Tonos Latin Dance

Tonos Latin Dance is a Latin dance school in Tampa offering Salsa, Bachata, and specialty classes structured for all levels. The studio is built on the principle that dance transcends culture and language—it's about connecting with music, expressing what words cannot, and building community with others.

Classes focus on fundamental steps, musicality, body movement and control, proper leading and following techniques, and the ability to dance with anyone regardless of style variation. The teaching approach is patient and encouraging, designed to help you build confidence, improve your dancing, and feel comfortable on the social dance floor. Tonos runs social events where you can practice what you learn and meet people in a supportive environment.

The studio is led by Carlos Tonos, owner and dance instructor with nearly two decades of teaching experience. Born and raised in Puerto Rico with a background in music and diverse dance styles, Carlos moved to Tampa Bay in 2015 and has dedicated himself to building a strong dance community through the school. He teaches Salsa, Bachata Urbana, Sensual Bachata, and Cha-Cha.

The teaching team includes Enrique De La Vega, a Havana-born instructor with over a decade of experience specializing in Casino (Cuban Salsa), Rueda de Casino, Son, Bachata, and Kizomba, trained by Cuba's top dancers and experienced teaching workshops across Cuba, Miami, and Tampa. Juliana Ortiz, born in Colombia with nearly a decade of teaching experience, brings expertise in Salsa, Bachata, Sensual Bachata, and Lady Styling, having trained in contemporary, ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and ballroom before becoming a competitive ballroom dancer at 16. Harold Burgos, born in the Dominican Republic with over 15 years of dancing experience and five years teaching, specializes in Bachata Con Cachó (Dominican Bachata), Bachata Urbana, and Salsa, trained by world-class dancers including Fausto Felix and Frank Santos. Elba Peñafiel brings nearly two decades of performance and social dancing experience, trained with multiple dance companies in NYC, teaching Salsa and Bachata with emphasis on body movement, styling, and musicality. Marquessa Hodge, born in O'ahu, Hawai'i, brings 30 years of Polynesian dance experience and teaches Polynesian Movement ('Ori Tahiti) and body movement.

You'll join structured, beginner-friendly classes where no dance experience is required. Instruction is clear and step-by-step, and you'll be in a welcoming community where you won't feel out of place. The studio also hosts social events where you can practice and meet other dancers.

The studio is led by Carlos Tonos (nearly two decades teaching experience, born in Puerto Rico) alongside Enrique De La Vega (over a decade experience, specialising in Cuban Salsa and Casino), Juliana Ortiz (nearly a decade teaching, trained in contemporary and ballroom), Harold Burgos (over 15 years dancing, five years teaching, expert in Dominican Bachata), Elba Peñafiel (nearly two decades performance experience, trained in NYC), and Marquessa Hodge (30 years Polynesian dance experience).

No dance experience needed; classes are structured and beginner-friendly with a patient, encouraging approach.