Whether it's ballet, tap, contemporary or hip hop that's your bag, London is packed full of classes for dance fans - you just have to know where to find them.
To make finding a class suitable for your level and taste easier, we've created a round-up of some of our favourites.
We'll see you at the studio...
London's Best Dance Classes
Pineapple Dance Studios (01 of08)
Based in a refurbished pineapple warehouse, the famous studio offers 20 styles of dance and more than 250 classes per week, meaning there’s something to suit everyone from absolute beginner to West End professional.
For intermediate dancers, try a tap class taught by the oh-so-knowledgeable Derek Hartley to improve your ability to pick up intricate steps, or check out Bly Richards’ hip hop class to master moves that’ll make all your mates jealous.
For beginners or improvers, try out a hip hop class by Lil J or a contemporary class by Debbie Shine.
The atmosphere at Pineapple is unrivalled - the corridors are filled with people from all walks of life who simply love dance. One warning though - there’s a serious lack of air-con and classes can get very full, so avoid peak times at weekends and get to classes early to claim your position at the front if possible.
When: Pineapple Dance Studios is open Monday to Saturday 10am - 7pmSunday 11am - 5.30pm.
Where: Pineapple, 16 Langley Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JA .
Prices: Day membership off peak: £2 adults, under 16 / over 65 £1 Mon - Fri 9am – 5pm and all day Sunday.
Day membership on peak: £4 adults, under 16 / over 65 £2 Mon - Fri 5pm - 7pm and all day Saturday.
Month, 3 months, 6 months and yearly membership also available.
Classes are paid directly to the teacher and range from £6-£15, with the majority costing between £7-£8.
More info:www.pineapple.uk.com or call 020 7836 4006.
Read our interview with Pineapple's founder Debbie Moore here. (credit:Pineapple Dance Studios )
For intermediate dancers, try a tap class taught by the oh-so-knowledgeable Derek Hartley to improve your ability to pick up intricate steps, or check out Bly Richards’ hip hop class to master moves that’ll make all your mates jealous.
For beginners or improvers, try out a hip hop class by Lil J or a contemporary class by Debbie Shine.
The atmosphere at Pineapple is unrivalled - the corridors are filled with people from all walks of life who simply love dance. One warning though - there’s a serious lack of air-con and classes can get very full, so avoid peak times at weekends and get to classes early to claim your position at the front if possible.
When: Pineapple Dance Studios is open Monday to Saturday 10am - 7pmSunday 11am - 5.30pm.
Where: Pineapple, 16 Langley Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JA .
Prices: Day membership off peak: £2 adults, under 16 / over 65 £1 Mon - Fri 9am – 5pm and all day Sunday.
Day membership on peak: £4 adults, under 16 / over 65 £2 Mon - Fri 5pm - 7pm and all day Saturday.
Month, 3 months, 6 months and yearly membership also available.
Classes are paid directly to the teacher and range from £6-£15, with the majority costing between £7-£8.
More info:www.pineapple.uk.com or call 020 7836 4006.
Read our interview with Pineapple's founder Debbie Moore here. (credit:Pineapple Dance Studios )
Seen On Screen(02 of08)
Created by professional backing dancer to the stars Bonnie Parsons, Seen on Screen offers fun classes that teach you the moves your favourite singers perform on stage and in music videos.
Go to one of the Beyoncé workshops for a class that will leave you sweating, but feel more like a night out.
Classes start with a warm up before going into a “strut” masterclass. You’ll then learn a sassy routine to one of Queen Bey’s tunes.
Cheering and whooping among dancers is very much encouraged - after an hour and a half, even the shyest of dancers will find their inner Sasha Fierce.
When: Classes run Monday- Sunday at various times.
Where: Seen On Screen run classes at several London gyms - check out the timetable for details.
Prices: Weekend workshop classes (including the Beyoncé workshop) cost £18 per 1hr 30min class. Individual weekday classes cost £12 per 1hr class.
More info:seenonscreenfitness.com or call 0800 644 0588.
