Looking for a place to move and groove to, but not quite sure where and how to do it? If that’s what you’re asking, you’ve come to the right article! Here are some of the US’s most popular dance classes.
While there’s an endless amount of dance classes no matter where you are, we invite you to get up and move (and maybe even make some new friends) in an environment that will equip you with all the grooves and combos you’re looking to learn!
What are the most popular dance classes in the US?
Coral Gables, Florida
1. Arthur Murray Dance Centers
The OG of the dance class, Arthur Murray is considered a pioneer of social dancing that dates back to the 1920s. He’s been credited with creating dancing footprints, and shoe cutouts he would place on the floor to show where couples should put their feet to nail each move. Yeah, it’s as confusing as it sounds like it would be, but definitely something we can aspire to!
Today, Murray’s long legacy continues (minus the paper shoes). Arthur Murray Dance Centers has over 260 dance class locations in 20+ countries around the globe. Here they teach an array of styles like ballroom waltzes, and traditional social dances like Foxtrot and Swing along with Latin dances such as Salsa and Bachata. The schools also have added dance classes like the Hustle, Tango, and Country Western over the years.
Arthur Murray Coral Gables 2916 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134-6811
Los Angeles, California
2. The Playground LA
Feeling nostalgic for The Pussycat Dolls? Head to The Playground LA. It’s owned by the burlesque troupe’s founder Robin Antin and dancer Kenny Wormald (he played Kevin Bacon’s role in the Footloose remake).
The Melrose Avenue location is full of insta-worthy industrial vibe. You might even find yourself elbow to elbow with a celebrity classmate. Their website counts celebs like Drew Barrymore, Tracee Ellis Ross, Cameron Diaz, and J-Beebs himself as having taken classes here. The Playground focuses on popular dance trends with a current emphasis on Hip Hop and Heels.
The Playground LA 7375 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Atlanta, Georgia
3. Fred Astaire Dance Studios
Even 40 years after retiring his top hat, Fred Astaire’s name is still synonymous with dance. So it’s no wonder that this movie legend and choreographer has a popular international dance studio that holds onto his name. If you’re looking to get your DWTS game on, Fred Astaire dance classes have what it takes to get you in competition shape.
At Fred Astaire Dance Studios you’ll find all of the popular dance class standards. Choose from rhythm dance classes like Merengue, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Samba, Bolero, Paso Doble, Jive, and Bachata. There are also their “smooth” offerings which include Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz, and Quickstep.
Fred Astaire Dance Studio Atlanta Midtown 887 West Marietta Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30318
Houston, Texas
4. DivaDance
Part bachelorette party, part dance class with some working out and Beyoncé worship thrown in for good measure - that sums up the DivaDance class experience. Think of it like reliving all the best memories of middle school dance class (yes, there are adult birthday parties available at their studios) without any of those mean girl cliques.
Self-described as “not your mom’s Zumba,” DivaDance focuses on creating an all-inclusive place for women to get fit and have fun. That’s all set against a trending playlist that even has its own Spotify channel.
DivaDance features special Slay Like Beyoncé dance classes that focus on mastering the ultimate diva’s moves including “Single Ladies,” “Partition,” and “Formation” specific classes. With 25 locations across Texas and the East Coast, Single (and married) Ladies can get their groove back with this confidence-boosting studio.
DanceDiva Houston 508 Pecore Street Houston TX 77009
Nashville, Tennessee
5. Millenium Dance Complex
Don’t let the “Wall of Fame” intimidate you or the fact that Usher calls this spot his home away from home. Although Millenium Dance Complex has its roots in commercial dance, its heart is firmly grounded in helping even the most beginner dancers master a wide range of popular dance styles. The national studio, with six locations in the US (in cities previously mentioned, too!) and several more worldwide features popular dance classes for Contemporary, Hip Hop, Heels, Popping, Locking, Jazz, and Ballet.
Millenium Dance Complex Nashville 2844 Logan Street Nashville TN 37211
Related Article: 5 Famous American Ballet Schools You Should Know
New York, New York
6. Broadway Dance Center
If you want to learn to dance, where else to go but Broadway? Whether you’re just visiting the Big Apple or you’re a New York native, Broadway Dance Center is the dance destination, with dozens of highly-trained professional dance instructors and a full schedule of dance styles. These popular dance classes include Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, and numerous Street Styles.
If you’re looking for dance programs without the commitment, you’re in luck! Broadway Dance Center offers an astounding 50+ daily drop-in classes which don’t have any hidden membership fees attached to them. It’s the perfect way to try out a new style and see if it fits your groove.
Broadway Dance Center 322 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
How much are dance classes?
Dance class costs vary, depending on the studio location, dance style, duration of class, class level, and instructor. All of this is established to help with studio expenses and to ensure that the instructor is paid fairly. There are even private dance lessons you can purchase if you’re willing to pay the investment (one that is often much more expensive than a regular dance class), a common practice for competition dancers.
There are affordable classes anywhere, so if budget is on your mind, consider looking at deals on coupon platforms (Groupon, ClassPass) for dance classes, as well as class bundles that allow you to purchase multiple classes at once at a lower average cost. Moreover, some studios offer programs or intensives that consist of multiple dance classes you can take within a shorter period of time.
Are dance classes worth it?
1000000%!!
There are so many reasons why dancing can be a bright spot in your life. Not only is it a pleasurable way to get in some steps and spend time moving, but there’s mounting evidence of numerous health benefits specifically linked with dancing. For instance, dancing can be a natural mood enhancer that boosts all those good brain chemicals that keep up feeling optimistic and energized. Dancing has also been shown to protect areas of the brain tied to memory and cognitive longevity.
Why not just jump around and move on your own. Why take a dance class? Great question! Having a teacher gives you a shortcut to learning new moves. They’re professionals in this skill and will give you warm-ups and cool-down moves to protect you from being injured.
Most importantly, they’ve spent time developing techniques to break down dance moves into bite-sized portions that make them easy to understand and repeat. Just like any skill, you can’t just pick it up and learn it the right way without an experienced guide.
Can you learn to dance at home?
Online dance classes are an easy and convenient way to learn a new dance style or perfect one you’ve been working on. There’s no in-person class to commute to, you’ll never have to worry about being late because you’re stuck in traffic and can go right from your lesson into your next task for the day. Online instructors, just like those in-person, go step-by-step through every move, making it easy to follow along.
You’ll never have to worry about working your schedule around the time of an online dance class, instead, it’s there whenever you’re free. Plus, you’ll have the ability to learn from instructors who you might otherwise never have gotten the chance to study under in person.
