Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School in Melbourne
Established in 1981, Rio Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of Melbourne's dance community for over four decades. Founded by Fabian Gheri and Maureen DeLacy, and led since 2000 by Mario Raiti with 30+ years of industry expertise, we specialise in making dance accessible to all. Our studio has earned three Outstanding Service Awards from the Australian Dancing Society and the Business Promotion Award from DanceSport Victoria, cementing our reputation as Australia's leading ballroom studio. We prioritise beginner-friendly instruction, offering 1-hour classes without contracts or joining fees, and fostering a welcoming 'Rio family' environment.Our tailored approach accommodates individual, couple, and group learning at any pace, with a focus on social dancing and confidence-building. With a diverse range of styles from Latin American to Wedding Waltz, we combine technical excellence with a fun, health-focused ethos that promotes posture, cardiovascular health, and mental wellbeing. Our flexible timetable caters to busy lifestyles, ensuring dance remains accessible to Melbourne's diverse community.
Services
Ballroom Dancing
Latin American
Wedding Dance
Kids & Teens
Social Nights
Street Latin
New Vogue
Same Sex Classes
Senior Dance
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- Multi-award-winning studio with 40+ years of expertise
- 1-hour classes at competitive prices (not 45-minute sessions)
- No contracts, joining fees, or hidden costs
- Personalised instruction tailored to individual learning paces
- Award-winning teachers with 30+ years of industry experience
Associations and certifications
- Australian Dancing Society
- DanceSport Victoria
What people say
Award-winning instructors
Beginner-friendly
Vibrant community
Flexible scheduling
Health benefits
Services
Ballroom Dancing
Learn traditional ballroom styles including Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep in a social setting. Our classes cater to absolute beginners through to advanced dancers, focusing on technique, rhythm, and partner connection. With no prior experience required, students develop confidence and social skills while enjoying the physical and mental benefits of dance.
Wedding Dance
Create your perfect first dance with custom choreography tailored to your chosen music and style. Our expert instructors specialise in preparing couples for their wedding day, whether you desire a classic waltz or contemporary routine. Lessons accommodate busy schedules with flexible timing and no prior dance experience required.
Latin American
Master vibrant Latin styles including Salsa, Cha Cha, and Samba in energetic group classes. Designed for all skill levels, our Latin program focuses on rhythm, footwork, and styling while maintaining a fun, social atmosphere. Classes incorporate both partner and solo work to develop versatility and confidence on the dance floor.
Kids & Teens
Introduce young dancers to the joy of movement through age-appropriate ballroom and Latin classes. Our structured program builds coordination, discipline, and social skills while promoting physical fitness. Classes are designed to be engaging and confidence-building, with progression pathways for aspiring competitive dancers.
Social Nights
Join our regular social dance events to practice skills in a relaxed, welcoming environment. These sessions provide opportunities to meet fellow dancers, try different styles, and enjoy live music. Special themed nights and award events create a vibrant community atmosphere for dancers of all experience levels.
People
Mario Raiti
Studio Director
With over 30 years in dance education, Mario has led Rio Dance Studio since 2000. He specialises in making dance accessible to beginners while maintaining technical excellence. His leadership has earned multiple industry awards for the studio.
Fabian Gheri
Founder
Co-founded Rio Dance Studio in 1981, establishing its reputation for quality dance instruction. His vision created Melbourne's longest-running dance school, setting standards for beginner-friendly teaching methods and community engagement.
Maureen DeLacy
Co-Founder
Television personality and dance expert who co-founded the studio in 1981. Her background as ABC TV's 'That's Dancin' hostess brought professional expertise to the studio's early development and community outreach programs.
Questions
Is prior dance experience required for classes?
No experience is needed. Our classes are specifically designed for absolute beginners, with patient instruction to build confidence at your own pace.
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer Ballroom, Latin American, Street Latin, New Vogue, Wedding Dance, and various social styles including Salsa, Tango, and Waltz for all skill levels.
Can I try a class before committing?
Yes, we offer a free first lesson with no obligation. Experience our teaching style and studio atmosphere risk-free to see if we're right for you.
Are there health benefits to dancing?
Dancing improves posture, cardiovascular health, balance, and mental wellbeing. Our classes provide low-impact exercise that's enjoyable while building physical and cognitive skills.
How do I book a wedding dance lesson?
Contact us via phone or website to schedule your first session. We'll work with your chosen music and vision to create a custom routine for your special day.
Reviews (7)
Eliza Lew
Dec 21, 2021
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Mario is the best teacher I have ever met, not only is he a very knowledgeable and talented dancer, he is also a wonderful teacher so patient and attentive. I am very lucky to have found him! Thanks Mario, really appreciate and enjoy your lessons! See you soon💃💃
Mr. Krueger
May 07, 2021
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Foxtrot, Rumba, Waltz, Cha Cha, Tango, Salsa, Mambo, and Jive. Rio Dance Studio taught me each in turn. Five weeks of lessons, five days a week + all for $50 AUD. Good price, great instructors. I haven't been here since moving in 2017, but some of the basics I started there have carried with me. Keep dancing.
Beverley Hartsorn
Dec 09, 2019
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The teachers at Rio are patient, motivating and most of all caring. The atmosphere from when you walk in the door is amazing and you are made to feel that you are part of a big family. We have been attending Rio now for nearly two years and it is one of the best things we have done as a couple. Our dancing has Improved significantly and the social dances are a highlight in our calendar.
Johnson Kearney
Dec 04, 2019
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They played with my emotional romance side to earn revenue. Private lessons lasting 35 min. Fabian Gheri knew about this. Clear plastic dress with massive cleavage on a new private teacher was a way to turn me off and kick me out of the studio. The junior male teachers knew what they had done to me was wrong. The other remaining 20min to 25min is chit chat and flirting that was unwanted...
Chris Hayes
Nov 03, 2019
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Rio Dance Studio has been the best venue I have attended. The teachers are so professional and helpful. When you have two left feet like me you need patience and extra guidance from your teacher and thats what I have experienced each and every time. Couldnt reccommend them highly enough.
Zeeshaan D.
Jun 29, 2019
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I began dancing as a very off handed hobby but the studio has continued to not only inspire and motivate me in a safe and comfortable atmosphere but also encourage me to improve and learn technique to be a better dancer
Clint Steele
Dec 10, 2017
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I started dancing at Rio over 10 years ago. At that time I could not even hear the beat in music. Since then I have not only learned to dance and done gradings to gold level, but dance has become a whole new part of my life. In fact, I have now bought my own dance studio and my lessons at Rio are now focused on training for teaching qualifications. I could only have done this if Rio provided excellent teaching. I have gone through 3 teachers and each of them has indeed been excellent. The fact that Rio can employ teachers of such a high quality is the reason why this is the place for you to learn
