Saoco Dance Center
About the studio
Saoco Dance Center is a salsa and bachata school in central Malaga (Calle Lima, 7) co-directed by David Swing and Raquel De Castro, with more than 15 years of teaching experience. The school covers the full progression from absolute beginner (Inicio 0) through advanced and choreographic levels in both salsa and bachata, with parallel ladies-styling tracks. Salsa offerings include cubana, on2 (New York style / mambo) and dedicated chico and chica styling, while bachata is taught across sensual, tradicional and Raquel De Castro's signature Smooth Bachata methodology, the latter running through three technical levels and a Ladies Team. Classes run Monday through Thursday between roughly 19:00 and 23:00, taught by a five-person team featuring David Swing, Raquel De Castro, Noelia Alvarez, Nina Ernstsen and visiting couple Pako y Silvia. Pricing is flexible and stack-based: monthly rates scale from EUR 25 (1 class/week) up to a EUR 100 unlimited Full Pass, with EUR 10 drop-ins available by advance WhatsApp reservation. The school is partner-friendly via constant rotation, the first Inicio 0 class is free, and the venue also operates choreographic teams (Saoco Company, Saoco Salsa Ladies, Smooth Bachata Ladies Team) that perform at events. The site does not advertise regular social nights, festivals or kids classes.
The school has been teaching salsa and bachata in Malaga for over 15 years. Raquel De Castro joined as co-director in 2020 and developed the Smooth Bachata methodology, formalising the school's signature style. The Smooth Bachata Ladies Team launched in February 2025.
Styles & levels
All levels
All levels
Weekly schedule 21 classes
Pricing
Drop-in classes require advance reservation (via WhatsApp). Each class lasts 1 hour. The intensive Estilo Bachata Avanzado course is not included in monthly rates. Choreographic team complete fee includes formacion + choreography.
Instructors
Co-director of Saoco Dance Center and a leading figure in the Malaga dance scene with more than 18 years dedicated exclusively to dance. He has trained thousands of students in salsa and bachata, drawing on a background that spans Cuban salsa, New York mambo, rumba, Afro-Cuban roots, ballet and contemporary. He leads the Saoco Bachata Company and partners with Nina Ernstsen on the school's smooth bachata program.
Co-director of Saoco Dance Center since 2020 and founder of the Smooth Bachata style. Originally from Salamanca, she trained in urban, jazz, ballet and contemporary dance before entering the Latin scene in 2012 with the company of Adrian and Anita. A multiple international bachata champion, she developed Smooth Bachata as a fusion of traditional roots with modern body-movement and connection technique, and runs the Saoco Bachata Company project.
Latin dance specialist with more than 20 years of experience who started dancing at age 8. She combines deep love for salsa, bachata and merengue with formal training in several dance disciplines, and teaches everything from absolute beginner to advanced choreographic groups. She leads the Saoco Salsa Ladies team and is known for a technique- and musicality-driven, personalised teaching style.
Dutch-born dancer with Indonesian-Chinese roots, raised in Casares (Malaga). Graduated with honours in Spanish dance and flamenco, with additional training in contemporary, jazz and heels. She specialises in Smooth Bachata as David Swing's dance partner and coaches the Smooth Bachata Ladies Team Malaga, integrating technique with expression and well-being.
Professional dance couple for the past 3 years, certified in Smooth Bachata Master and the Bachata Sensual Teacher Course. Pako brings experience in salsa, bachata, kizomba and urban dance; Silvia comes from ballroom and urban styles with a deep passion for bachata. They have taught at national and international congresses and focus their teaching on technique, partner connection and a solid foundation.
What dancers say 5.0 on Google
"It's a huge studio full of professionals and students, all eager to teach and learn. It has spectacular lighting and a good parking area. Excellent public transport connections. They offer a varied program of classes for all levels, plus great deals and discounts! I recommend it"
"For me, it's the best academy because of its organization, training, punctuality, professionalism, variety, and the number of classes offered. The instructors are unique in their teaching style; they're approachable, demanding, but their methods are very effective. Because their "
"Saoco Dance Center is the best place in Malaga to learn salsa and bachata. The facilities are spacious, modern, and meticulously maintained, perfect for enjoying the dance. But what truly sets it apart are Raquel and David: two incredible, approachable teachers whose passion is "
The studio
