

Josie Cote

Founder / Director

Juan Ruiz

Founder / Director

Pedro Ruiz

Business Developer Manager

Nicolle Lane

Studio Manager

Luisa Soussa

19 November, 2024

Tropical Soul Dance Studio is an awesome venue to learn Salsa and Naz is a fantastic dance teacher very professional patient and passionate teaching dance! 🕺 💃 highly recommended!

Tayler Wishart

13 November, 2024

When I first started as a student at Tropical Soul, the thing that really stood out to me about it was the community and how close it was. A year and a half of teaching here later, I have to say that as an instructor, that has only gotten better and better. I love this place for every single one of the instructors who all teach so many different styles in such different ways, but are always looking to collaborate and build each other up. Everyone, from the staff to the students is so invested in their own growth, and the growth of others around them. Feeling very lucky to be part of this cool little family, and excited to see how it grows in the future 💚💛

Terruca G

30 August, 2024

Such a great variety of styles this studio has to offer for followers and leaders or even solos dancers!

Marian H

27 August, 2024

Liz Grey

23 August, 2024

My fiance and I have been booking space at Tropical Soul Dance Studio to practice our wedding dance for the last few months. We have been so happy with the space and the ease of the online booking process. Would recommend to anyone who is looking to practice their dance moves!

Natalie Charamko

4 July, 2024

I first came to Tropical Soul to further develop my dancing as I had learnt as much as I could for my previous place. I've been taking classes for years at Tropical Soul and I've learnt so much including but limited to; musicality and timing of the music, styling, body movement, new dance styles including zouk and rueda, polishing my fundamentals (they are always reminding us of the importance of fundamentals!), improving my frame and dance posture and the art of performance. My dancing has improved leaps and bounds from all my years going to Tropical Soul. I've had the pleasure to be in multiple choreographies which helped to challenge myself, clean my dance technique, find my own dance style, connect with amazing dancers and perform on stages around Australia! This lead me to gain the confidence to learn and perform two solos of my own. As well as becoming a more confident and better dancer on the social dance floor and on the stage, I had so much fun while doing it!

Barbara Monica Ventriglia

1 July, 2024

The best latin dance studio in Sydney. The teachers are outstanding and the vibe is just incredible! I highly recommend it!

Beha Parsa

Damien Hall

25 June, 2024

A lovely, welcoming school with a desire to foster community. I came as an absolute beginner and I’m a decent level 3 now (still growing, still fun). For those who want to take things further, they run prize-winning choreographed teams.

Sophie Yan

24 June, 2024

I met really good instructors there - friendly, chill and passionate about dancing

Mauricio Yabichino

20 June, 2024

Friendly and funny people

Sarah bilsen

The staff and fellow students make this place a very fun and friendly community vibe. Shoutout to Sera, her reggaeton classes are super fun, she always has amazing energy and is such a great dance teacher.

Tina Konidaris

I always have the most amazing experience at Tropical Soul Dance Studio! As a beginner dancer, I was nervous about stepping into a studio, but the moment I walked in, I felt like I was transported to a tropical paradise. The studio itself is stunning - the vibrant colours and the sound of upbeat music set the tone for an unforgettable experience. The instructors at Tropical Soul are truly exceptional. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and made me feel comfortable and supported every step of the way. The classes are well-structured, challenging yet fun, and catered to all levels. I loved how they broke down complex moves into manageable steps, allowing me to build confidence and master the techniques. What truly sets Tropical Soul apart is their community. The atmosphere is electric - everyone is so supportive and encouraging, and you can't help but feel like you're part of a big happy family. From the warm welcomes to the post-class Instagram video clips, everyone at Tropical Soul makes you feel seen, heard, and celebrated. The studio offers an impressive range of classes, from Salsa to bachata to reggaetón . Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking for a new adventure, there's something for everyone. And with their flexible scheduling options, it's easy to fit a class into even the busiest schedule. I've been dancing at Tropical Soul for a couple of years now, and I can happily say that I enjoy learning to dance with a sense of enjoyment and excitement. More importantly however, I've found a sense of belonging and joy that I hadn't expected. It's not just a dance studio - it's a community that's become my happy place. If you're looking for a dance studio that will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you feeling like you're dancing on sunshine, look no further than Tropical Soul Dance Studio. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Sam Higgins

9 June, 2024

We attend Tropical Soul for Music Makers Club on Saturdays. Great venue! As a former Latin dancer I can tell from the venue and staff there is a grata vibe.

