Los Angeles, the city of angels, is also a city of dancers. From Hollywood glamour to the vibrant street styles of its diverse neighborhoods, dance is woven into the fabric of LA culture. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a complete beginner, finding the perfect dance class in this sprawling metropolis can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide breaks down 33 of the best dance classes in Los Angeles, categorized by style, to help you find your perfect groove.
Finding Your Dance Style: A Quick Guide
Before we dive into the specific classes, let's consider some popular styles and what to look for:
- Ballet: Emphasizes grace, precision, and technique. Look for studios with experienced instructors and a strong classical foundation.
- Jazz: A blend of various styles, often incorporating improvisation and musicality. Expect high-energy routines and a focus on expression.
- Hip Hop: Dynamic and expressive, with a focus on rhythm, groove, and street style. Find studios that offer different levels, from beginner to advanced.
- Contemporary: A fusion of modern and ballet, focusing on fluidity, emotion, and storytelling. Look for classes that encourage individual expression.
- Salsa: Partner dance with vibrant Latin rhythms. Expect a lot of partner work and opportunities to learn different patterns and techniques.
- Ballroom: Includes various partner dances like waltz, tango, foxtrot, and quickstep, emphasizing elegance and grace.
- Tap: A percussive dance style using tap shoes. Find classes that focus on rhythm, technique, and musicality.
Top Dance Classes in Los Angeles: A Breakdown by Style
This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a great starting point for your dance journey in LA. Remember to check websites for schedules, pricing, and levels offered.
Ballet
- The Los Angeles Ballet: Renowned for its classical productions and high-quality instruction.
- Millennium Dance Complex: Offers a wide range of dance styles including ballet, alongside workshops with famous choreographers.
- Debbie Allen Dance Academy: Known for its rigorous training and connection to the entertainment industry.
Jazz
- EDGE Performing Arts Center: A well-known and respected studio with a strong jazz program.
- Movement Lifestyle: Offers a blend of jazz and other contemporary styles.
- Steele Dance Center: Known for their high-energy jazz classes.
Hip Hop
- Millennium Dance Complex: A powerhouse for hip hop, boasting a diverse range of styles and instructors.
- The Pulse: Another major studio offering various hip hop styles and workshops.
- Studio City Dance: Known for its diverse hip-hop offerings and professional instructors.
Contemporary
- Body Traffic: A contemporary dance company that also offers classes to the public.
- The Movement Center: Focuses on contemporary technique and improvisation.
- Martha Graham Dance Company: Offers classes based on the iconic Martha Graham technique.
Salsa
- DanceSport LA: Specializes in ballroom and Latin dance, with a strong Salsa program.
- Arthur Murray Dance Studio (multiple locations): Offers structured Salsa instruction for all levels.
- Conga Room: A popular nightclub that also offers Salsa lessons.
Ballroom
- DanceSport LA: One of the top studios for ballroom dance in Los Angeles.
- Arthur Murray Dance Studio (multiple locations): A well-established chain with comprehensive ballroom programs.
- Fred Astaire Dance Studio (multiple locations): Another reputable option for ballroom dance instruction.
Tap
- Broadway Dance Center (Los Angeles): Renowned dance studio with a strong tap program.
- Debbie Allen Dance Academy: Offers tap classes alongside other dance forms.
- Steele Dance Center: Features experienced tap instructors.
Other Notable Studios and Classes:
- Movement Theater: Offers classes in various modern and experimental dance styles.
- Anatomy in Motion: Unique classes that combine dance with functional movement and anatomy.
- The Actors' Gang: Offers movement and dance classes tailored for actors.
- DancePlug: Offers a diverse range of classes from various genres through various levels.
- Radix Dance: Focuses on contemporary dance and improvisation.
- Eva’s Dance Studio: Known for excellent instructors in various styles, including beginner-friendly options.
- LA Dance Academy: A comprehensive studio covering multiple dance disciplines.
- Elite Dance Studios: Provides classes across multiple styles and levels.
- Base Camp Fitness: Includes dance-fitness classes in their offerings.
- Beyond the Barre: Provides barre-based classes blending dance and fitness.
- Just Dance LA: Offers multiple dance styles with a fun and energetic environment.
- Dance Dynamics: Another reputable dance studio providing a multitude of styles and skill levels.
Choosing the Right Class for You
Consider these factors when selecting a dance class:
- Your experience level: Beginners should look for beginner classes; advanced dancers should seek out more challenging options.
- Your preferred style: Choose a class that aligns with your interests and goals.
- Location and convenience: Select a studio that's easily accessible to you.
- Instructor qualifications: Look for instructors with experience and a good reputation.
- Class size: Smaller classes generally offer more personalized attention.
- Cost: Dance classes can range in price, so consider your budget.
This guide provides a starting point for your LA dance journey. Remember to research, read reviews, and try out a few different studios and classes to find the perfect fit for you. Happy dancing!
