Discover the Best Dance Classes Near Me
Dancing is a great skill that anyone can learn at any age. It’s a form of art expressed through movement and music. Some types of dance include hip-hop, ballet, ballroom, contemporary dance, salsa, and the list goes on. Nearly every country has a unique tradition of dance, which makes learning to dance so valuable.
You can also use dance as a form of exercise. Some dance classes like Zumba focus on getting the heart rate up while enjoying great music and learning new dance moves. Dance can also be performed as an individual or as a group. You can make up your movements as you go or create intricate choreography. Taking dance classes is a great way to learn a new skill and hobby while also getting a great workout at the same time.
Why You Should Learn Dance
There are many reasons why learning to dance is beneficial. Here are some of the best reasons why you should learn to dance.
- Learning a new hobby: Dancing is a great hobby to learn because there are endless skills. In addition, it’s enriching and satisfying
- Getting great exercise: When you dance, you’re encouraging your body to move, which gets your heart rate up. It’s one of the best forms of exercise
- Making new friends: Joining a dance class introduces you to people who have similar interests. You’ll be able to meet new friends who have different backgrounds
- Becoming part of a community: As you make new friends and learn new skills, you’ll be introduced to new groups, clubs, and communities
You should learn dancing if you’re interested in making friends and learning a new form of exercise. It provides a unique sense of accomplishment and is the perfect creative outlet.
5 Ways to Learn Dance
If you’re interested in learning to dance, you’ll find several options available. Some of the best options include in-person classes, live online classes, and self-paced classes. Here’s more about the best ways to learn dancing:
- In-person classes: In-person classes are the best ways to learn dancing. When you take an in-person class, you get instruction from a professional instructor among a class of other students. You’ll be able to watch demonstrations live and learn from your classmates
- Live online classes: Another great option is online classes. You’ll be able to learn how to dance from the comfort of your home. If you’re unsure about taking in-person classes, then online classes are a great way to start
- Self-paced classes: You can also learn by taking self-paced classes through a video-sharing platform like YouTube. This is a great affordable option, but you won’t get the personalized instruction that you need to excel and learn quickly
- Dancing schools: One of the best ways to learn to dance is by attending a dancing school. This will prepare you for a career in dance and teach you how to begin your own studio
Some classes may require more time and effort than others. So, make sure to consider the time and effort that each class will require. For example, in-person classes have varying class options. You can take a one-time class that covers the basics of dancing, or you take a class that spans several weeks.
In-Person Dance Classes
Taking an in-person dance class is the best way to learn how to dance. You will get one-on-one instruction and guidance from a professional instructor. If you need help figuring out the right motion or hearing the beat of the music, the instructor will be able to give you the help you need. This specialized assistance may not be available when taking other forms of dance classes.
You can find several great class options listed on CourseHorse. Keep reading to learn more about-person classes in your area.
In-Person Dance Classes in New York
For those living in New York, consider taking Tandava Arts’ SharQui – The Bellydance Workout class. This is a unique dancing class that focuses on the unique breakdown and repetition of belly dance movements. It’s a fun class that is fun and easy to follow. As you learn the new movements, you’ll automatically improve your posture, slimming hips and legs, defining the waist, and increasing upper body strength. According to the class description, you’ll burn more than 350 calories per hour. The class has an average size of just 10 people and is open to anyone ages 10 and older.
The NY Tango School NYC (TWJ) offers a class called Argentine Tango (Absolute Beginner). You don’t need any dance experience to take the class, and you will learn the basic elements to move up quickly to the next level. According to the class description posted on CourseHorse, you’ll learn a breakdown of the basic elements, including the embrace, concept of lead and follow, cross and parallel walk systems, 6, 8, & 10 counts, cruzada, weight changes, ochos, rock step, turns, gancho, lapiz, sacada, and barrida. The course meets four times and is designed to help you start dancing during the first lesson. It’s the perfect class for those who have no prior experience dancing, and you also don’t need a dancing partner to take the class.
