Dance Art Studios
Ballroom, Latin, ballet and more in Paddington — 20+ years teaching all ages
Dance Art Studios has been teaching dance for over twenty years from its studio at 1 Chilworth Mews in Paddington, central London.
Before your first class
Complete beginners are welcome; the studio runs dedicated beginner group courses and offers a Takes Two programme with professional partners.
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for active dancing; dance shoes required on the sprung floor.
Dance shoes appropriate for the maple-sprung floor; stilettos and rubber-soled shoes are not permitted.
Drop-in classes from £15–£25.
About this studio
Dance Art Studios has been teaching dance for over twenty years from its studio at 1 Chilworth Mews in Paddington, central London. The studio runs group classes, private lessons, and a dedicated kids programme across multiple dance styles.
You can learn ballroom and Latin American dance at beginner, improver and competitive levels. The studio teaches all ten ballroom and Latin dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Jive and Paso Doble. Group courses run on rolling four-week terms. Beginners can start Monday 7–8pm to build confidence with fellow newcomers. Improvers work at 8–9pm. The studio also offers Latin Fusion (a lunchtime cardio class), Salsa (taught by Mawu-Lisa dance specialists), Ballet, Argentine Tango, Pilates and Booty Barre and Total Body Conditioning.
For those who want to dance with a professional partner, the Takes Two programme is a twelve-week course split into four three-week terms, with experienced dance partners leading you through the dances. The lead teacher is Rafal Lautenbach, a former professional dancer with international experience who is known for his patient teaching style. The intermediate level Monday course is led by Edita Doncakova-Gimza, a fellow and examiner for ISTD with over twenty years involved in the society. Teachers at the studio are highly qualified and many are former international competitors; some guide students through ISTD medal exams.
The kids programme runs on Saturday and Sunday terms (five or six weeks, aligned with school times). Classes include Strictly Ballroom for young children and Ballet for Tiny Tots (aged 2½–4 years) and Juvenile (aged 5–10 years). The studio also offers wedding dance courses, corporate events and private lessons for one-to-one or couples tuition.
The studio has two luxury studio floors with a maple-sprung floor. Facilities include changing rooms on the lower ground floor with lockers, toilets and a seating area for parents or waiting guests. Dance shoes are required; stilettos and rubber-soled shoes are not permitted on the dance floor.
What to expect
Your first visit
Group classes are structured by level and style — choose from complete beginner (Monday evenings), improver or competitor tracks. Drop-in rates are available if you want to try a class without committing to a term. For Takes Two or private lessons, you'll be paired with an experienced dance partner or teacher in one of the two studio spaces.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Rafal Lautenbach is the lead teacher and a former professional dancer with international experience, known for patient teaching. Edita Doncakova-Gimza teaches the intermediate Monday course and is a fellow and examiner for ISTD with over twenty years in the society. The studio's teachers are highly qualified, many former international competitors, and some specialise in ISTD medal exam preparation.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Complete beginners are welcome; the studio runs dedicated beginner group courses and offers a Takes Two programme with professional partners.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for active dancing; dance shoes required on the sprung floor.
What to bring
Dance shoes appropriate for the maple-sprung floor; stilettos and rubber-soled shoes are not permitted. Comfortable clothing suitable for active dancing is recommended.
Studio history
Dance Art Studios has been sharing its passion for dance with people of all ages and abilities for over twenty years.
Styles offered
7 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Our teachers
2 instructors at this studio
Daniel Buhalaunconfirmed
Professional dancesport competitor - 11 competitions (2024-2026), including Aloha Ball, California Star Ball Dancesport Championships, Desert Classic Dancesport Championships.
Lillian Torresunconfirmed
Professional dancesport competitor - 10 competitions (2024-2026), including Aloha Ball, California Star Ball Dancesport Championships, Desert Classic Dancesport Championships.
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Dance Art Studioshasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Dance Art Studios, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Dance Art Studios
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Dance Art Studios teach?
Dance Art Studios teaches General, Ballroom and Latin American dance (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Jive, Paso Doble), Latin Fusion, Salsa, Ballet, Argentine Tango and 1 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Dance Art Studios located?
Dance Art Studios is located in London. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Dance Art Studios offer private lessons?
Contact Dance Art Studios directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Dance Art Studios teach kids and adults?
Dance Art Studios welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Dance Art Studios?
The fastest path is to visit Dance Art Studios via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.