Ric Banks Dance Academy
Latin dance academy in Dubai with 10 instructors, salsa, bachata, kizomba, ta…
Ric Banks Dance Academy operates from HC Floor in The Iridium building in Al Barsha, Dubai, and has been central to Dubai's dance scene since 2012.
Photo: Ric Banks Dance Academy via Google
Before your first class
Classes welcome complete beginners and teach fundamentals from the first lesson; you will feel the difference after your first class.
Wear anything you are comfortable with that allows flexibility of movement; leggings, shirts, blouses and regular fit jeans all work.
Wear comfortable sportswear and sneakers or flat leisure trainers for early lessons; special shoes like heels may be required for certain dance forms later.
Group salsa and bachata: 99 AED per class or 699 AED for 8 classes.
About this studio
Ric Banks Dance Academy operates from HC Floor in The Iridium building in Al Barsha, Dubai, and has been central to Dubai's dance scene since 2012. The studio was founded by Ric Banks, who moved to Dubai from London after a decade teaching salsa there. Banks describes how salsa became his path after an investment venture failed; he pivoted to dance instruction and built what is now recognised as the largest Latin dance academy in Dubai.
The academy teaches salsa, bachata, kizomba, tango, ballroom, zumba, hip-hop, and afrobeats. Both group and private classes are available across all styles. Group classes run twice a week for 60 minutes each. The studio houses a 2,000 sq. ft. dance floor with a balcony for practice, and provides 5 free practice rooms available to students at any time. The facility is located 5 minutes' drive from Burj Al Arab.
The teaching team includes 10 instructors: Banks (salsa, bachata, kizomba), Rami (bachata, salsa), Yesid Rodriguez (salsa, bachata), Aaryam Alkaram (salsa, bachata, cha cha, rumba, rueda), Andres Leiton (salsa, bachata, tango, merengue), Shaahid Hamid (salsa, bachata), Lidiia Voikina (salsa, bachata, kizomba), Gemma Hoddy (hip-hop), Letitia Simpson (afrobeats), Zehra (salsa, bachata), Dilyara (salsa, bachata, kizomba), and Assel (salsa, bachata, albina (salsa, bachata). The website notes that teachers can communicate in English, Russian, Spanish, Arabic, Turkish, Ukrainian, Uzbek and Kazak.
Group salsa and bachata classes cost 99 AED per class or 699 AED for 8 classes. Kizomba group classes are 99 AED per class or 500 AED for 8 classes. Private class packages are available but specific pricing is not detailed on the site. The academy offers free catch-up classes if you miss a scheduled session, and doorstep service is available. A free trial class can be booked. The studio holds Latin nights 2–3 times per week around Dubai to give students performance and social dancing opportunities.
What to expect
Your first visit
Drop in for a free trial class where an instructor will teach you the fundamentals in a group setting with other students. The studio provides partner rotation in group classes, so you don't need to bring a partner. Classes run 60 minutes and focus on building confidence from day one.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The academy has 10 instructors specialising across salsa, bachata, kizomba, tango, ballroom, hip-hop and afrobeats. Founder Ric Banks teaches salsa, bachata and kizomba. Other named instructors include Rami, Yesid Rodriguez, Aaryam Alkaram, Andres Leiton, Shaahid Hamid, Lidiia Voikina, Gemma Hoddy, Letitia Simpson, Zehra, Dilyara and Assel. Staff speak multiple languages including English, Russian, Spanish, Arabic, Turkish, Ukrainian, Uzbek and Kazak.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Classes welcome complete beginners and teach fundamentals from the first lesson; you will feel the difference after your first class.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear anything you are comfortable with that allows flexibility of movement; leggings, shirts, blouses and regular fit jeans all work.
What to bring
Wear comfortable sportswear and sneakers or flat leisure trainers for early lessons; special shoes like heels may be required for certain dance forms later.
Studio history
Ric Banks moved to Dubai in January 2012 after teaching salsa in London for ten years. He founded the academy following a failed business venture; he describes how salsa became his career path and how the academy has since become established as Dubai's largest Latin dance academy. Banks is a skilled dancer and instructor with experience in choreography and event organisation.
Styles offered
13 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Ric Banks Dance Academyhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Ric Banks Dance Academy, 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 Ric Banks Dance Academy
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Ric Banks Dance Academy teach?
Ric Banks Dance Academy teaches General, Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Tango, Ballroom and 7 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Ric Banks Dance Academy located?
Ric Banks Dance Academy is located in Dubai. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Ric Banks Dance Academy offer private lessons?
Contact Ric Banks Dance Academy directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Ric Banks Dance Academy teach kids and adults?
Ric Banks Dance Academy 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 Ric Banks Dance Academy?
The fastest path is to visit Ric Banks Dance Academy via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.