Los Angeles, the city of angels, is also a city that pulsates with rhythm. From ballet to hip-hop, salsa to contemporary, the dance scene in LA is vibrant and diverse. Finding the right dance class can be overwhelming, so we've compiled this comprehensive guide to the top 33 dance classes in Los Angeles, catering to all styles and experience levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, this list has something for you. This guide will help you find the best dance classes in Los Angeles to fit your needs and budget.
Finding the Best Dance Studio for You in LA
Choosing the perfect dance class depends on several factors:
- Your Dance Style: Do you dream of graceful ballet movements, the energetic beats of hip-hop, the passionate sway of salsa, or the expressive freedom of contemporary dance? LA offers studios specializing in each.
- Your Experience Level: Are you a beginner taking your first steps, an intermediate dancer looking to refine your skills, or an advanced dancer seeking a challenge? Many studios offer classes for all levels.
- Location: LA is vast! Consider proximity to your home or work to make attending classes convenient.
- Budget: Dance class prices vary. Set a realistic budget before you start your search.
- Class Size and Atmosphere: Do you prefer intimate classes or larger group settings? Some studios have a more competitive atmosphere, while others are more relaxed and social.
Top Dance Styles & Studios in Los Angeles
This list isn't exhaustive, but it highlights some of the best and most popular dance studios across various styles:
Ballet
- The Glorya Kaufman Dance Academy: Renowned for its rigorous training and world-class faculty, this academy is perfect for serious ballet students.
- Millennium Dance Complex: While known for its hip-hop, MDC also offers excellent ballet classes for all levels.
- Movement Lifestyle: Offers a blend of ballet and other styles, creating a dynamic and diverse learning experience.
Hip-Hop
- Millennium Dance Complex (MDC): A legendary LA institution, MDC boasts a star-studded faculty and a high-energy atmosphere.
- EDGE Performing Arts Center: Known for its diverse hip-hop styles and professional choreography.
- The PULSE: A leading dance convention and studio offering intensive hip-hop workshops and classes.
Contemporary
- The Ailey School (Los Angeles): Offers rigorous contemporary training based on the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater technique.
- Body Traffic: A contemporary dance company offering classes that combine athleticism and artistry.
- Movement Lifestyle: Again, this studio provides excellent contemporary classes.
Jazz
- Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio: A classic Hollywood dance studio with a rich history and experienced instructors.
- Broadway Dance Center (Los Angeles): Offers a wide range of jazz styles, from Broadway jazz to contemporary jazz.
- EDGE Performing Arts Center: Also offers high-quality jazz classes alongside its hip-hop programs.
Salsa
- Arthur Murray Dance Studio (Various Locations): A well-established chain with locations throughout LA offering structured salsa lessons.
- DanceSport LA: Specializes in Latin dances, including salsa, with a focus on competition preparation.
- Numerous independent studios and social dance clubs: Look for local community centers and salsa clubs for drop-in classes and social dances.
Ballroom
- Arthur Murray Dance Studio (Various Locations): Excellent for learning various ballroom styles in a structured environment.
- DanceSport LA: Also offers a range of ballroom styles, from waltz to tango.
- Fred Astaire Dance Studio (Various Locations): Another well-established ballroom dance studio chain in LA.
Tap
- Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio: A great place to learn the basics and advanced techniques of tap dance.
- Broadway Dance Center (Los Angeles): Offers various tap classes, catering to diverse skill levels.
- Many independent studios: Look for smaller studios specializing in tap to find a more niche experience.
Other Styles:
- Belly Dance: Numerous studios and instructors offer belly dance classes across LA.
- African Dance: Several studios specialize in traditional and contemporary African dance forms.
- Ballet Folklorico: Studios dedicated to Mexican folk dance are found throughout the city.
- Bollywood Dance: Popular Bollywood dance classes cater to the large South Asian community.
- Irish Step Dance: Several schools teach this energetic and precise dance form.
- K-Pop Dance: Reflecting the popularity of K-Pop, studios now offer classes focused on this genre.
- Pole Dancing: Studios offering fitness-oriented pole dancing classes are becoming increasingly popular.
- House Dance: This energetic and expressive street dance style is taught at many studios.
- Waacking: A dynamic and expressive dance style popularized in the 1970s.
- Krumping: This powerful and expressive dance form has a dedicated following in LA.
- Locking: A funky and rhythmic style of street dance.
- Breaking (B-boying/B-girling): Numerous studios and crews cater to this athletic and acrobatic dance style.
Finding Your Perfect Dance Class: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Identify your preferred dance style: What moves you? What music gets you grooving?
- Determine your skill level: Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced dancer?
- Research studios in your area: Use online resources like Google Maps, Yelp, and class scheduling websites.
- Read reviews: See what other dancers have to say about the studio's instructors, classes, and atmosphere.
- Check class schedules and pricing: Make sure the class times and cost fit your needs.
- Try a trial class: Many studios offer introductory classes or discounts for first-timers.
- Talk to the instructors: Get a sense of their teaching style and philosophy.
Finding the best dance classes in Los Angeles is an exciting journey! With so many options available, take the time to explore, try different styles, and find the perfect fit for your passion and skill level. Happy dancing!
