Latin Energy Productions
Social Latin dance in Woolloongabba. Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha from $10/week.
A Latin dance studio offering classes in popular Latin styles.
Before your first class
Beginners are central to the curriculum; the 8-week foundational block requires no prior experience or partner, and Paul Stepowski specifically teaches those who claim to have 'two left feet'.
Beginners: $80 for 8 weeks ($10/class); casual drop-in $20/class; regular 4-week blocks from $10/week; private lessons $90/hour (members) or $120/hour (non-members); monthly socials $15; studio hire available.
About this studio
Latin Energy Productions, established as Latin Beat Dance Company in 1998, has trained social dancers across Brisbane and Australia for over two decades. The studio sits at 45 Balaclava Street in Woolloongabba and operates under the artistic direction of Debby Smits, who holds a Master's certificate in teaching Salsa from the USA. The studio teaches Salsa (both Linear/LA style on-1 and New York style on-2), Bachata (including Dominican Bachata, which they note is rare in Brisbane), and Cha Cha Cha. All instruction emphasizes social dance technique, connection skills, musicality and styling alongside technical precision.
The timetable runs Monday through Wednesday with classes at 6.15pm, 7.15pm, and 7.30pm. Beginners start with an 8-week block course at $10 per class ($80 total), with no partner or prior experience required. Once you have fundamentals in place, you can join improvers and intermediate/advanced tiers, including Salsa Level 1, Level 3, Level 4, Intermediate 1, New Beginners Salsa and Bachata, Body Mechanics, and themed sessions like Shines and Groove and Mambo. Drop-in casual passes cost $20 per class; regular packages offer the more you dance, the less you pay structure. The studio runs weekend workshops focusing on specific techniques, and holds a monthly Studio Social Party at the end of each block, a come-and-try social event with a workshop component.
The teaching team consists of Debby Smits (Business Director, Artistic Director, Lead Instructor, Competition Judge, DJ and Choreographer), Cristina Aneiros (Instructor, Performer and DJ, noted as Australia's Dominican Bachata specialist with nearly 20 years in the Brisbane Latin scene), and Paul Stepowski (Instructor and DJ, passionate about teaching complete beginners and experienced in authentic Afro-Caribbean music on vinyl). The studio occupies two rooms: Studio One holds up to 10 couples and Studio Two holds up to 4 couples, both with wooden floors, mirrors, high-quality speaker systems and fans. Both rooms are available for hire outside class times.
Private lessons are offered at $90 per hour for Latin Energy members and $120 per hour for non-members, with flexible scheduling and tailored focus on social skills, technique or performance feedback. The booking system is digital via the Studio Bookings app (or web portal); you can cancel classes up to two hours before, and credits rebook within the same 4-week block. The studio maintains a waitlist for full classes. Monthly socials cost $15 and are BYO drinks and nibbles.
What to expect
Your first visit
Download the Studio Bookings app, create your profile and purchase a package. Beginners join the 8-week foundational block starting at one of their set dates; improvers and experienced dancers can pick classes at their level. Classes are 60 minutes; no partner needed. The studio is a fun, friendly environment focused on building connection and confidence on the dance floor.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Debby Smits leads the studio as Artistic Director and Lead Instructor; she holds a Master's certificate in Salsa from the USA, judges major Australian Latin competitions, and performs as DJ Debelicious. Cristina Aneiros, a nearly 20-year veteran of the Brisbane scene and Australia's Dominican Bachata specialist, brings flowing body movement and cultural depth. Paul Stepowski, a guitarist-turned-dancer and vinyl DJ, specializes in beginner instruction and authentic Afro-Caribbean music.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Beginners are central to the curriculum; the 8-week foundational block requires no prior experience or partner, and Paul Stepowski specifically teaches those who claim to have 'two left feet'.
Studio history
Latin Energy was established as Latin Beat Dance Company in 1998 by Debby Smits. The studio changed its name to Latin Energy Productions in 2004. Debby has been on the Latin Dance scene since 1996 and has developed a reputation as a respected instructor, competition judge, choreographer and DJ who travels nationally and internationally.
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Latin Energy Productionshasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
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Frequently asked about Latin Energy Productions
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Latin Energy Productions teach?
Latin Energy Productions teaches Latin, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha-cha-cha, Mambo 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 Latin Energy Productions located?
Latin Energy Productions is located in Woolloongabba, QLD. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Latin Energy Productions offer private lessons?
Contact Latin Energy Productions directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Latin Energy Productions teach kids and adults?
Latin Energy Productions 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 Latin Energy Productions?
The fastest path is to visit Latin Energy Productions via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.