Read our full review of a Seen On Screen class here.
(credit:Seen On Screen )
Go to one of the Beyoncé workshops for a class that will leave you sweating, but feel more like a night out.
Classes start with a warm up before going into a “strut” masterclass. You’ll then learn a sassy routine to one of Queen Bey’s tunes.
Cheering and whooping among dancers is very much encouraged - after an hour and a half, even the shyest of dancers will find their inner Sasha Fierce.
When: Classes run Monday- Sunday at various times.
Where: Seen On Screen run classes at several London gyms - check out the timetable for details.
Prices: Weekend workshop classes (including the Beyoncé workshop) cost £18 per 1hr 30min class. Individual weekday classes cost £12 per 1hr class.
More info:seenonscreenfitness.com or call 0800 644 0588.
Read our full review of a Seen On Screen class here.
(credit:Seen On Screen )
Dance Works (03 of08)
Dance Works offers a range of styles from ballet and tap to BellyBolly Fusion and Jamaican Dancehall. It’s fairly similar to Pineapple Dance Studios but less famous, meaning more space in classes and the changing rooms.
For a contemporary class that will really work on your technique and flexibility, go to Julie Lynn’s Wednesday class.
The class is likely to begin with a warm-up followed by an exercise from the corner and a routine to modern music (such as Beyonce’s Hello). The class is very fast paced, but you’ll learn a lot. Julie is quick to point out a misplaced arm here or a turned in leg there.
The class is listed as Intermediate/General but it’s really more of an advanced class and will challenge even experienced dancers. We’d recommend underestimating your ability at Dance Works if you don’t want to feel out of your depth, then work towards a harder class on return visits.
When: Weekdays: 8:00am – 10:00pm. Weekends: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Where: 16 Balderton Street, London W1K 6TN (Opposite Selfridges Clock)
Prices: Daily membership off peak: £3 9am-5pm Monday-Friday and all day Sunday.
Daily membership on peak: £5 5pm-10pm Monday-Friday and all day Saturday.
One month, 3 month and annual membership also available at reduced rates.
Class fees are paid directly to the teacher and vary from £4.50 – £12. Costs can be found in Dance Work's daily schedule.
More info: Visit danceworks.net, email info@danceworks.net or call 020 7629 6183. (credit:Dance Works)
For a contemporary class that will really work on your technique and flexibility, go to Julie Lynn’s Wednesday class.
The class is likely to begin with a warm-up followed by an exercise from the corner and a routine to modern music (such as Beyonce’s Hello). The class is very fast paced, but you’ll learn a lot. Julie is quick to point out a misplaced arm here or a turned in leg there.
The class is listed as Intermediate/General but it’s really more of an advanced class and will challenge even experienced dancers. We’d recommend underestimating your ability at Dance Works if you don’t want to feel out of your depth, then work towards a harder class on return visits.
When: Weekdays: 8:00am – 10:00pm. Weekends: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Where: 16 Balderton Street, London W1K 6TN (Opposite Selfridges Clock)
Prices: Daily membership off peak: £3 9am-5pm Monday-Friday and all day Sunday.
Daily membership on peak: £5 5pm-10pm Monday-Friday and all day Saturday.
One month, 3 month and annual membership also available at reduced rates.
Class fees are paid directly to the teacher and vary from £4.50 – £12. Costs can be found in Dance Work's daily schedule.
More info: Visit danceworks.net, email info@danceworks.net or call 020 7629 6183. (credit:Dance Works)
Clubbercise(04 of08)
Billed as the exercise class "that feels more like a night out", Clubbercise will leave you sweating and smiling.
The energetic and upbeat dance aerobic workout is completed in a dark dance studio - the instructors turn off all the lights and hand out glow sticks - meaning self-consciousness is a thing of the past.
You can burn up to 500 calories in a 60-minute session and classes are set to a soundtrack of classic club anthems.
When: Varies on location
Where: Clubbercise classes run nationwide in school, gyms and community centres, including London locations. Details which can be found on the Clubbercise website.
