Rio Dance Studio
Ballroom, Latin and Street Latin classes for all ages, raw beginners to advanced
Rio Dance Studio has been a fixture in Melbourne's dance community since 1981, when it was established by Fabian Gheri and former ABC presenter Maureen DeLacy, who hosted the television show THAT'S DANCIN'.
Before your first class
No experience or partner required; raw beginners are welcome, and the studio emphasises personalised attention and teaching at your pace.
Adult group classes: $23 casual or $190 for 10 classes; seniors 60+: $19 casual or $150 for 10 classes; kids exam classes: $150 for 10 weeks; Rio Kids Club: $16 casual or $140 for 10 classes; private
About this studio
Rio Dance Studio has been a fixture in Melbourne's dance community since 1981, when it was established by Fabian Gheri and former ABC presenter Maureen DeLacy, who hosted the television show THAT'S DANCIN'. Mario Raiti has owned and run the studio for over 25 years, developing it into what the studio describes as Melbourne's pivotal centre for social dancing. The studio is the only dance school in Australia to have been awarded three times by the Australian Dancing Society for "Outstanding Service" and has won the "Industry Promotion Award" from DanceSport Australia.
The studio teaches Ballroom Dancing, Latin American Dancing, Street Latin Dancing and New Vogue across both group and private lessons. Adult group classes run at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, with dedicated sessions for seniors aged 60+. Each class lasts a full hour and covers two dance styles, rotating monthly — so July beginner adults learn Mambo and Rumba, while August covers Jive and Argentine Tango. Kids aged 5–12 and teens aged 13–17 have their own exam classes on Wednesdays during school terms, accredited by the Australian Dancing Society, plus the Rio Kids Club on Fridays offering Latin dancing and K-POP.
Private lessons are available for singles, couples and wedding preparation. The studio specialises in same-sex weddings as well as traditional first-dance choreography, having helped thousands of couples over 40+ years. You can book a free trial class to discuss your needs with an instructor. Wedding programs come with tailored routines, floor-size consultation and help choosing music and style. Those short on time can purchase casual private classes at $90 per hour.
Social nights are central to Rio's identity. The studio runs a busy calendar of theme nights, competitions, examinations and regular social dancing under a mirror ball, welcoming both students and newcomers. A Friday Social is included free with the purchase of certain programs. Classes are held Monday to Thursday from 1–10pm, Friday 4:30–7pm, and Saturday 10am–4pm.
What to expect
Your first visit
Book a free trial class to get a sense of the room and meet the instructor. Adult group classes are designed to be fun, with a focus on meeting new people and learning two dance styles in each session. Beginners are welcome — no experience or partner required.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Instructors hold Working With Childrens cards and are described as expert instructors who work at your pace of learning, whether you're taking private lessons or group classes.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
No experience or partner required; raw beginners are welcome, and the studio emphasises personalised attention and teaching at your pace.
Studio history
Rio Dance Studio was established in 1981 by Fabian Gheri and former ABC presenter Maureen DeLacy. Mario Raiti has owned it for over 25 years, growing it into one of Melbourne's most trusted and popular dance schools and the only studio in Australia to receive the Australian Dancing Society's "Outstanding Service" award three times.
Styles offered
17 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Rio Dance Studiohasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Rio Dance Studio, 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 Rio Dance Studio
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Rio Dance Studio teach?
Rio Dance Studio teaches General, Waltz, English Tango, Slow Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep and 11 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Rio Dance Studio located?
Rio Dance Studio is located in Balwyn, VIC. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Rio Dance Studio offer private lessons?
Contact Rio Dance Studio directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Rio Dance Studio teach kids and adults?
Rio Dance Studio 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 Rio Dance Studio?
The fastest path is to visit Rio Dance Studio via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.