I need a workout that is so much fun that I forget I'm working out - that's exactly what I found in Dance Trance (DT). I joined a class through Class Pass two years ago, and quickly decided that this studio was the right fit for me. The instructors are warm and friendly, the environment is judgment-free and unpretentious, and the dances range from simple to complex. Two years of dance later and I'm now a regular. I'm so much more coordinated than when I began, and I know most of the choreography (although I keep coming back because there are always new dances to learn!). Like any workout, you get out what you put in. Commit to moving and having a good time and you'll sweat through your clothes and feel it in your legs. Like any class, it can be overwhelming at first. Come to three classes (at least a Tuesday and Saturday breakdown) and you'll feel like a regular in no time. After 90 minutes of energetic, sassy, high cardio dancing, I leave every class with a rush of confidence and endorphins. DT has become a regular part of my routine and I would be lost without it! read more

You know who I've never seen smiling while they work out? Runners. People on the elliptical. Competitive cyclists. Or anyone else "getting the heart rate up" just because it's good for them. You know who smiles while they work out? People at Dance Trance. Every last student in that class, including the new girl: Me. I found Dance Trance on a bit of a whim, looking to get back into dancing and also to incorporate more cardio into my pilates/yoga/barre routine. My boyfriend's refusal to join me at the Old School/New School Hip Hop Dance Party on a Friday night was the push I needed to venture to Dance Trance-- located at the Balance Gym-- to get my booty shakin' on on a Saturday morning. I went to one of the "breakdown" classes, thinking it was only an hour long. Wrong- it was two (which I learned when I arrived from my awesome instructor Lauren who made me feel totally welcome and at ease). Breakdown class is actually a half hour breakdown (learning a new routine) and then ninety minutes of dancing to a playlist. I didn't think it was possible for 120 minutes to go by so quickly, especially while exercising. To my delight, I spent the morning rocking out to awesome music. (Honestly, Lauren had me at Usher). Popping. Locking. Dropping it like it's hot. *Positive* reinforcement from a high energy and kind instructor and encouraging fellow students. This, people, is my cardio mecca and I WILL be purchasing a monthly class pass. If you used to dance once upon a time, you will love this class. If you like to dance around your apartment, you will love this class. If you're just looking for a FUN way to get some exercise that does not involve a boring gym membership or running on a treadmill like a hamster, you will love this class. If you like nice, upbeat, high-energy people you will love this class. With the $20 one week pass you have nothing to lose-- except maybe a few pounds and any inhibitions you have about shaking your booty in a room full of strangers. Some suggestions- bring water and maybe a towel. You will sweat. Bring supportive shoes. I wore dance sneakers but regular running shoes are fine. Be patient and have a sense of humor- even with movement experience, you'll be facing the wrong way or on the wrong foot until you get the hang of the routine. Nobody cares. Have fun. It's dancing. The "workout" piece is just an added bonus. read more

Why are there not more stars to check?? I was sooooo excited to have found Dance Trance (thanks, Groupon!) and was looking forward to finally cutting down my hours of my second job and having a chance to do something for me.... And BOY DID DANCE TRANCE NOT DISAPPOINT!!! I've spent three years looking for a place to dance in DC and somehow have missed Dance Trance this entire time-- But what I experienced on my first night was literally EXACTLY what I was looking for. Top to bottom. Including the people who attend. I've been in a bit of a slump for a few months now and haven't been a very happy or fun person to be around, but I think both my boyfriend AND my mom were pleasantly shocked when I called them both afterwards and couldn't stop babbling about how much fun I'd had in the class and how it was EXACTLY what I'd needed. Wow. I have to say, too, that the story behind Dance Trance DC is simply inspiring. I (and a lot of other women, I know) often question whether I'm doing something that truly makes me happy for a living. When people ask me what that thing is, I tell them 100% singing and dancing. That's it. And I don't get many chances to actually do them. I'm SO grateful to have Dance Trance in this city so I can still enjoy doing what makes me truly truly happy, and I hope this whole operation really takes off for Sarah and her girls! I honestly don't see how it couldn't. It's the greatest form of fitness I've ever known. I'm in the process of moving to the suburbs in the next year or so and have been desperate to get out of the city...but after my first class, I'm hesitant to even do it! That's how perfect it was. I don't even want to move anymore, if it means being further away from the classes haha. For anyone looking to lose weight, get fit and toned, meet new friends, or just have fun and finally put a smile on their face, DANCE TRANCE IS WHERE IT'S AT! I feel so so sorry for the people I meet who tell me, "Yeah, I do Crossfit / running / marathons / pilates / boot camp / etc., and yeah, I want to kill myself during the process, but afterwards I feel great!!" Yeah, well newsflash: With Dance Trance you can feel great afterwards AND while you're doing it! The minutes FLY by and you leave pop-and-locking and shimmying into the locker room. I feel like... I win. Anyway, thank you so so much for bringing Dance Trance to DC, and I'm looking so forward to refining my dance skills and 'bringing it' in coming years. read more