Bridge For Dance in NYC offers a Tap (Beginners) class that meets once. You’ll learn the basic knowledge you need to move to an intermediate class. It’s also a smaller class, with an average size of just five students. It’s also open to anyone ages 15 and up. You will need to bring tap shoes to the class and wear comfortable clothes.
Finally, a great dance class is the Beginner Belly Dance class from the SHEBA Belly Dance School. It has an average class size of just 15 people and is open to anyone 15 and up. You’ll get an introduction to the art of belly dancing with an emphasis on body awareness, correct posture, musicality, and fun. You don’t need any experience to take this class, and you’ll meet once for one hour.
In-Person Dance Classes in Los Angeles
For those living in Los Angeles, you have tons of class options available. For example, a great class for those interested in 1-on-1 help is the 30-Min Private Hip Hop Dance or Breakdance Lessons class. You will learn from Darren, who is a member of the Kinjaz from NBC's World of Dance Season 1. Darren has 15 years of teaching experience and teaches students who are 18 years and older. Since this is a private class, you can customize the class to fit your level. If you’re a beginner, your instructor will cover beginner elements. On the other hand, if you’re more experienced, your instructor will take you through more advanced techniques.
There is also a 60-Min Private Hip Hop Dance or Breakdance Lessons class if you’re not sure that the 30-minute lesson will be long enough. This option includes all of the same benefits as the 30-minute class, but you’ll get 1-on-1 instruction for the full hour.
You Can Dance Studio in LA offers a one-hour Bachata course. It has an average class size of 15 people and is open to students who are 18 years and older. In this bachata class, you’ll learn the basic steps and techniques of the club dance. Throughout the class, you’ll get an overview of the steps to help you get up and go dancing.
Athletic Garage Dance & BodyWork Studio offers a Contemporary dance class for any level. The description describes the class as warm and welcoming. It begins with a warm-up centered on mindful awareness, strength-building, breathwork, and musicality. Then progresses with movements across the floor, and culminates with a choreographed contemporary combination. It meets once for one hour and is the perfect class to learn contemporary dance or to brush up on your skills.
In-Person Dance Classes in Chicago
On CourseHorse’s website, you can also find tons of classes in Chicago. One great option is the Latin Club Dances course from Chicago Dance. The class has an average size of 20 people, which means there are plenty of opportunities to make new friends and meet people. During the class, you’ll learn four popular Latin dances and learn how to stay active while having fun. It’s a great date night activity or a great activity to learn on your own. Throughout the four sessions, you’ll learn Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, and Cha Cha while implementing all of the essentials, like rhythm, foot placements, and body actions.
Dance Center Chicago offers a Beginner Swing course that meets for four sessions. It’s a three-month series where you’ll gain a solid foundation before you move on to an intermediate class. However, this class does require that you take an Intro to Swing class before. Once you graduate from the Beginner Swing, consider taking Intermediate Swing from Dance Center Chicago. This class will go over more detailed techniques as well as advanced figures and combinations. After completing the Intermediate course, you’ll have a solid understanding of the advanced techniques you need to excel in swing dancing.
If you’re interested in learning Ballroom dance, consider taking Chicago Dance’s Ballroom Moves 1 class. During the class, you’ll learn how to float and glide across the dance floor over the course of four weeks. Specifically, you’ll learn both the Waltz and Foxtrot. Another great class to take from Dance Center Chicago is Intro to Argentine Tango. This is a great class to take if you have no prior experience with dancing. You’ll be introduced to basic figures and partnering skills of Tango. The class has an average size of 20 people and is open to anyone ages 18 and older in Chicago.
Virtual Dance Classes
The two most popular dance classes are in-person and online classes. Both offer great benefits and opportunities to learn. For those who don’t live near a dance studio, online classes are a great option to take. Here are some of the best online dance classes that teach a wide variety of dancing skills.
One of the best classes to take online is the Ballet Barre Online class from Anna Griffin Dance. It’s a one-hour class where you will focus on Ballet terminology and correct body placement to improve posture, flexibility, range of motion, coordination, and rhythm in a fun, non-intimidating, positive environment. Although the classroom is virtual, it’s entirely immersive.