Prices: Entry fees vary depending on location, but the session we tried cost £5.
More info: visit clubbercise.com or call 020 7183 2718.
Read our full review of Clubbercise here.
(credit:Clubbercise )
The energetic and upbeat dance aerobic workout is completed in a dark dance studio - the instructors turn off all the lights and hand out glow sticks - meaning self-consciousness is a thing of the past.
You can burn up to 500 calories in a 60-minute session and classes are set to a soundtrack of classic club anthems.
When: Varies on location
Where: Clubbercise classes run nationwide in school, gyms and community centres, including London locations. Details which can be found on the Clubbercise website.
Prices: Entry fees vary depending on location, but the session we tried cost £5.
More info: visit clubbercise.com or call 020 7183 2718.
Read our full review of Clubbercise here.
(credit:Clubbercise )
Dance Attic Studios(05 of08)
Dance Attic Studios in Fulham has a vast amount of options for dance classes with all different styles and abilities on a daily basis.
The Beginner's Street Class with Missie starts with a 10-minute warm up, core workout and then goes into a full street routine.
The teacher has the perfect balance of repeating moves for all dancers to get the hang of, to giving everyone the chance to dance the routine to music. The whole routine is broken down into sections of around eight counts that are slowly added on, ensuring repetition doesn't make you forget the beginning.
Dancers are encouraged to say what parts of the dance they aren't sure about to perfect the move and Missie is great at both dancing with the class, then watching the routine herself to pick up on any moves that aren't quite right.
Although the class works you hard, you'll feel satisfied when you get the hang of the moves with a teacher who is very encouraging and always ensuring everyone knows what they are doing. The moves aren't incredibly difficult, but the pace is quite fast so those who have never done a street dance class before might find it slightly harder.
The warm-up may include some popular urban tracks, and the routine we tried was put to 'You Slip, She Grip' by Tego Calderon feat. Pitbull. The class is held in a large studio with high ceilings and a wall of mirrors, with plenty of space for all dancers to not have to worry about knocking into someone. Near the end, the class is split in two groups to perform the finished routine in the spaced out studio.
Not only is this class a really good workout (that left everyone sweating!), the atmosphere was great and the teacher is very friendly which creates a more relaxed environment for those who might have come on their own.
When: Beginner's Street is Tuesday 7.30pm. Other classes available Monday-Sunday.
Where: Dance Attic Studios 368 North End Rd, London SW6 1LY.
Price: Prices vary per class. Street with Missie is £5 per one-hour class plus £2 membership fee if you are not a member.
More info: call 0207 610 2055. (credit:Dance Attic Studios)
The Beginner's Street Class with Missie starts with a 10-minute warm up, core workout and then goes into a full street routine.
The teacher has the perfect balance of repeating moves for all dancers to get the hang of, to giving everyone the chance to dance the routine to music. The whole routine is broken down into sections of around eight counts that are slowly added on, ensuring repetition doesn't make you forget the beginning.
Dancers are encouraged to say what parts of the dance they aren't sure about to perfect the move and Missie is great at both dancing with the class, then watching the routine herself to pick up on any moves that aren't quite right.
Although the class works you hard, you'll feel satisfied when you get the hang of the moves with a teacher who is very encouraging and always ensuring everyone knows what they are doing. The moves aren't incredibly difficult, but the pace is quite fast so those who have never done a street dance class before might find it slightly harder.
The warm-up may include some popular urban tracks, and the routine we tried was put to 'You Slip, She Grip' by Tego Calderon feat. Pitbull. The class is held in a large studio with high ceilings and a wall of mirrors, with plenty of space for all dancers to not have to worry about knocking into someone. Near the end, the class is split in two groups to perform the finished routine in the spaced out studio.
Not only is this class a really good workout (that left everyone sweating!), the atmosphere was great and the teacher is very friendly which creates a more relaxed environment for those who might have come on their own.
When: Beginner's Street is Tuesday 7.30pm. Other classes available Monday-Sunday.
