Whether you’re looking to learn the swing or take to the pole, our list of dance classes and studios in Singapore will see you boppin’ along to your favourite beats
While out clubbing in Singapore, most of us have probably responded to a dance floor invitation with, “I’m sorry, I don’t dance”, and then drowned our sorrows with happy hour cocktails. Let’s not have that happen again! Toss aside your excuses and get yourself on the dancefloor (or pole) with our body-bumpin’ list of dance schools. Already a seasoned dancer, you say? Well, that shouldn’t stop you from signing up for more advanced technical classes to take your dance game up a notch with some crowd-stunning dips and acrobatic manoeuvres…
Singapore Dance Theatre
No stranger to Singapore’s ballet scene. Besides delivering stunning ballet performances, adults of all ages are welcome to bust a graceful move or two. Doesn’t matter if you’ve got two left feet or blessed with a pair of excellent pointy shoes, Singapore Dance Theatre has got a line-up of classes that will unleash your inner Anna Pavlova. Amp up your ballet skills with four-level classes to choose from, as well as classes that are taught by the theatre’s very own team of ballerinas and trained dance teachers.
Singapore Dance Theatre, #07-02/03, Bugis+ Mall 201 Victoria Street, Singapore 188067, 6338 0611
Tanglin Arts Studio
Reach toe-tapping stardom with the help of Tanglin Arts Studio. Inviting both and adults to the exciting world of dance, the studio offers a variety of classes introducing ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, musical theatre and Zumba. Its team of dance pros include homegrown qualified teachers, as well as those from Australia and the UK. The best bit? The studio offers students the opportunity to participate in international dance competitions and workshops!
Tanglin Arts Studio, 22 Camden Park, Hollandse Club, Singapore 299814, p. 8123 6670
Lindy Live at House of Timbre
Wish you could blast yourself back to the Swing era of the late 1930s and early 1940s? Relive the joys of lindy hop and Balboa with the folks from Lindy Live. Its classes are in full-swing with plenty of moves, upbeat jazz music and fans of the Happy Dance. Beginner classes are available every Wednesday evening, with social dancing sessions on Thursday evenings.
Lindy Live at House of Timbre, #02-01, No. 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429, p. 6338 7376
SLAP Dance Studio
Don’t let the svelte frames twirling around the poles fool you; pole dancing is as much a feat of strength as it is an exercise in grace. While this might seem intimidating, SLAP Dance Studio’s veteran team of dance instructors will get you into pole position, even if you’ve got no dance experience at all. If you’re an experienced dancer who wants to learn more tricky acrobatic techniques, the school offers more advanced courses as well.
SLAP Dance Studio, 155A/157A Telok Ayer Street Singapore 068611. p. 6636 4622
Bolly Dancing Studio
If you’ve always wanted to shimmy like Shah Rukh Khan, here’s your chance. Bolly Dancing Studio offers beginner classes in Bollywood dance, through easy-to-follow techniques, and fusion classes including Zumba and Bolly Jazz. Prices are also crazy affordable if you’re interested in the long run – a 48-class package will only set you back $595.
Bolly Dancing Studio, Waterloo Centre, 261 Waterloo Street, #01-12, Singapore 180261
O School
Break, lock and pop like the stunners in Step Up at O School. The school’s repertoire of dance courses will teach you everything from hip-hop dance to the eclectic reggae dancehall style. In addition to the more structured dance courses, the school also offers open classes that you can jump right into – y’know, if you’re feeling spontaneously footloose like Kevin Bacon.
O School, #04-04 SCAPE*, 2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978. p. 6509 0016
Wings to Wings
Shush to the sceptics who claim you need a certain body-type to express yourself! Welcoming all abilities and ages, Wings To Wings teaches dance to anyone who’s game – ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and even K-pop. Its close proximity to the city means it’s a draw for lunchtime patrons who’re in need of a fitness fix (they offer toning and flexibility classes), and thankfully, this place offers both afternoon and evening classes.
Wings to Wings, OUE Downtown Gallery, 6 Shenton Way, #03-06/07, Singapore 068809
Stepping Out Studios
Can’t figure out just what sort of dance is for you? Stepping Out Studios offers a whole slew of dance classes for adults including tap, contemporary, ballet, street jazz, lyrics, K-pop, and hip-hop. In addition to classes for adults, the school also offers classes for children. Its convenient location at City Square Mall makes after work dance sessions a breeze.
Stepping Out Studios, City Square Mall, #08-05, Singapore 208539. p. 8183 1683
Celine Jessandra School of Performing Arts
Founded in 2006 by director, Celine Jessandra Lim, this institution is one of the biggest names in K-pop dance in Singapore. The school made its name creating the K-pop wave in Singapore with Celine’s handpicked team of dancers and instructors. If you’ve ever had dreams of dancing along to a particular K-pop song, the school offers classes that teach original choreography based on popular music videos. Ever wanted to dance to Hyuna’s “Ice Cream”? Well, here’s your chance!
Celine Jessandra School of Performing Arts, 177 Thomson Road, Singapore 307625. p. 9732 7302
En Motion Dance
Eager to add a little salsa to your life? Grab a partner and head down to En Motion Dance where you’ll get to learn this sexy, Latin American-influenced dance. Street salsa beginner packages will help you get the hang of the basics, while the dance clinics will teach you a couple of nifty dips and tricks. Not sure if salsa is for you? Sign up for one of their trial classes and see if you can shake it like J.Lo!
En Motion Dance, 8 Craig Rd, Level 1, Singapore 089668. p. 9159 7811
Jazz Cats
Learn all the fancy footwork and masterful manoeuvres behind the timeless jazz dance – arguably one of the hardest to ace – at Jazz Cats. Artistic Director, Melissa Erez, has over two decades of professional teaching experience, so you know that your feet are in capable hands. If you’d like to take up jazz dancing at a more academic level, the school even offers jazz classes from preliminary to eight grade, as well as Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing (CSTD) exams. Theory’s just as important!
Jazz Cats, 491B River Valley Rd, Singapore 248371. p. 6732 4078
Step Studio
Another Hallyu-wave studio that’ll help you kick-start your K-pop career (hey, we can dream), Step will teach you all the signature moves and MTV-style grooves of your favourite K-pop idols. The intensive eight-week long course culminates in an end-of-term performance, so you’ll get your chance to feel like a star as well. Perfect opportunity to take those solo bedroom dance sessions onto the big stage! G-Dragon would be proud.
Step, Peace Centre, #04-13, 1 Sophia Road, Singapore 228149
Angelina Tay School of Bellydance
Dancing is a great way to keep your body in tip-top shape, but it also does wonders for your confidence! School founder, Angelina Tay, aims to work on fitness, dance technique and the sense of confidence gained from the art of belly dancing. The school also places an emphasis on building friendships and a strong belly dancing community, so you’re bound to make a couple of new mates as well. Bonding through the belly – who would’ve thought?
Angelina Tay School of Bellydance, 44C North Canal Road, Singapore 059300. p. 9002 6104.
Shawn and Gladys Dance Academy
Looking to steal the spotlight at the next club visit? Polish your dancing skills at Shawn and Gladys Dance Academy which it not only teaches basic steps to four-beat measures, but also holds group and private classes for all types of Latin ballroom dances and fitness classes. Think bachata, rumba, cha cha and samba, fit for all ages and levels.
Shawn and Gladys Dance Academy, #04-03, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231, p. 6336 2648.
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