Ruedisima Latin Dance Company
Latin dance classes and socials in Sydney and Newcastle—salsa, bachata, tango
A Latin dance studio specializing in Salsa, Bachata, and other Latin social dances.
Photo: Ruedisima Latin Dance Company via Google
Before your first class
Beginner classes are graded and available most nights; no partner or prior experience required.
Dress casually and comfortably; no tight-fitting clothing that restricts movement.
Comfortable clothing (pants, skirts, jeans or dresses—avoid tight-fitting that restricts movement).
Sydney (Vine Church, Albion St, Surry Hills): plenty of street parking on Albion St from 6:30pm or Bourke St.
About this studio
Ruedisima Latin Dance Company specialises in Puerto Rican and Cuban Salsa, Bachata, and Argentine Tango, operating group classes across Sydney and Newcastle most nights of the week. Founded and directed by Mauricio Hernández, who moved to Australia 20 years ago from Colombia, the company is among the 'pioneers' of Rueda in Sydney. Mauricio has experience across many Latin dance genres including salsa, Argentine tango, merengue, cumbia, rumba, and son. He has performed internationally and locally at venues including the Bacardi Festival de Cuba at Darling Harbour, Sydney Salsa Congress, Sydney Latin Fiesta, and the West Salsa Congress in L.A. In one year he placed 2nd in the Australian Salsa Championships and 3rd in the Australian Tango Championships.
In Sydney, classes meet at Vine Church Hall on Albion Street in Surry Hills on Wednesday evenings. Salsa begins at 7:30pm (beginners), with Bachata at 8:30pm and Tango at 6:30pm. Courses run for 7–8 weeks; Term 1 runs February to March 2026, Term 2 April to May 2026. In Newcastle, classes are held at The Hive on Beaumont Street in Hamilton (Thursdays and Fridays) and at Adamstown Uniting Church on Saturday mornings. Newcastle offers beginner and intermediate Salsa, beginner Bachata, and Tango at multiple levels. Courses are 7–9 weeks long.
The studio emphasises understanding music and rhythm as the foundation of dancing. The Salsa teaching focuses on recognising accents in the music—which may fall on beat 1, 2, or 4—to develop fluidity, confidence on the dance floor, and natural style. Argentine Tango is taught as a dance built on walking, turns and flourishes. Bachata is characterised by a 3-step and hip motion.
Ruedisima runs regular social dances. Tropicana, held on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month at The Hive, is a Salsa social with a workshop at the beginning of the night; entry is $16 or $31 with a dance lesson. Merengue music features alongside Salsa and Bachata. The floor is noted as amazing, and the venue is BYO. Milonga del Norte is a Tango social held on the 1st Friday of each month, also at The Hive, with beginner and intermediate/advanced sessions (6:30pm and 7:30pm), a workshop, and entry of $16, $31, or $45 with a lesson. The Newcastle Tango Festival runs over a long weekend in early October each year.
No partner is required for classes; students swap partners regularly. The company emphasises that Salsa is a social dance and most people do not dance only with their partner. Classes are graded in multiple levels, making it possible to learn at an appropriate level and progress when ready.
What to expect
Your first visit
Expect to learn in a graded class at an appropriate level for your experience. You do not need to bring a partner—you will swap with other students throughout. Classes focus on understanding the music and rhythm as well as steps and style, with individual attention from instructors.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Mauricio Hernández directs the company. The FAQ and reviews mention Matthew, Rita, Sally, and Elizabeth as teachers, though only Mauricio is named on the About page as director.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Beginner classes are graded and available most nights; no partner or prior experience required.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Dress casually and comfortably; no tight-fitting clothing that restricts movement.
What to bring
Comfortable clothing (pants, skirts, jeans or dresses—avoid tight-fitting that restricts movement). For shoes, avoid rubber soles and sneakers; suede-soled shoes or flat-soled jazz sneakers are recommended for smooth turns. Ladies should choose shoes with a small to medium heel or flat jazz sneakers.
Studio history
Ruedisima is among the 'pioneers' of Rueda in Sydney. Director Mauricio Hernández came to Australia 20 years ago from Colombia and established one of Sydney's first salsa schools. He has played an instrumental role in the development of the Newcastle salsa scene, including the yearly Latino Nights festival with the local council.
Styles offered
9 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Ruedisima Latin Dance Companyhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Ruedisima Latin Dance Company, 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 Ruedisima Latin Dance Company
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Ruedisima Latin Dance Company teach?
Ruedisima Latin Dance Company teaches Latin, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cuban Salsa, Puerto Rican Salsa and 3 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Ruedisima Latin Dance Company located?
Ruedisima Latin Dance Company is located in Surry Hills, NSW. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Ruedisima Latin Dance Company offer private lessons?
Contact Ruedisima Latin Dance Company directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Ruedisima Latin Dance Company teach kids and adults?
Ruedisima Latin Dance Company 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 Ruedisima Latin Dance Company?
The fastest path is to visit Ruedisima Latin Dance Company via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Ruedisima Latin Dance Company?
Sydney (Vine Church, Albion St, Surry Hills): plenty of street parking on Albion St from 6:30pm or Bourke St. Newcastle (The Hive and Adamstown Uniting Church): street parking and dedicated parking available.