About Ecuador Dance Tours
OUR MISSION
Help passionate dancers grow fast—through world-class training, real cultural immersion, and meaningful human connection in Ecuador.
WHO WE ARE
Ecuador Dance Tours launched in 2025, but our roots go back a decade. Our founder, Brett, has been dancing and living in Ecuador since 2015, building relationships within the local scene and learning what makes training here so powerful. Today, we combine that insider perspective with thoughtful logistics to deliver one- and two-week experiences that are intensive, supportive, and unforgettable.
WHY TRAIN IN QUITO
Quito’s dance community is disciplined, musical, and welcoming. At 9,300 ft (2,850 m) above sea level, the city’s energy and focus create an environment where you’ll work hard, laugh a lot, and level up quickly while also exploring stunning landscapes on your “off” days.
OUR TRAINING PARTNER
We’re proud to partner with Mambuco Dance Corp, one of Ecuador’s most respected academies. Their coaches and dancers are known for technical precision, stage experience, and a culture of excellence. Many of our instructors and partners are competition-level champions with a variety of awards.
Each EDT participant is paired with a dedicated Mambuco partner for the full program—so feedback is personal, progress is measurable, and confidence grows daily.
WHAT SETS US APART
Assigned local partner: One partner for all scheduled dance classes provides trust, tailored feedback, and faster improvement.
Serious training: Salsa, bachata, technique, styling, and optional lifts/tricks classes, challenging but accessible.
Curated immersion: Museum visits, historic Old Town, Mitad del Mundo, Teleférico, artisan markets, and an out-of-the-city excursion.
Small cohorts: Quality over quantity. You’re not lost in the crowd. We aim to cap our tours at a max of 15 participants to ensure a personalized experience.
Transparent operations: Clear pricing, clear expectations, clear communication - both before and during your trip.
SAFETY & CARE
Your well-being matters. We set clear norms for classes and socials, choose reputable vendors and transport, share practical safety guidelines, and remain on call throughout the program. Your safety is always our number one priority while you are touring with us.
WHO IT'S FOR
Dancers who want to grow quickly.
Intermediate dancers seeking deeper foundations and additional technique/styling.
Motivated beginners ready for a structured push toward more intermediate and advanced technique.
Social dancers curious about new moves and better technique to use with your partners.
Performance dancers wanting to learn more about choreo patterns and stage presence.
THE FOUNDER
Brett Schaffner - Founder & Program Lead
Dancer, coach, planner. I’ve lived in Ecuador since 2015 and bridge the US and Ecuadorian dance worlds. I handle your logistics, partnerships, and participant experience so you can focus on dancing and discovering all Ecuador has to offer.
OUR PROMISE
We’ll challenge you, support you, and treat your time like it matters. You bring the work ethic, we’ll bring the structure, partners, and culture that make this immersive cultural experience possible.