This place is named so accurately. I love that I can forget I'm working out because I'm focused on learning new routines or keeping time with everyone else. I always break a sweat and get my heart rate up, and I have a great time doing it. I love the music they choose - there's a variety of throwback, current hits, and genres. And, I appreciate the alternative times/days offered. The instructors are friendly and down to earth, and the regulars are super welcoming. I wish I could go more often! read more

I just recently joined Classpass and was looking for fun dance exercise. I usually go to 305 Fitness in 14th ST for a sexy fun sweaty dance exercise. Sadly they are not on Classpass, so I decided to try out Dance Trance. The studio is located in the 3rd floor of Balance Gym and is metro accessible. As soon as I walked in the class I can feel that the energy level is low. I took the breakdown class since this is my first class with Dance Trance and i feel like it was a waste time. The instructor was so quiet and not energetic. We keep on repeating the different set of dance, but we repeat them too much that we are only able to practice the whole routine once with the song. There was no song at all while you're learning the moves. Further dragging the energy of the class down. The instructor kept forgetting the moves and I got really bored. I am not sure with the high ratings, but for me it was okay. Tried once, will never come back again. I didn't even break a single sweat during the whole 60 mins session. read more

Dance Trance DC is transformative in so many ways! If you HATE working out, then this is the activity for you. The program has helped me lose over 30 pounds. - mostly because I went and I went because it was fun, fun, fun! Everyone is super encouraging on and off the dance floor. The instructors and the owner, Sarah, are incredible cheerleaders that everyone needs to have in their life. The personal support and encouragement does wonders to improve your confidence and can't be matched. read more

Took a few of these classes because I have a good friend who is a regular. The first class will be a bit overwhelming and you will feel like you are flailing around. The more you attend classes the less silly you feel. Essentially each week at the break down class they teach a new dance and then at the regular length classes they just go through all of the dance trance repertoire. These dances are fully choreographed, so it's not like typical fitness movement classes where movements are repeated for certain counts in the music. I can see why people like attending dance trance especially because of the community and friendly instructors. Although I am a former trained dancer I wasn't the biggest fan of Dance Trance. I think it's great for people who are looking for a fun movement fitness experience. But if you are someone who is a trained dancer or if you prefer high intensity cardio dance work outs... You might find yourself like me, a little underwhelmed and disappointed. I found myself frustrated because the movements didn't always make sense and I let the dance training get in the way of my enjoyment because I couldn't decipher what some moves were supposed to be and looking at those around me wasn't helpful. Regardless, dance trance is a positive exercise environment. You will get a work out and break a sweat to some fun music. read more

I love this place. It's addicting and a great way to fulfil my need to dance and get a great workout in at the same time! It's a great work out and the unique choreography to literally hundreds of songs keeps you mentally challenged and interested. I don't think I can ever leave DC bc I'm not sure how I'd workout without it. read more

I can't believe it's taken me this long to write a review for Dance Trance DC! I've been taking Dance Trance classes since March of 2013, and there's a reason why I'm still going at least four times a week. The first thing you'll notice when you take a class is that everyone already seems like they know each other and are even friends. But you'll immediately be welcomed into our little Dance Trance community! Don't be intimidated! As class gets started, the lights go down and the music starts. There's enough light with the flashing DJ lights and in the front that you can see yourself and the instructor, but know that no ones eyes are on you! Routines range from easy to difficult, and medium to high cardio. I immediately started picking up on the repetitive parts of the easier songs, and as I continued to go, started noticing that I was improving and learning routines at a much faster pace than I ever anticipated! By the third or fourth class, you'll start looking forward to songs you really know and keep improving the ones you're learning. Twice a week, you get an opportunity to learn one of the routines step-by-step (Breakdown). Thursdays and Saturdays, the instructor will breakdown the song and teach it to you and answer any questions. This is a great way to improve your confidence with the routines. The best parts - you'll smile, laugh, dance, sweat. You don't even realize how good of a workout you just finished. The hour will fly by. You won't check the clock. And you'll suddenly know high cardio dance routines to dozen of songs you hear on the radio. And you'll have fun with your new friends on the dance floor. read more