Where: Dance Attic Studios 368 North End Rd, London SW6 1LY.
Price: Prices vary per class. Street with Missie is £5 per one-hour class plus £2 membership fee if you are not a member.
More info: call 0207 610 2055. (credit:Dance Attic Studios)
Barrecore (06 of08)
It's the fitness trend that Victoria's Secret models use to keep in shape.
Held in stylish studios, Barrecore sessions provide the ultimate workout for dancers who want to increase their strength or improve their flexibility. But the good news is you don't need to be a pro ballet dancer to enjoy a class.
A class will begin with a warm up of dynamic stretches, followed by ballet-inspired exercises at the barre designed to give you rock-hard abs and toned legs. Forget Tchaikovsky, classes are taken to a soundtrack of pop and dance hits (great for motivation!).
Unlike other classes, you won't have a pretty routine to show at the end of the class, but your body will be exhausted.
When: Classes by Barrecore are available 6.30am - 9pm.
Where: Locations across London
Prices: First class £20, following classes £28. Packages available for reduced rates.
More info:barrecore.co.uk.
Read full Barrecore reviews by us here and here. (credit:Barrecore )
Held in stylish studios, Barrecore sessions provide the ultimate workout for dancers who want to increase their strength or improve their flexibility. But the good news is you don't need to be a pro ballet dancer to enjoy a class.
A class will begin with a warm up of dynamic stretches, followed by ballet-inspired exercises at the barre designed to give you rock-hard abs and toned legs. Forget Tchaikovsky, classes are taken to a soundtrack of pop and dance hits (great for motivation!).
Unlike other classes, you won't have a pretty routine to show at the end of the class, but your body will be exhausted.
When: Classes by Barrecore are available 6.30am - 9pm.
Where: Locations across London
Prices: First class £20, following classes £28. Packages available for reduced rates.
More info:barrecore.co.uk.
Read full Barrecore reviews by us here and here. (credit:Barrecore )
Frame Rave (07 of08)
If you're a bit of a party animal, but are trying to have a responsible weekend, maybe Frame Rave is the class for you.
The class, which takes place at 7.30pm on a Friday, is the ultimate way to get your fitness fix and have fun in the process.
For 45 minutes, expect non-stop cardio, sassy booty shaking and hair flipping. It's just like going out to a club, just without the booze.
From dancehall to disco, the playlist is as eclectic as it is energetic. Make sure you wear your brightest leggings and a crop top wouldn't go a miss.
When: Wednesdays at 8.30pm and Fridays at 7:30pm.
Where: Frame Shoreditch 29 New Inn Yard Shoreditch EC2A 3EY.
Price: £11, or less with a membership package.More info:moveyourframe.com or phone 020 7033 1855.
(credit:Frame)
The class, which takes place at 7.30pm on a Friday, is the ultimate way to get your fitness fix and have fun in the process.
For 45 minutes, expect non-stop cardio, sassy booty shaking and hair flipping. It's just like going out to a club, just without the booze.
From dancehall to disco, the playlist is as eclectic as it is energetic. Make sure you wear your brightest leggings and a crop top wouldn't go a miss.
When: Wednesdays at 8.30pm and Fridays at 7:30pm.
Where: Frame Shoreditch 29 New Inn Yard Shoreditch EC2A 3EY.
Price: £11, or less with a membership package.More info:moveyourframe.com or phone 020 7033 1855.
(credit:Frame)
Zumba Toning (08 of08)
If you like the idea of Zumba, but have found yourself the youngest in the class by about 30 years in your local village hall, the Zumba Toning class, led by the infectious, bubbly Marilena Nicolaou, could be for you.
Expect to sweat from places you didn’t even know could sweat from and smile and laugh while you're at it.
Pumping music and a fast, energetic routine which wouldn’t be out of place in a Step Up movie, the class is incredibly exhilarating. Marilena dives straight into a pumping warm-up, and never fails to deliver her encouragement with a smile - you'll feel any self-consciousness fade away. The inclusion of weights mean no muscle is left unworked.
