Sydney's BIGGEST Latin Dance
School – And Here’s Why!
At R&M Latin Dance, we believe that everyone can learn to dance - learning Salsa & Bachata is about more than just steps—it's about connection, confidence, and community. We’re proud to be the ONLY dance school in Sydney that pairs top-notch classes with exciting social events, creating the perfect blend of learning and fun.
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Whether you're taking your first step onto the dance floor, refining your skills with new moves, staying active and fit, or simply looking to meet new friends, R&M Latin Dance is your home for rhythm, movement, and unforgettable connections. Come join the energy, discover your groove, and let’s create incredible memories together. Let’s dance Sydney—your journey starts here!
Reach Your Goals!
At the heart of R&M Latin Dance is the belief that dance is for everyone. We strive to create an inclusive, supportive, and inspiring environment where students can not only learn dance but also build confidence, improve physical and mental well-being, and create lasting friendships.
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Authenticity: We stay true to the roots of Latin dance, ensuring our students experience the cultural richness and tradition behind every move.
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Connection: Dance is about building relationships, both on and off the floor. We emphasise connection—whether it’s mastering partner work or bonding with fellow dancers.
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Growth: From our beginner bachata courses to advanced salsa showcases, we provide pathways for personal and technical growth.
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Expert Instruction: Our instructors bring years of training and teaching experience, offering personalised guidance to help you thrive.
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Our goal is to help you progress through our structured levels and achieve your dance aspirations with technique and style, all while building a vibrant, fresh, and youthful Latin dance community right here in Sydney.
A YOUNG AND FRESH DANCE COMMUNITY!
OUR STORY -
R&M (Rhi & Mariano) moved to Sydney in 2023 and opened their Latin Dance School, in less than two years have built up to 350+ students, teaching all from complete beginners level! Their passion lies with not only providing QUALITY classes but including the WHOLE EXPERIENCE for their students of learning to dance and becoming part of a community.
With a combined 30 years of dance experience, R&M Latin Dance are extremely proud of their unique and fun teaching methods that have been DESIGNED personally for their students to succeed in learning to dance from scratch, including improving coordination and learning technique. Rhi & Mariano believe in creating a safe and supportive place for all backgrounds to connect and join our R&M Latin Dance family. ​
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Together they are breathing new life into the dance scene in Sydney, starting with their school and with Sydney Latin events.
MEET THE TEACHERS
Rhian Saunders
Rhian Saunders brings a unique blend of artistry and elegance to the dance floor, with a passion for teaching ladies styling in Cuban Salsa and Bachata. From Sydney, Australia, she began her journey as a trained opera singer, earning a Bachelor of Music and MA in Operatic Operatic Performance, to aid her stage presence Saunders picked up Ballroom classes and later while in the UK studying, she fell in love with the Argentine Tango under the guidance of maestro Eduardo Bozzo and discovered Cuban Salsa in 2017 with classes led by Mariano De Simone.
Her commitment to dance deepened in 2018 when she began intensive training in Cuban Salsa, working closely with De Simone as a teacher’s assistant and eventually becoming co-owner of Havana People Salsa Wales. Together, they built a thriving dance community and school, hosting classes, events, and performances. Rhian loves to emphasise the femininity and sensuality that these dance styles demand, and bring out these qualities in her students, inspiring her students to be confident and strong dancers/followers.
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Rhian has honed her skills with world-class instructors, including Maykel Fonts, Sylvia Chapelli, Yanet Fuentes, Giuseppe Sabatino, Ezgi Zaman, and Brenda Liew. Now based in Sydney, she continues to build her career as a teacher and performing artist, sharing her expertise and infectious love for dance with students locally and internationally.
Mariano De Simone
Mariano De Simone, born in Naples, Italy, discovered his passion for Cuban Salsa in 2007 when he attended his first dance class on a friend’s suggestion. From that moment, dance became his life’s pursuit.
Mariano trained extensively in Cuban Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue at Academia de Cuba, earning a Diploma in Latin-American Dances and a teaching license. His dedication to refining his craft led him to study Latin cultural traditions, leading techniques, and Afro-Rumba with renowned maestros such as Maykel Fonts, Dominican Power, Alberto Valdes, and Seo Fernandez, to name a few. He also honed his skills through ballet training with Manuela Carrino and advanced his Cuban Salsa expertise with Maestro Giuseppe Sabatino.
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In 2015, Mariano moved to Wales to fulfill his dream of starting a Latin dance company. He founded Havana People Salsa Wales, introducing authentic Cuban Salsa and Bachata to the UK. His classes quickly gained recognition for their focus on technique, cultural authenticity, and exceptional leading skills, and was also joined by Rhian Saunders.
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Now based in Sydney, Australia, Mariano continues to inspire students with his deep understanding of Cuban dance styles, including Son, Rumba, and Guaguancó. His commitment to sharing the rich culture and musical essence behind each dance sets him apart as a teacher and performer, making his classes highly sought-after by students seeking not just dance steps but a true connection to the art form.
JOIN THE TEAM