Santo Rico Dance Florida

Santo Rico Dance is a salsa and bachata studio in Orlando, Florida, founded on the legacy of Santo Rico Dance Company, which began in 1995 in New York. The company's name reflects its origins: half the founding members came from Santo Domingo and half from Puerto Rico. Under the direction of Tomas Guerrero, Santo Rico became one of New York's premier and longest-standing dance companies, with members who have traveled to over 45 countries spanning six continents and 40 US states.

The studio teaches Mambo/Salsa On2 and Traditional Bachata across multiple levels. Salsa classes progress from Level 1 Beginner 1 (covering basics to establish strong fundamentals, timing, and musicality) through Level 4 Intermediate (refining techniques and deepening salsa understanding). Bachata offerings include Traditional Bachata Level 1 and specialty classes focused on musicality. Specialty salsa classes include Ladies/Men's Spinning (using the Santo Rico spin technique, developed in 1998 to incorporate multiple continuous spins) and Leading & Following classes at Advanced Beginner levels 1 and 2. All group classes rotate partners, so you don't need to bring one.

Tomas Guerrero, the director, has danced for salsa superstars including Tito Puente, Óscar De León, José Alberto "El Canario," Sonora Ponceña, Marc Anthony, and Gilberto Santo Rosa. He is featured in an HBO documentary titled "El Espíritu de la Salsa." The teaching team includes Luc Tshiboyi, a certified Mambo and Bachata instructor who trained under Mario Neris at Mambo Revelation in Boston before relocating to Orlando, and Annitta Tenorio, a certified On2 salsa instructor who specializes in spinning technique and styling and started her salsa journey at Santo Rico in April 2022.

Beyond group classes, the studio offers private lessons, a Kids Summer Program taught by Mari of Hotspot Dance (described as a kid-friendly instructor dedicated to bringing the joy of Latin dance to youth), performance groups and teams, and regular social events including Nite Out Social, SabroSunday Social, monthly workshops, and an annual gala. The studio also provides Corporate Events choreography services. An online school is available at $14.95/month, offering on-demand access to studio-level training from fundamentals to advanced, with progressive lessons covering partnerwork, footwork, spins, and technique.

Classes are designed for all levels and rotate partners during group lessons. Music is played throughout lessons to enhance the experience. You'll learn from experienced instructors in a welcoming environment where you dance with members of your level.

Tomas Guerrero directs the studio and has shaped Mambo dance over two decades, performing with legendary salsa artists and teaching across six continents. Luc Tshiboyi is a certified Mambo and Bachata instructor originally from Congo who trained under Mario Neris in Boston. Annitta Tenorio, a certified On2 salsa instructor, specializes in spinning technique and styling.

Absolute beginners are welcome; many students start with no dance experience, and classes are designed for all skill levels with patient, experienced instruction.