Due to the fast pace and rhythmic movement, it’s not a class for beginners, but that’s not to say they’re not welcome - Marilena takes you through each step and there’s enough repetition to give everyone a chance to nail the routine.
As Marilena tells us, the class “combines targeted body-sculpting exercises and high-energy cardio work with Latin-infused Zumba moves to create a calorie-torching, strength-training dance fitness-party”.
It’s a shame the class isn’t given a bigger room at the YMCA gym, as Marilena’s made exercising so fun, everyone wants an invite to the party.
When: Zumba Toning is at YMCA every Wednesday at 1pm.
Where: YMCA Club, 12 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NQ
More info: To find out where else Marilena teaches, visit her website. (credit:Marilena Nicolaou)
Expect to sweat from places you didn’t even know could sweat from and smile and laugh while you're at it.
Pumping music and a fast, energetic routine which wouldn’t be out of place in a Step Up movie, the class is incredibly exhilarating. Marilena dives straight into a pumping warm-up, and never fails to deliver her encouragement with a smile - you'll feel any self-consciousness fade away. The inclusion of weights mean no muscle is left unworked.
Due to the fast pace and rhythmic movement, it’s not a class for beginners, but that’s not to say they’re not welcome - Marilena takes you through each step and there’s enough repetition to give everyone a chance to nail the routine.
As Marilena tells us, the class “combines targeted body-sculpting exercises and high-energy cardio work with Latin-infused Zumba moves to create a calorie-torching, strength-training dance fitness-party”.
It’s a shame the class isn’t given a bigger room at the YMCA gym, as Marilena’s made exercising so fun, everyone wants an invite to the party.
When: Zumba Toning is at YMCA every Wednesday at 1pm.
Where: YMCA Club, 12 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NQ
More info: To find out where else Marilena teaches, visit her website. (credit:Marilena Nicolaou)
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Ballet Dancers Changing the Landscape
Misty Copeland(01 of13)
Misty Copeland became the third African American female soloist at the American Ballet Theater back in 2007. Since then, she's spoken openly about racism in the dance world. "[Ballet is] such a traditional and historic art form that people are afraid to change it," she said in an interview with New York Magazine. "But I think it has to if it’s going to last in the world we live in today. It's hard to change someone’s ideas when they might not even really consciously know that they’re being racist, or have racist ideas, just because ballet has been this way for hundreds of years."
Her new Under Armor ad has been making waves online, effectively conveying a contemporary interpretation of what it means to be a ballerina.
Her new Under Armor ad has been making waves online, effectively conveying a contemporary interpretation of what it means to be a ballerina.
Yuan Yuan Tan(02 of13)
Yuan Yuan Tan is a principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet. In the late 1990s she became the youngest principal in the company’s history and the first Chinese dancer to be promoted to that level.
Shannon Harkins(03 of13)
Shannon Harkins was 13 years old when The Washington Post called her "the face of African American ballet dancers' struggles." At that time, she was the only African American girl at Level 7 at the Washington School of Ballet -- the highest pre-professional level.
Desmond Richardson(04 of13)
Desmond Richardson is the co-founder and co-artistic director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, a company that seeks to reinvent dance by creating an open environment that embraces multicultural forms of movement. Richardson also performed as a principal dancer at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for seven years.
Natalia Osipova(05 of13)
While Natalia Osipova may look like the stereotypical image of a ballerina, her viewpoints express anything but. "I am not interested in sporting diamond tiaras on stage, or having my point shoes cooked and eaten by my fans," she explained to The Spectator this year. "Ballet has evolved and the ballerina figure with it. The world around us offers new challenges, new stimuli and new opportunities, and I believe that it is the responsibility of every artist to be constantly ready to respond to these. There is simply no reason, nor time, to perpetuate century-old clichés, such as the remote, semi-divine figure of the 19th-century ballet star."
Osipova's attitude eschews the celebrity of a glamorous field, and we can't help but love her progressive tone.
Osipova's attitude eschews the celebrity of a glamorous field, and we can't help but love her progressive tone.