Hmmm... How do I say this??? I LOVE IT! The class is a high energy, super fun, cardio dance fitness class unlike any other that I have tried. The music is fresh (think Top 100), the routines are easy enough for anyone to follow (I generally have no rhythm, so if I can do it so can you), and it is a awesome workout (I don't usually sweat much, but this class gets me every time). Sara (the owner and instructor) is incredibly nice, full of energy, and genuinely enjoys teaching us the moves. So if you enjoy dancing, and want a fun and exhilarating workout; I think this class would be perfect for you. The 1st class is free! It's definitely worth trying out. :) read more

Where to start? This is one of the best fitness classes I've ever done. For some background--I'm a pretty fit gal with some curves. No skinny-minny lululemon pants on the daily, but I can run and jump and lift weights with the rest of them. When I started DTDC, I was really looking for something to shake up my workout routine. I had done yoga and barre for the weeks prior and liked it, but wanted something a little less serene. Well, I found it. I don't want to repeat what others have said here already, but DTDC is a great way to burn calories and literally dance the hour(s) away. Even during our 2-hour dance sessions, I wouldn't know how much time passed and would actually be SAD when it was all over. If you're willing to check your self-consciousness at the door and just have FUN, then come to DTDC. No one takes themselves too seriously, there are women (with the occasional man) of all different sizes, colors, and shapes who join, and you'll be surprised how quickly you pick up on the moves. Also, you'll lose weight if you put some effort in. I was part of the 60-day summer challenge, so attended almost all the classes (6x/week) for 2 months and lost about 6 pounds without much change in my diet. If you're the kind of person who can resist the sweet temptation of french fries, you'll probably lose more. Also, the instructors are awesome! Eileen's classes were probably my favorite. She has such a great, infectious energy, despite the kind of mood I was in after work, she always chose a playlist and had an attitude that made me forget my worries and just have a good time! What are you doing reading this? SIGN UP FOR DTDC AND START DANCING! read more

Dance Trance is a unique way to get fit and have fun doing it. Close knit friendly atmosphere, there's really nothing else like it. Guess that's why they've gone gang-busters opening new locations nationwide and worldwide! read more

I love dance trance! The instructors were very welcoming to new students and know everyone's name. Dance trance is your opportunity to be a backup dancer in a Beyonce video without sweating out my blowout. I used to take Zumba but I didn't like half the songs. At dance trance I love most of the songs! I took 305 Fitness but had to quit because they have a soft foam floor (for gymnastics) that made my feet hurt so badly. However unlike 305 Fitness, I don't work up a sweat at Dance trance or burn as many calories, although I'm sure the instructor is working up a sweat. But that's ok because I don't go in expecting that, it's just a fun hour pretending I'm a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. The regulars know all the moves, so it's not something you can pick up on for a long time, especially when there are different songs every week, which is why you see the negative reviews here. See unlike Zumba where you can show up for the first time and zone out but get every step, at Dance Trance it takes attending classes several times a week over a couple months before you start to get it. I've gone to the breakdowns and still don't get the song. But in the end it's worth it because it's so much fun! The other students are very friendly and it's real community. Cons: They need to fix their social media. Their facebook page is not a fan page like every other business where you can just like it, it's a friend page so whomever is the owner of it gets access to view your page. Their instagram hasn't been updated in a year. Last year I wanted to unsubscribe from the emails because the owner kept sending us personal essays. The 24-hour cancellation policy is ridiculous and not in line with other fitness studios in the city. If I wake up sick or it's pouring rain, I can't cancel. When they first opened I had always hoped they would branch out of Balance Gym because the class times are just too late, the poles in the room aren't conducive to a dance class, and the a/c doesn't work well, but to no avail. They only tell you a week beforehand what their holiday schedule will be, even though the time switching is always the same. Not all the instructors stretch at the end of class. I wish if there was more than one instructor in class, one would be in the back since we do so much facing the back window. Only one instructor does this but now she's on maternity leave. During water breaks it would be nice if the music wasn't so loud so we can hear our conversations better. read more

I am sooooo happy that I found Dance Trance!! I've meet some AMAZING people and I get a kick ass workout. Sarah Spears, the owner, has put together an incredible staff...they are so amazing!! My week sucks without DT! read more

I'm completely addicted to Dance Trance. I've been going for about a month and can't get enough. I look forward to it during the day - who looks forward to working out??? - but I will seriously be having a tough day at work and feel better knowing I'm going to Dance Trance later that night. It's infectious and so much fun. Great music. Great energy. I highly recommend. read more

