The Secret Garden of Dance

I began my journey with Secret Garden of Dance during Melbourne's 2020 lock-down. With no previous dance experience, I was determined to learn Michael Jackson's Dangerous performance. Sanu's passion for teaching (and MJ) allowed me to exceed my initial expectations (see our video on youtube). Sanu and Caroline's commitment and passion for dance fosters a warm environment for their students to realize their potential. I highly recommend Secret Garden of Dance for those who want try something new, those who are fans of MJ or Afro-Cuban/Salsa.

I'm a huge fan of social partnered dance. I've attended many dance schools over the years but this is the one school that I have intentionally travelled interstate visiting to improve the knowledge, connection and joy in my dance. More recently.with the outbreak of COVID, I have been able to take my lessons online and my achievements with them have exceeded my goals. The unique aspect of this school is that they tailor their approach to suit your individual learning style. I'm also a huge fan of the wedding dances that this school co-creates and enjoy seeing the success and joy online whenever they are published on social media.

I have been dancing salsa for 5 years socially and attending different dance schools. The instructors at this school by far have helped me grow my understanding of movement, timing, precision and musicality at a rate I didn't think was possible. So many lightbulb moments. The teachers are patient, articulate and FUN! I highly recommend this school of dance as you will not be disappointed!

I tried learning salsa on and off for years and made very little progress to be able to dance socially. Salsa music sound like noise, and whatever I learn in class don’t stick. Until I met Sanushka; he broke the art down to a science for my analytical brain. The rest is history, I’m now a salsa social dancing superstar; and the girls can’t get enough of me. Just kidding LOL. Still a beginner but with new found enthusiasm to improve.

Great atmosphere and positive vibes!
Very friendly learning environment, accompanied with good history of Salsa and other dance origins.

The instructors here are very passionate about the style they teach. It feels like they want to train people to be good dancers and take the artform forward, rather than just running a dance school. A good student-teacher ratio and modest fee structure made this studio my favourite among many others that I have already attended in the area.

As a commercial style dancer growing up I have always felt like home in dance studio set up with mirros and space for correction of posture and to physically see what needs improving. The Secret Garden Of Dance is a traditional dance studio set up and the classes are also held this way, with the teachers focus on the style, culture and technique of the dance. There is the opportunity for a social dance environment throughout the class, however the emphasis is on improving your individual ability as a dancer in the style, which personally I love.
Sanushka's passion for dance shines through and I love his analogies focussing on developing each student into their own creative expression as a dancer in the style chosen to learn. It is a welcoming environment with attention placed on learning. If you're wanting to delve into learning about culture, art through dance and your technique, here you'll find it.

Fantastic teachers! I and my partner had our wedding dance lessons with Sanushka. We had no dance experience and he taught us step by step and explained very well. We are so glad that we had lessons with him and I want to thank him so much.

We had Sanushka and Caroline from Danzar Latino visit us during their QLD holiday to facilitate some group and private classes. Everybody was so impressed with their professionalism, their knowledge, their tailored teaching style and joy that they shared whilst here. Our crew wish to continue with online classes until we can next have them return to QLD. Massive gratitude and respect for your dance art. #therealestatedancer

When I first started taking classes at The Secret Garden of Dance I had already been dancing for about two years. But taking classes with Sanushka marked such a turning point in my dancing journey. Sanushka is not only a great dancer, he is also an amazing teacher. He found completely new ways to fix some of my issues and gave me invaluable feedback, which really allowed me to take my dancing to the next level.
Beyond his teaching methodology, I also really enjoyed how much I learned about the history and culture of each dance. As someone who loves history, I always leave the classes feeling intellectually stimulated and with a deep sense of respect for these amazing cultures!
Looking forward to continuing learning there! Highly recommend it to anyone:)

I originally found out about the Secret Garden of Dance by meeting some of their students out social dancing. I was so impressed with how these students were all such great dancers. They told me about this teacher, Sanushka, that they were learning from and how amazing he was as a teacher, so I went along. Hands down one of the BEST DECISIONS I have ever made with respect to my dancing. Sanushka teaches in a super relaxed and fun environment, but with a technicality and musicality that you won't find in many other group classes of the same styles around Melbourne. He is constantly inspiring you to learn more and be a better dancer in an environment that feels more like a family working together towards the same goal than a group of random strangers.