J V

6 June, 2024

Great instructors, great studio! 💚💃🏼

Clare Moylan

10 May, 2024

Highly recommend this dance school. All the teachers are excellent (without exception across all styles) and they have created a wonderful community. One of the less common dances they offer is Brazilian Zouk, and it's a jewel!! Jack and Tayler have an incredible way of teaching the essence of the dance, which is more than just body movement but it's about partner connection, freedom, deep relaxation and getting in touch with your natural self. I always leave the classes feeling uplifted and the learning journey feels like an "awakening". Once you try it you'll know what I mean!

Maya

Have been going to TS for almost 2 years and absolutely love it! Sera is an amazing instructor and I have improved so much in my skills. Her classes are SO much fun as well and a great outlet for self-expression

Iris Tsui

4 May, 2024

Tropical Soul is filled with passionate instructors and amazing humans who genuinely want to share their love of dance. I attended Jack’s zouk classes and was really impressed with how much I learned about body movement as well beautiful philosophies on life. Thanks TS 🙂

joseph hopkins

1 February, 2024

This is the place you want to be to lean zouk Jack and Taylor teach connection next level, it’s been a healing and beautiful journey!

Melodie ZANETTI

28 September, 2023

This studio is such a gem 💎!!!! An incredible energy and an absolute safe space where everyone support each other . All the instructors are very welcoming . Those classes are definitely the highlight of my evenings.

Sophia P

5 September, 2023

I found Tropical Soul Dance Studio when searching for dance classes in Sydney online. My experience coming to these classes has been nothing but fun and uplifting. I’ve always loved to dance with my friends but I’ve never felt brave enough to take formal classes. As someone who just arrived in Australia, I didn’t know anyone here but I really wanted to finally get involved in learning how to dance. Tropical Soul creates a really welcoming environment and the classes are so much fun. Going to dance classes at this studio is truly the highlight of my week. As a busy college student, dancing has been really therapeutic for me. When I’m dancing here, I really feel like I can forget about anything that’s stressing me out and I remember that I am capable of amazing things, like learning something totally new!

Toni Sterai

13 August, 2023

Great facilities and worthy workshops. Soo good!

Ausma Bernotaite

10 January, 2023

It's such a great dance studio. I enrolled with them for six weeks and I came out of that time being a significantly better dancers l than when I came in. The instructors are fun and attentive and you can tailor the class schedule to your own dance goals. For example, I wanted to get some ground in bachata sensual and it was important for me not only to learn the moves but also to repeat them several times. Tropical Soul changed the way I perceive and interpret bachata musicality on the dance floor and my dancing level is just over the roof!! They also do not "exam" you on your level skills, so you can challenge yourself or level down as you wish.

Daniel Nicholas

16 December, 2022

After taking some intro salsa clases while travelling through Central America, I decided to attend TS Dance to continue my learning; and it was the best decision I could have made. TS dance is a friendly, encouraging environment where I’ve improved my salsa and bachata and also made wonderful friends. The vibe and culture of a studio is everything when choosing a place to learn, which is why I recommend TS.

miss cor

13 December, 2022

A fantastic dance studio with fun, friendly and energetic teachers, great range of classes to suit all levels and heaps of social dancing events. I’ve been learning at the school for 7 months and have loved it. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn something new, be part of a fun and welcoming community and dance, dance, dance!