I have been attending Dance Trance classes since summer 2012, and I have to borrow a word used by someone else on this forum already - transformative. I had spent years and years trying to find a fitness regimen that would work for me - but either I was miserable (running) or I wasn't challenging myself enough to feel results (machines at the gym, other group classes). I used to worry - really worry -- that exercise would always be a chore for me, and that I would be struggling with it my whole life. For me finding DT was like finally finding that friend who *gets* you. I danced throughout childhood and high school, but as an adult, there just didn't seem to be any outlet for that part of me. Most dance studio classes were too slow and focused on technique for me to get a good workout, whereas most of the dance-inspired aerobics-type classes I attended were too boring and repetitive. Dance Trance is the perfect combination: it has variety in its music and choreography, which keeps me interested and engaged, but enough of a focus on cardio that I always get a good sweat on. I also love that it's accessible enough that my friends who don't have a dance background can come too. On a different level, i think the community that has grown up around Dance Trance DC is amazing. It has found that balance where it's both motivating AND accepting. Finding a workout that I enjoyed was important to my physical health, but the friends I've made through Dance Trance and the support I've received through the community has helped build my confidence and improved my life in more intangible ways as well. read more

I started DanceTrance about a month ago with ClassPass. It's really fun and the people in the class (instructors and participants) are so friendly. The music is great and I definitely sweat. I'm going 2-3 times a week and am seriously thinking about just getting the unlimited pass. I hate working out but DT doesn't feel like work. A few things, especially if you're concerned about some of the less flattering reviews here: 1. The class works if you go continuously. So yes, in your first class, it's hard to follow along. BUT IT'S FINE. Everyone is incredibly nice and noone cares if you're not perfect. The premise is that each week you learn a new routine and over time you build up your knowledge, recognize the songs, and get better. Every class you remember a little more and even when you can't follow each step perfectly, you work up a sweat. I've been going for just a few weeks, about 2x a week, and I'm really surprised at how quickly you learn. It feels great to master a routine (you will find yourself doing them in your house, as you walk..it's addicting), but i'm definitely still stumbling through some routines and again, IT IS FINE. The more you go the better it is and it's fun the whole way. 2. The breakdown classes on Tuesdays and Saturdays are a great place to start. The instructors show you a new routine in slow mo and every person in the class, from the 3 year veterans to the newest recruit, is learning along with you. BUT STAY FOR HIGH CARDIO, they have years of routines built up so yah, you won't know much to start, but go a couple of times and things stick fast. You can also sign up for the unlimited 1-week pass for $20, go a few times in 1 week and see how you like it. 3. Being confused a bit is actually one of my favorite parts of the class. It forces my brain to forget about my work and other concerns and focus on getting the steps right. It's a little brain vacation. 4. If you're a former dance team champion, maybe the moves won't be for you. It's not training you to take over the club floor. But for us mortals who like to dance, the routines are pretty fun and cheeky. The class is for all ages, body types, and levels of coordination. You don't need to be a great dancer to start. read more

I have no idea how this workout has such high reviews. I tried Dance Trance a couple months ago in hopes that it'd be a good alternative to another dance cardio workout in DC that I absolutely love but doesn't participate in Class Pass (as Dance Trance does). I'm by no means a fitness health nut, but I didn't even break a sweat in this class. It was no more of a cardio workout than my walk to work. Also, the moves just felt silly. They weren't complicated (I grew up dancing) they just made me feel like I was at a middle school dance. This is the only time in my life that I've left a group fitness class before it ended - not because I was dying of exhaustion, but because I was so bored and felt stupid. Definitely wouldn't recommend to anyone. Only reason I'm even giving it one star was because the instructor seemed like a nice person. read more

I don't understand why this workout has such good ratings on Yelp. Either the dance cardio scene in DC is abysmal or I went to my first class on a bad day. I recently moved to DC from NY and I've been looking for some good dance cardio classes here since I loved taking a bunch of different ones back home through ClassPass. I barely broke a sweat during the class (which is ludicrous since I sweat A LOT more than most). The instructor was lost half of the time when it came to the choreography, she didn't do most of the moves full out, and her energy was lacking. If this is the norm for Dance Trance, training is obviously not a priority. Additionally the music selection was not the best when it comes to energy, motivation, and fun - components that all cardio dance classes should have. I guess it's ok for beginners, but if you're looking for a real workout, go elsewhere. read more

