If you enjoy music in public, there are one of two things you’ll inevitably hear from your friend who likes to rib on you: you either can’t sing or you can’t dance. While we don't have any hot tips for turning you into the reincarnated Whitney Houston, we can point you in the right direction if you want to pop, lock, and drop it without embarrassing yourself. Here’s where to find the dance studios that will teach you everything from body rolling to hitting the splits at the club (without pulling a muscle, that is).
San Francisco
Via SF Pole & Dance's Facebook
3316 24th St., The Mission // Dance Mission is a two-in-one theater and dance studio. Located right in the heart of the Mission, this studio prides themselves on being the meeting point of culture and creativity. Bay Area legend and So You Think You Can Dance? contestant Allan Frias is a resident teacher at the studio, and he's known for leaving students out of breath from a workout and laughter. Latin and Afro movement is the big sell here, but we think the voguing classes here give Madonna a run for her money.
10 Colton Ct., SoMa // This San Francisco dance landmark has earned its stripes: Le Twins, Ellen Kim, Mariel Madrid and Ian Eastwood have held workshops here and made the City Dance name synonymous with big talent. Founded in 2003 by Sandy Lee after partnering with the City Dance Ballet School, City Dance Studios is the spot to learn a variety of styles including hip-hop, flamenco, breakdancing, and tap. All levels are supremely welcome.
City Dance will be moving in August but you can follow them to their new location.
414 Mason St. #705, FiDi // If staying in shape and feeling sexy is your thing, look no further than RAE Studios. Also home to the RAE Agency for models and dancers, this studio runs the gamut from heels classes to K-pop, dancehall, and twerk. Come pop it for real and leave feeling like your best self.
435 23rd St. #19, The Dogpatch // Dogpatch Dance focuses on sexy, twerk and pole styles. But never fear, those of you looking for something slightly less risqué - they offer Zumba sessions and Bollywood classes. To paraphrase Cardi B, make those money moves.
301 8th St. #255, SoMa // Sometimes the name just says it all. Pole dancing has undergone something of a reputation revamp in recent years, and SF Pole and Dance is riding that sea change with strength and flexibility training, party packages, and classes focused on fitness and sexy styles.
East Bay
Via Full Out Studio's Facebook
1225A 7th St., Oakland // Founded by the father of the late Funkanometry SF, Full Out Studios has some serious clout (and is just steps from West Oakland BART!). It's also the Bay's urban hip-hop hub, with regular class offerings and 10-week skills workshops to really hone those moves. Follow Full Out on Facebook to stay up to date on their frequent pop-up workshops.
580 14th St. + 366 Grand Ave., Oakland // Another studio helping grow the local urban hip-hop community, In The Groove is home to the Groove Against the Machine dance team and provides classes in two locations. If you promised yourself you'd teach yourself some sick music video moves but never did, we think this might be the studio you're looking for.
2973 Sacramento St., Berkeley // Those who believe 90s hip-hop died with Tupac clearly haven’t stepped inside of MVMNT. This family-owned studio hones in on the roots of hip-hop with classes in breaking, housing, and popping. This is the perfect studio if you want to learn how to windmill or show the class that you already can.
UC Berkeley Dance Community
Although this might not be a studio, the UC flagship is home to the
Berkeley Dance Community which holds dance workshops all over campus. But this isn’t for those of you with stage fright, as you can’t take a class without simultaneously performing for the public.
South Bay + Peninsula
Via On One Studio's Facebook
200 Northgate Ave. #4, Daly City // If you’re a fan of America’s Best Dance Crew, then you’re probably a fan of the Kinjaz. And if you’re a fan of the Kinjaz, then you might already know Westlake School for the Performing Arts was the home of Kinjaz crew member Pat Cruz. An award-winning dance studio specializing in ballet, WSPA is home to some of the best training in dance fundamentals. The space is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays for drop-in ballet, Tuesdays for drop-in hip-hop, and Fridays for Tahitian Fitness.
1939 Monterey Rd. #1, San Jose // Attention all studio dancers, those who feel rusty, or those of you who just miss hearing a 5-6-7-8! Nor Cal Dance Arts is the place to whip you back into shape. Jazz, ballet, hip-hop, you name it - this studio is perfect for those trying to increase flexibility in every sense of the term.
1530 Oakland Rd. Suite 135, San Jose // Groovy hip-hop, jazzy hip-hop, sassy hip-hop - Purdance has it all. For those who might not know the difference between a fouette and a tendu but can thoroughly differentiate a scuff from a ball change, Purdance is your place.
422 N. Capitol Ave., San Jose // Originally a once-weekly Monday Night Workshop, On One is the newest addition to the Bay Area dance scene. If your Mondays suck, make your way to the studio from 9:30-11:30 p.m. to let loose. If your Mondays don’t suck, then you can drop in any other day of the week for your chance to boogie.
I've had the time of my life, and I owe it all to youuuuuu! Show off your moves when you win one of our festival giveaways.
Written by Tomas Iriarte
