Dancing on Suncoast Logo3

8215 Natures Way
Suite 101
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

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Our Story

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Dancing on the Suncoast has been teaching ballroom, Latin, and swing dance in the Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Bradenton areas since 2001.  Specializing in both American and International styles, we’re sure we can teach you all the dances you love!

We are located in the beautiful San Marco Plaza shopping suites just north of  University Parkway at 8215 Nature’s Way Suite 101, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202.

Our hours of operation are typically Monday thru Friday 12:00 – 9:00pm. 

Saturday and Sunday by appointment.

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Our history

Founder, Patrick Johnson, has been in the business most of his life, starting with training to become a competitive dancer at the tender age of 4. He went on to compete and win ballroom dance competitions around the world for most of his early years. After retiring as a competitor, Patrick began a career as the Dance Board Chairman of a highly regarded dance affiliation. 

Patrick has owned many successful dance studios throughout out the United States over the years, but he says Dancing on the Suncoast is the best one yet. 
A former world class dancer, Patrick and his dance champion wife Cyntia founded Dancing on the Suncoast in 2001.
In beginning of 2023 Patrick semi-retired and decided that it was time to bring in a partner, Octavian Para.  Patrick and Cyntia Johnson are still part of the of Dancing On The Suncoast in a smaller capacity and Octavian Para as of November 2023 is the sole owner of Dancing On The Suncoast.

Meet Our Instructors

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Octavian Para

Octavian Para was born in Moldova. He was an honorary member of the famous dance club “Codreanca” whose dedicated sportsmen have risen on the Top of Dance field recognized for their professionalism.

Octavian Para took part in numerous prestigious International competitions, placing as one of the top 6 finalist. He has made a huge contribution to the development of dance sports in Moldova.

He has made outstanding achievements in the Formation competitions. It is one of the most difficult forms of performance, requiring not only outstanding dancing abilities, but also the ability to work in a team. He is was awarded the Bronze Title at the European Ten Dance Championship.

Also, Octavian is an International Master of Sport (Ballroom Dance)

Since working in the USA in the Dancesport sphere, Octavian demonstrated exceptional success both commercially and artistically, by achieving tremendous result at multiple regional, interregional and national championships as successful professional performer and dancer by placing most on top six and many 1st places in Pro/Am divisions and top teacher. He continues to prove his extraordinary abilities, enthusiasm and motivation to do the best for his students. 

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patrick johnson

Patrick Johnson began dancing at the age of four, becoming a world-class Ballroom Dancer, competing in and conquering competitions around the globe for most of his early life. His accomplishments included winning the titles of British Juvenile and Junior Ballroom Champion.

He went on to become the United Kingdom and European Amateur Latin Champion, and the Amateur European Ten Dance Champion.

After becoming both a European and a World Champion, Patrick retired to become a dance coach and competition adjudicator. He has owned many dance schools in the past, but is most proud of Dancing on the Suncoast, his current dance school in Florida which he opened with his wife, Cyntia Johnson, in 2012.

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Cyntia Johnson

A native from Brazil, Cyntia new how to “free style dancing” but after a group class at YMCA in Milwaukee, WI Cyntia feel in love with ballroom dancing. One Showcase at the end of  2001 turned out to be three competitions in Open Silver level, after competition USDC dancing Open Silver level among the Open Gold level ladies Cyntia place 13th place. After that the addiction for competition started in Open Gold division.

Some of Cyntia’s dance career achievements placed her among the Top Pro-AM American Rhythm competitors in the country.

dance with us

Our Lessons

quality training
Individual Lessons

We teach the Salsa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Waltz, Rumba, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, and many more. If it's a dance, we can teach it! Expert dance instruction in an elegant atmosphere, using both contemporary and older music, all to make learning that much more exciting and easy to "walk in and dance out."

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Group Events

Our group classes are held two to three times week and are each 40 minutes in length and they are design to be taken in addition to to you private lesson. They range from beginner to advanced and are open to all current students. Group classes are an important part of learning to dance because they help you learn the in's and out's of leading and following, a variety of dances and improve your technique.

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Wedding Choreography

We know your Wedding Day will be one of the most memorable days of your life and your first dance will be make it much more special. We will choreograph your dance to your wedding song, and to your wedding party, teach you to dance with confidence and grace making your wedding magical.

Excellent
Based on 188 reviews
Alexis Pitre
Alexis Pitre
2023-11-01
Nice quaint dance studio withsome very experienced instructors.
Tim & Alisa
Tim & Alisa
2023-09-24
We have been learning to dance here for the past 6 months. The environment is friendly and welcoming. Wonderful instructors for all different levels of dance skills. No high pressure sales pitches or confusing contracts. Learn at your own pace and learn the dances you want to learn. Several group lessons of various skill levels are available throughout the week. Monthly parties are a great way to practice what was learned in the private and group lessons. Overall, a very comfortable and fun place to go to dance.
Adrianne
Adrianne
2023-09-18
Great place to learn new skills or build on old ones! Positive learning environment with no pressure and amazing teachers. Would highly recommend for newcomers and seasoned dancers.
Angela Gonzalez
Angela Gonzalez
2023-09-08
This is my go to spot for dancing. They are so good at teach you how to dance that I no longer have two left feet. Thank you Dancing on the Suncoast. I couldn’t have done this without you! So grateful to have found you. Best regards, Angela
Jo Garber
Jo Garber
2023-09-08
This is one of the friendliest dance studios I have ever been too! The instructors are exceptional in their knowledge and teaching ability! I would highly recommend Dancing on the Suncoast!
Cezar Filho
Cezar Filho
2023-06-30
Good place to learn dance, staff very gentle and nice parties 😄
Sue juda
Sue juda
2023-05-31
I have really enjoyed my dance lessons with Caesar. He takes his time and explains the steps very well. I would recommend Dancing on the Suncoast to anyone wanting to learn how to dance. Sue
what people say

Testimonials

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Learning how to dance in 5 different studios during the last 16 years, we can easily appreciate the comfort, professionalism, and high-level knowledge of the staff in providing quality service. Moreover, the amateur students are all very friendly, courteous, and fun to be with.

Yves and Catherine Bellefeuille

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What a wonderful way to spend one's time! The instruction is spot on, the camaraderie is terrific. Fun, fun, fun. And, the added benefit of keeping the brain and the body active in such a delightful way, can't be beat.

Nan Miller

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This place is the most fun dance studio I've ever been to. Everyone is so friendly and no matter how badly I dance, I am always made to feel like a princess. Zavier and Alice are the best, sweetest, and most generous dance instructors I've had the pleasure of meeting, dancing and getting to know. I highly recommend them, and I guarantee you will learn how to dance.

Maribel Margarita

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It's the best place to learn to dance. We love our dancing friends and enjoy getting together with them outside the studio for dancing fun.

Michele Catania Jones