Grace Yao

Great vibes and amazing team of instructors. Would recommend if you’re interested in learning Latin dancing. Very beginner friendly too 😊

GIULIANA ROSSANO

10 December, 2022

Tropical Soul is the absolute best latin dance studio in Sydney. It is not just a studio with amazing and professional teachers, but it becomes also a family, a community that brings so much joy and fun to everyone's life! In just a few months with TS I feel like I learnt and improved a lot and creared beautiful relationships and connections. At the studio both staff and students are always smiling and super friendly, there's always good vibes and great energy. ❤ Very much recommended.

Everton Freitas

7 November, 2022

This is the best studio you can hire in Sydney. Juan is friendly, listening and empathic; the studio has a Fair price. The speakers are the best in this studio; this is my first concern when I hire a studio. In summary, I recommend this studio, and it doesn't matter if you want to teach classes or organise events and parties. Congratulations Tropical Soul

Samo M

3 November, 2022

Very friendly and fun place

Nikki Menere

2 November, 2022

I have wanted to join a dance class all my life but have been too scared. I got brave a few weeks ago and started classes at Tropical Soul. The teacher, Sera is incredible.. She welcomed me, encourages, and makes it a really fun night. All the other students are very welcoming, too. Thank you, Sera! 💙

Dan M

17 October, 2022

Ricky Drabsch

3 October, 2022

Loved this place, Sera was/is amazing. Had a private and will be going back again. Highly recommend.

Peyman Entezari

6 August, 2022

It's a great place to learn or improve dancing skills. ♥️ Their location is so convenient with plenty of parking spots around the block. Their studio is brand new and fully equipped.

George S

26 July, 2022

Structured classes, great flooring, well -intentioned, friendly staff and highly useful moves. Location is the only issue but you have to sacrifice location for space and quality. Well done.

Chris Cooper

25 July, 2022

Clean, modern studio with great air conditioning. Fabulous friendly dance instructors who know how to move and motivate. Plenty of dancers there at class. Was a great experience. Come join!

Paul W

14 July, 2022

The team at Tropical Soul has always driven to give you the best experience of Latin dance and their dance studio is so well setup. I love it.

Jesse Garcia

12 July, 2022

Felipe Chaparro

13 May, 2022

Great experience, instructors are quite good and they actually dance with you, that feedback is priceless.

Caroline Pearce-Borg

2 April, 2022

Tash Dakos

3 February, 2022

My friends and I have been taking private salsa lessons with Kelsi at Tropical Salsa and are now addicted. Can’t speak highly enough about her. Professional, patient, funny and oh so talented. Highlight of our week. Thank you, Kelsi

Sweet Lights

6 January, 2022

Michael Shafran

22 June, 2021

Amazing school with lots of dance styles and great teachers.

Lina Yoo

2 June, 2021

Love this place. Friendly and passionate instructors, so many social events, fabulous studio. Come and join us. You'll never regret 🙂

Emily Dawson

14 January, 2021

Dani B

28 October, 2020

Great classes, friendly atmosphere.

Frank Zhao

25 August, 2020

Great place to learn Latin dance.

barbarella

16 June, 2020

Nice little studio in a good location transport wise. Very friendly dance instructors who explained everything to make it easier. I would recommend it. A great little workout too.

Nick Andrew

15 February, 2020

Vincent Fong

23 January, 2020

Friendly and fun vibe with experienced, enthusiastic and attentive teachers, definitely a great place to learn or improve in Salsa / Bachata.

Nicole Khed

5 December, 2019

I have been going to tropical soul for a year and a half- longer than most things I stick to. I started with one class and now find myself there quite a few nights a week doing different dance styles. The reason is because it is such a great studio – for a large studio it still has a family feel. Classes are fun. All the instructors are excellent, good humoured and encouraging. They always discuss how to dance safely, with dance etiquette, pay attention to detail and work to the level of the class cohort. The school seems to attract a very friendly, inclusive group of people so your sure to enjoy your experience both in classes and socials organised by the school.

5.0

Love this place. Friendly and passionate instructors, so many social events, fabulous studio. Come and join us. You'll never regret :)