Drey Dance Academy

Business Details

9 Years

experience

Cuban & Latin Dance Classes in Toronto | Drey Dance Academy

Founded in 2017 by Cuban-born dancer Dreyser Garcia, our academy was established to create a vibrant Cuban-Canadian cultural hub rooted in dance education. With over two decades of combined teaching experience from our instructors, we specialize in Afro-Cuban, Cuban Salsa, Bachata, and Latin Fusion styles, welcoming students of all skill levels from complete beginners to advanced professionals. Our mission extends beyond technical instructionwe cultivate a supportive community where cultural traditions are preserved through movement, music, and language. Our team of internationally recognized performers and educators brings global expertise from stages in Havana, Dubai, and Toronto's Caribana festival.

We emphasize personalized attention through small class sizes and offer structured assessment programs to ensure proper skill development. The academy's inclusive environment celebrates diversity, with special programming for LGBTQ+ communities and multilingual instruction in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Our facilities serve both educational and event purposes, hosting performances, workshops, and cultural exchanges that connect local and international dance traditions.

Services

Cuban Salsa Afro-Cuban Dance Bachata Instruction Rumba Classes Latin Fusion Casino Rueda Dance Conditioning Performance Teams Cultural Workshops Event Entertainment

Details

Year established: 2017

Highlights and features

We offer internationally experienced instructors with performance backgrounds in Cuba, Europe, and Canada
Our curriculum combines technical precision with cultural education in Cuban traditions
We provide personalized attention through small class sizes and skill-level assessments
Our inclusive environment welcomes all ages, experience levels, and cultural backgrounds
We offer both educational programs and event performance opportunities

Website

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Services

Cuban Salsa

Our Cuban Salsa classes teach authentic Casino-style dancing with emphasis on rhythm and musicality. Students learn traditional patterns, partner connection, and improvisation techniques used in social settings. The curriculum progresses from basic steps to advanced moves like enchufla and setenta, preparing dancers for real-world application.

Afro-Cuban Dance

This class explores traditional Afro-Cuban movements rooted in West African heritage. Students develop grounding techniques, isolate body parts, and learn cultural significance behind each movement. The curriculum connects dance to its historical context while building physical strength and rhythmic awareness.

Bachata Instruction

Our Bachata program covers both traditional and modern styles from the Dominican Republic. Students master basic footwork, body waves, and partner connection techniques. Classes emphasize musicality and styling options that allow personal expression while maintaining cultural authenticity.

Latin Fusion

This dynamic class combines Cha-Cha-Cha, Mambo, and Pachanga influences with contemporary elements. Students learn to transition between styles while maintaining rhythmic integrity. The curriculum emphasizes creativity through improvisation exercises that honor traditional roots while encouraging innovation.

Casino Rueda

In our Rueda de Casino classes, students learn synchronized partner exchanges in a circular formation. The curriculum teaches call-and-response patterns, timing precision, and spatial awareness. This social format builds community while developing technical proficiency through repetitive practice of complex sequences.

People

Dreyser Garcia

Founder & Lead Instructor

Cuban-born professional dancer with 20+ years experience in Afro-Cuban and Salsa styles. Former performer with The American Theatre in Havana and TV Ballet show of Cuba. Specializes in cultural preservation through dance education.

Roberto Ernesto Lorenzo

Dance Instructor

Cuban folkloric dance expert with formal training from Beny Mor School of Arts. Brings 15 years of teaching experience in contemporary, ballet, and jazz styles. Multilingual instructor with specialization in LGBTQ+ community engagement.

Yuhala Muy Garcia

Artistic Director

Cuban-Canadian choreographer with 20+ years in Afro-Contemporary dance. Artistic Director of Ballet Creole, Canada's premier Afro-Contemporary company. Specializes in cultural storytelling through dance and international exchange programs.

Questions

What dance styles do you teach?

We offer Cuban Salsa, Afro-Cuban, Bachata, Rumba, Latin Fusion, Casino Rueda, and Heels classes for all skill levels.

Are assessments required before joining classes?

Yes, assessments are required for Cuban Salsa Level 1 and all Level 2-3 classes to ensure proper skill placement.

What should I wear to dance classes?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement. For footwear, choose dance shoes or clean-soled sneakers with good grip.

Do you offer performance opportunities?

Yes, we have amateur performance teams and host events like the Toronto Salsa Congress and Pan Am Games showcases.

Can I rent your studio space?

Studio rentals are available on non-class days. Contact us through our website for availability and pricing details.

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Reviews (5)

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Gustavo Ponce

Jan 01, 2022 Report

Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
Authentic salsa dancers, they really help you to learn how to dance in a real latin enviroment, the whole program is very friendly and gets you ready to go to the club and dance, I like it!

Sri Selva

Dec 30, 2021 Report

Drey and his team of Instructors cater the lessons to your individual learning and styl and help you achieve them fast. I highly recommend you to join to delve deep in to the Latin dance and Spanish culture. At DDA you get a kick of Spanish culture and Modern and Contentorary Cuban Salsa and other styles. They make your experience fun and joyful so come and join!

Priscilla Hristova

Dec 21, 2021 Report

I have been wanting to learn proper Salsa technique with what feels like for years! I was a bit nervous walking into DDA for the first time but was quickly accepted by one of the most welcoming communities I have ever been a part of. Instructors are amazing, attentive and will break things down until you feel like you got the hang of a move. If you have been wanting to learn Cuban Salsa and want a super chill studio, check out Drey Dance Academy!

Ana Patricia Alvarez

Oct 31, 2021 Report

DDA is the best place to learn to dance Cuban rhythms and dances. Even in group sessions, Dreyser provides personalized attentions and is very detail oriented. Highly recommended!!!!

Jeanette Simoes

Oct 27, 2021 Report

Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
I've had the extreme pleasure of working with Dreyser on a professional level in many events. His talent is real his personality is extraordinary, his patients is a bonus. He and his classes are always high energy and a positive experience.