Beginner progress
One first-time dancer said three bachata classes were enough to start enjoying dancing.
Ric Banks Dance Academy
Al Barsha
Ric Banks Dance Academy is a dance school in Al Barsha where beginners and experienced dancers can take Latin dance classes, especially bachata and salsa. Reviews point to patient instruction, clear demonstrations and a sociable atmosphere that makes it easier to keep learning.
Reputation Score
4.9
★★★★★
587 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Clear teaching
Instructors break movements down carefully, helping beginners follow the steps without feeling overwhelmed.
Patient support
Reviews describe patient teachers who give personalised attention even during group classes.
Social community
Social events and parties let students practise outside class while meeting people and becoming part of the academy community.
Spacious studio
The school is described as spacious, with several rooms and facilities that help classes feel comfortable rather than crowded.
Punctual classes
One review specifically praised the discipline of classes starting on time as a sign of professionalism.
Tips for a Better Visit
Start Beginner. If you have no dance experience, begin with the salsa and bachata beginner classes; one newcomer loved both formats.
Come Solo. You do not need to arrive with a partner: group classes are set up as a social way to learn and meet people.
Compare Formats. Ask whether group training or a private class suits your goals, since both options are available.
Try Open Day. An open-day class can be a low-commitment introduction; one hesitant visitor signed up for 10 classes afterwards.
Arrive Promptly. Plan to arrive on time: a review specifically notes that classes start on the dot.
Plan the visit
Practical details
The Iridium - HC Floor - Building Umm Suqeim St
Al Barsha First - Al Barsha, Dubai
| Mon | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tue | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wed | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thu | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Fri | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sat | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sun | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Common Concerns
No concerns reported yet.
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The Bottom Line
Ric Banks Dance Academy in Al Barsha is built around dance classes, with bachata and salsa the clearest draws in the reviews. Beginners can start with dedicated salsa and bachata sessions, while private lessons are also available for more focused help. Several newcomers say the teaching is easy to follow, and one felt noticeably more confident after five classes with no previous experience.
The teaching style is a major strength. Instructors break movements into manageable pieces, stay patient and attentive, and can still give individual help in group sessions. One reviewer said the classes sometimes ran beyond the time limit so students could get the material right.
Classes are also praised for starting on the dot, which is useful if you are fitting lessons around work. This is not just a lesson-and-leave setup. Social events and parties give students a chance to practise, meet people and settle into the community; reviews also mention activities such as beach volleyball, padel and bowling.
The studio is described as spacious, with several rooms, large mirrors, air conditioning and solid dance floors. You do not need a partner, and an open-day class is a sensible way to test the atmosphere before committing.