There might not be enough room in this text box to describe how incredible this program is. Although I still feel like a newbie, I guess I've been a quasi-regular Dance Trance goer since January of 2014. I travel for work and it's always been a massive challenge to buckle down and commit to any type of exercise program, just because I'm never in one place for too long. But the first time I tried DT, I knew I was hooked. Since that first class, I've done everything in my power to keep coming back for more. It's cathartic, it's inspiring, it's revitalizing... it's truly like anything else I've come across. If you are a former dancer (like me) or if you just love music, you absolutely must try this. read more

I can't say enough good things about Dance Trance! I stumbled upon it after searching online for what seemed like forever, trying to find dance classes in DC. I wanted something that was not too intense (a.k.a. not full of professional dancers), but that had a little more focus on choreography than something like Zumba does. Dance Trance was totally it, and I was hooked, pretty instantly. It's (bonus!) reasonably priced, and just sooo much fun. Even on the days where I didn't feel like working out, it always ended up being so fun that I was relieved and happy that I went. You forget that you're actually getting exercise, because it feels like you're just dancing to your favorite songs in a club (or your living room) - albeit in sync with a bunch of other people. It does take a few classes for you to get the hang of it, because they only teach the choreo to one song a week, and so everyone who's been going for awhile seems to know every song and exactly what they're doing, but if you go frequently enough (which you will, if you become an addict), you'll be able to pick up the routines. Just keep at it, and when in doubt, just fake it and keep dancing. read more

I love Dance Trance. I have been going for about a month and I'm hooked. I literally despise every other form of cardio except dancing and totally regret not trying this out sooner. I do like zumba and other dance-based workouts, I grew up dancing, so this is a great balance of fun and functional for me, but they make it so anyone can attend and follow along. They very rarely use dance lingo (but I get excited when I recognize a basic step) and sometimes use the 5-6-7-8 counting. They teach one new song per week and repeat that song for six weeks so that you can really nail it and even make it your own a bit. I look forward to every class, it's a huge confidence booster! If you're not up for muscle memory, then maybe this isn't for you. Dropping in could work to get a sweat out, but you may feel lost for the first few class. No one is judgmental because they all have been there. In fact, it's the friendliest place I've been to and it's a great social balance. All the instructors are great, and you'll start to get a flavor for their style pretty quickly; some are sporty, booty shakers, some try to have themes. I do like it when there's more than one instructor for when we face the back of the room. In response to someone's comment / elaborate about the breakdowns: It's different than a hip hop class in that you don't learn 4, 8, 16, 24 counts at a time, take it from the top several times and try to get as far as you can in 60 minutes. Rather, you see/follow the dance at the beginning, they break it down fairly quickly in typically four parts, and then go through it at the end of the 30 minute breakdown. You'd be surprised how much you've learned when you hear the song come on during the 60 minute high cardio, and then every time you come back during the next six weeks. I'm a bit more sympathetic about the instructors forgetting the dance, because it's likely very new to them as well and there's 350 songs to choose from, and they are going to be playing (and knowing) 16 of those songs during the hour. Most instructors in other classes (pilates, yoga, spin) use notes. They don't post the songs because of copyright law (or something). Location: It is in the alley where Balance is, but I've never felt uneasy, especially taking the 14th street entrance where you walk past the private gym sessions where it's heavily trafficked. For the space itself, I don't think the poles get in the way, but I can see how some might think that. I also find it very affordable. I actually have a spreadsheet where I track convenient gyms and breakdown their cost per class in their packages. Anything more than $20 ish doesn't make the list (looking at you "boutique" gym's in DC). At $99 a month, going twice a week is less than $12.50 a class, go three times a week and it's $8.25 a class. It's apparently on Class Pass too As a fellow dance trance dancer said, "it's the most fun you'll have doing cardio anywhere in DC." read more

If one of the things that you lament about living in DC is the lack of dance studios lament no more. If you want to improve your boom kacks and work on your foot work, Dance Trance is the place for you. I recently discovered Dance Trance and thoroughly enjoy the classes. It is what I've always fantasized about if I lived in the NYC and low and behold its here in DC. On a recent evening after work the volume was definitely cranked up and it was steamy like a club on a Saturday night. You actually learn choreography and then have an opportunity to put what you learn to the test. But for me, the best part of attending a Dance Trance class is watching the instructors really, really enjoy themselves as they guide us through the various routines so that in and of itself is priceless for me ;-)) read more

I'm so glad I found Dance Trance. It is the ONLY work out regimen I've EVER been able to be continuously excited to go to. I never have to drag myself there. I go 3-5 days a week every week. I feel healthier, happier, and my body thanks me for it! read more