Rafael Torres is a highly esteemed ballroom dance instructor with over a decade of professional teachingexperience and a lifelong dedication to dance. Beginning his journey at just 10 years old, Rafael transformed his passion into a thriving career, earning recognition as one of the Top 40 Fred Astaire Top Teachers and receiving numerous awards for his excellence in instruction and performance.
His expertise spans a wide range of ballroom styles, blending technical mastery with artistry. Known for his dynamic and motivational teaching style, Rafael inspires dancers of all levels, from beginners to competitive performers. His philosophy goes beyond dance steps—he instills confidence, discipline, and self-expression in every student.
With an unwavering commitment to his craft and a deep passion for teaching, Rafael continues to elevate the world of ballroom dance, helping each student reach their fullest potential. Whether on the competition floor or in the studio, he is a mentor, motivator, and true artist in the dance community.
Salsa was the first dance I ever learned growing up, and it’s still the one that makes me light up. Salsa is fun, spicy, and impossible not to smile through. I love the energy, the rhythm, and the way it brings people together instantly.
Step up the whole franchise. The dancing is out of this world, but what really hooked me was how each movie blends different styles and brings people together. The choreography, the energy, the stories it all shows how powerful dance can be when worlds collide. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to get up and start moving the moment the credits roll.
Derek Hough. He’s smooth, clean, and an incredible entertainer. His passion for ballroom is absolutely infectious you can feel it in every step he takes. Derek has that rare ability to make the hardest choreography look effortless, and his creativity is something I’m constantly inspired by.
The Traitors. The game is wild you have to think outside the box the entire time. It keeps you on your toes, constantly guessing, and you truly never know what twist is coming next. It’s smart, dramatic, and honestly… just so good.
Ballroom is truly a personal journey. You don’t need any experience to start it meets you exactly where you are. It’s a style that elevates not just your movement, but your confidence and personality. Ballroom challenges you mentally, physically, and socially, all at the same time. What I love most is that it’s limitless. Age, height, background, none of it matters. Anyone can step onto the floor and shine. Ballroom belongs to everyone, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
It’s the moment a student realizes they’re capable of more than they ever believed. I love watching someone come in saying they have “two left feet,” and over time seeing their confidence grow, evolve, and shine through. Helping people challenge themselves, discover their abilities, and truly enjoy dancing is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do.
Start with an open mind and give yourself permission to learn. No one walks in to a perfect ballroom it is a journey, not a test. Show up, have fun, and let yourself make mistakes. Confidence grows with every step, and the more you relax and enjoy the process, the faster you’ll improve. Trust your instructor, trust the music, and most importantly… trust yourself. You’ll be amazed at what you can do!