Sanushka's knowledge of different styles of dance is phenomenal and while the focus is mainly Casino and Afro-Cuban styles, I have also taken classes in other different styles of dance such as Cali salsa, and more recently, private lessons in Argentine Tango. No matter what style, he has a very concise and easy-to-understand way of communicating how you should move your body and the specific structures within the dance. His ability to break things down and make it logical is a testament to his amazing teaching ability.

In group classes, Caroline also usually teaches and offers fabulous insights into aspects of ladies styling and how to work with the leads to make the moves look more fluid and feminine. Her grace and sleek style are also an inspiration to work towards as a dancer.

The Secret Garden of Dance is my happy place and I always leave feeling free, inspired and like I have made progress as a dancer. Every time I set foot in the door I feel genuinely cared for and welcome. In the six months that I have been learning here, I have been welcomed into the fold and I have been challenged to grow more than I could have ever imagined. I am excited to continue on with this incredible journey! Thank you, Sanushka and Caroline, for all your amazing hard work, dedication and inspiration to be the best I can be!

From the very beginning, Felicia and I knew we were going to be well taken care of by the team at The Secret Garden of Dance. Caroline was professional, courteous and very willing to hear about the type of dance we wanted to coordinate. Sanushka and Amy then took us through our lessons and choreographed a wonderful routine that we are very excited to perform at our wedding. We're about halfway through and know there is so much more to learn, but we are completely at ease and feeling confident we can nail it with the help of the great instructors at The Secret Garden of Dance. Thank you all!:)

All three teachers were very nice and did a good job at choreographing and teaching us our wedding dance in four lessons. Sanushka was great at challenging us to do an easier version of the lift after we couldn't do the first version. Very happy with their services.

I am loving my dance classes at Secret Garden of Dance. So glad I stumbled across your dance studio 18 months ago. Sanushka’s philosophy and unique teaching methods are fantastic. So nurturing and patient for those of us that take a bit longer to get it, so informative and interesting on background of dances, such great staff Caroline & Simon helping instruct and making everyone feel welcome (though I did start off with Peter when you were away who was great). I love the community feel of all that come to classes at the studio and feel like I belong. Classes are such a great workout and I hate when I need to miss a class. Looking forward to continuing and me improving. Thank you so much.

For myself and my partner, active and avid dance tragics, (although in my wife's case - actually talented) a wedding dance was high on our priority list for our big day. We needed to get the right instructor, the right dance and the right balance. To say that Sanushka and the team at The Secret Garden of Dance was everything we needed is a drastic understatement.

Of course, the dance itself was more than perfect, but the weekly routine, the lead up, the learning and practicing was such an incredible experience. I cannot recommend more highly to get involved with his school; a little something to work on together with your partner and take the stresses of planning a wedding away - even for an hour or two a week was such a win for us.

We were thoroughly looked after and have a perfect memory of our dance for the night of our wedding, but such fond memories of working on our dance throughout the lead up.

Thanks Sanushka - what a legend!

Amy, Simon and Caroline did an amazing job helping us with our first dance. They were so friendly, helpful and professional. We had zero dance experience and they explained music/dance concepts so well. Especially want to thank Amy for her encouragement, patience and her warm and bubbly nature. We had lots of fun!

Sanushka is a great dance teacher and would highly recommend his philosophy and pedagogy. It makes rehearsals fun, safe and fulfilling especially to beginner dancers.

Hey Simon, want to give you a big thank you for teaching us how to do our first dance. You are very good teacher and you were very understanding, patient and helpful throughout the whole process. The dance went perfect, the night was wonderful. We will be recommending you to friends and family or whoever needs dancings lessons. James and Ana

Sanushka is one of the most knowledgable teachers in Melbourne when it comes to AfroCuban rhythms. His passion shines through in his teaching and you will leave the studio a more cultured student. Highly recommend.

I have loved my time learning at the Secret garden of dance. Sanushka has been really helpful in learning Rumba and Afro-Cuban dance styles. Everyone here has been so friendly and welcoming! He is a great teacher for these styles and really boosts your learning while still making the classes fun and enjoyable.