During class, you’ll be able to ask questions, watch demonstrations, and learn new skills all from the comfort of your home. Although previous valley experience is recommended, it’s not required. The class also recommends that you wear ballet slippers, dance wear, and have your hair pulled away from your face.
Dance of Venus offers a one-hour Beginner Belly Dance class. According to the class description, “[w]hen we belly dance, we bring out the 'Goddess Venus' in each of us, the goddess of love, beauty, sensuality, fertility, and prosperity, hence the name, 'Dance of Venus'.” As you attend the class, you’ll build muscles in your abdomen while improving your posture and grace. The class’s layout is designed to help you steadily improve and learn.
You’re also welcome to rebook classes after you’ve finished as continual attendance will help you perfect the skills. The class description states, “[t]he class starts with a relaxing warm up routine to prepare your body to dance and continues with captivating and hypnotizing slow movements and goes into exploration of joyous, passionate and fun ones.” Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and get ready to have fun.
Anna Griffin Dance offers a Floor-Barre Algin Online class that is open to all levels. The class is described as a “holistic approach to body wellness that concentrates on the whole body, sequentially correcting alignment and strengthening joints and muscles, thus fundamental physical problems and ailments are addressed.” It’s entirely remote so you can take the class from the comfort of your home.
Another great dance class is the Virtual Lit Fit class. It’s a fun, high-energy dance fitness class that aims to get your heart pumping. Every class is different, so you’re encouraged to sign up for several. In fact, the course description says, “[t]he more you come the easier it gets! It's important to know that it usually takes 5-6 classes before you start to feel comfortable with the movements so don’t give up! Just relax, breathe, have fun and don't worry about what you look like in the mirror! Either way you're going to get an amazing workout especially with Laci!”
If you’re interested in the physical benefits of dancing, but you’re unsure about learning to dance, consider taking the Virtual Mindful Stretch. During this class, you will take time to stretch and unwind while grooving to smooth jazz and R&B. The class description says, “[t]ogether you'll explore the body, loosening tight joints focusing on connecting breath to movement.” You will relieve tension in your lower back, hips, and heart, and finish with a brief meditation.
Private Group Dance Classes
Most jobs are stressful and employees spend hours a day stressing and worrying about their place in the company. One of the best ways for employers to give back to their employees is by booking a private group dance class or stretching class. These classes focus on rewarding groups by allowing them to relax and loosen their muscles.
A great class related to stretching is the Virtual Rough Day Recharge course. It lasts for one hour and allows your private group to pause for a self-care moment. In this unique class, you’ll learn to reduce stress and wake up endorphins with a series of activities guaranteed to make you say, "I needed that!"
The class focuses on easy-to-learn desk stretches that you can do with your chair. Hopefully, this will give your employees the ability to pause, stretch, and rewind their stress in the middle of the workday, allowing them to work stress-free for the rest of the day.
Another great class is the Virtual Group Stretching & Alignment course. You will lengthen, strengthen, and align your body in this class. It incorporates various styles of increasing flexibility, including techniques used by dancers to expand your personal range of motion and prevent injury. To participate, wear comfy clothes and have space to stretch.
What Will I Need to Learn to Dance?
To learn to dance, you don’t need a lot of materials. However, several things make it easier to learn how to dance. In addition, some types of dance might need specific items. For example, if you’re learning ballet, you’ll need ballet shoes. However, for general dancing classes, here’s what you’ll need:
- Comfortable or athletic clothes
- A sweat towel
- Comfortable shoes
- A water bottle
Most dance classes don’t require you to purchase specific materials or items, which makes it the perfect skill to learn as a beginner.
Is it Difficult to Learn Dance?
Depending on your skill, learning dance may be easy or difficult. However, regardless of whether you find learning dance to be natural, taking a dance class will help the process become easier. With a dance class, you’ll get instruction from a professional who can walk you through every step.
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