Chehon Wespi-Tschopp(06 of13)
Chehon Wespi-Tschopp became America's Favorite Dancer back on "So You Think You Can Dance" Season 9. Being the first male contestant to identify first and foremost as a ballet dancer, he brought the art form into the realm of mainstream television.
José Manuel Carreño(07 of13)
Born in Cuba, former ABT star José Manuel Carreño is the Artistic Director at the Ballet San Jose. After dancing as the Prince in "Swan Lake" as his final performance, he ventured from New York City to Northern California to lead the financially-troubled company.
Wendy Whelan(08 of13)
Wendy Whelan has become something of a figurehead for veteran dancers, advocating for financial support and career services for ballet icons nearing retirement. “We are not supported federally at all once we leave the ballet. There is no support whatsoever, financially or insurance wise for dancers in the United States."
After 30 years at the New York City Ballet, the principal dancer will bid her adieu this October, with plans to continue dancing with the likes of Edward Watson and the folks at Manhattan's City Center.
After 30 years at the New York City Ballet, the principal dancer will bid her adieu this October, with plans to continue dancing with the likes of Edward Watson and the folks at Manhattan's City Center.
Cassa Pancho(09 of13)
Cassa Pancho is the founder of Ballet Black, a company devoted to inspiring opportunities for "dancers and students of black and Asian descent."
"All through ballet school I was really aware of the lack of black people around me," she explained to The Guardian. "So for my dissertation I thought I would interview black women working in ballet and see what they had to say –- but I couldn't find a single black woman working in ballet, and that really stunned me. When I graduated, I decided, very naively, to do something about it myself."
You can read more about Cira Robinson, Damien Johnson and Sayaka Ichikawa -- all senior artists at Ballet Black -- here. (Photo of the company by Bill Cooper.)
"All through ballet school I was really aware of the lack of black people around me," she explained to The Guardian. "So for my dissertation I thought I would interview black women working in ballet and see what they had to say –- but I couldn't find a single black woman working in ballet, and that really stunned me. When I graduated, I decided, very naively, to do something about it myself."
You can read more about Cira Robinson, Damien Johnson and Sayaka Ichikawa -- all senior artists at Ballet Black -- here. (Photo of the company by Bill Cooper.)
Carlos Acosta(10 of13)
Cuban-born Carlos Acosta, a principal guest artist at The Royal Ballet, has spoken openly about the lack of representation in ballet.
“The percentage of classical black ballet dancers around the world is sadly minimal, which is quite embarrassing,” Acosta has said. “In most companies, when a talented black dancer is chosen as a member, they don’t know how to cast them properly. Still, there is this mentality, especially with directors, that a black ballerina in the middle of a flock of white swans would somehow alter the harmony.”
“The percentage of classical black ballet dancers around the world is sadly minimal, which is quite embarrassing,” Acosta has said. “In most companies, when a talented black dancer is chosen as a member, they don’t know how to cast them properly. Still, there is this mentality, especially with directors, that a black ballerina in the middle of a flock of white swans would somehow alter the harmony.”
Sylvie Guillem(11 of13)
Sylvie Guillem made a name for herself after leaving the Paris Opera Ballet to become an international freelance ballerina. Now in her late 40s, the woman bold enough to appear on the cover of French Vogue nude and without makeup (long before the makeup-free selfie craze) is happily bursting through barriers between the modern dance world and ballet with works like "6000 Miles Away."
Shiori Kase(12 of13)
Tokyo-born Shiori Kase is a soloist with the English National Ballet who recently wowed critics in the London staging of the "psycho-thriller" ballet, "Coppélia."
Michaela DePrince(13 of13)
Sierra Leone-born Michaela DePrince spent her early years in an orphanage after her father was killed during the civil war in her country. After being adopted by an American family and entering the world of ballet, she was told at the age of eight that America wasn't "ready for a black girl ballerina." Despite her challenging childhood, she's gone on to win a position in ABT's preprofessional division and the Dutch National Junior Company.