Dance Underground is an unassuming underground space which boasts three dance studios that are rented out for various classes. I currently take Badi (a dance fitness style class) in this location and love the feel and vibe of the entire studio. With ample mirrors and twinkle lights for ambiance, the space feels sacred. Descending down the stairs upon entering by Sur 16, I become mentally and physically far away from the busy Seattle life overhead allowing me dance my troubles away and become lost in the music. The location is also off of 15th street in Capitol Holl, home to many wonderful shops and restaurants, giving you ample options for food with friends or a quick coffee break before or after your class. read more

*Purchases her very own zils* I totally underestimated getting an actual workout here. I don't know why. I thought that the fun factor would cancel out feeling the burn, but dayam, this was work. I took the Egyptian-style belly dancing class, the first class in their 5-week series. My glutes. My hammies. Every muscle in my arm. Some muscle in my upper abs that apparently don't get used on a normal basis. They all moved...and I got into it. Our instructor was fantastic, making sure to accommodate those with injuries, explaining the muscles being stretched or used. She was hands-on, too, making adjustments to people's postures. $15 to drop in or $12 per class with the series via cash or check. Street parking. Reasons to buy fun costumes and props imminent. read more

I have gone to both Nia and Zumba classes here and I loved them all! It's a great, cozy little studio (literally underground) that's dim and welcoming. Big mirrors, clean floor, enough space for everyone to get down properly. There isn't much in the way of bathroom or changing facilities, but there are plenty of fans and always hot towels after class. The classes are fast-paced and energetic, basically no breaks between songs so you gogogo for an hour straight and walk out sweaty and wobbly-legged. One word for the music and the atmosphere - sassy! Both Barb and Dina are personable and friendly and they, along with the other students, made me feel welcomed, not judged. I'm terribly out of shape and I felt like I could go at my own pace, but I was also inspired to push myself to keep up with the class. It's a fun, fast workout that's varied enough to work different muscle groups and make me forget that I'm actually working out. My first Nia/Zumba experience and I'll definitely be back. read more

I love this approach to exercise. I always try to go when I can. It's worth it, I promise. If you are a beginner or advanced dancer, it doesn't matter, it's a fun class. If you love music and dancing but just aren't rhythmic, that's fine. The teachers are super cool and patient. Give Nia a try! It's totally out of the norm and that's what's so great about it! Plus, you get to learn so pretty sweet dance moves from all types of dance! read more

This facility has been in business for a long, long time. I noticed my last review actually reflected the sad experience from a NIA teacher who gave me the run around. Her words and style should not reflect in the place and owners. I just emailed them with questions about a program which is relatively new. I was given prompt, useful informaiton. I am appreciative of the ongoing programs there which I have attended and ongoing help from owners/management. read more

I've been coming here for the Saturday night Milonga for some time now. It is absolutely the best Tango scene in Seattle. There is also an one-hour Tango lesson (for all levels) before the dance. It's a great place to bring a date or friends to on a Saturday night! You can get more info at www.seattletango.com read more

Dance Underground - Dance Studios Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I really enjoy this place. The classes have a " go with your flow but MOVE your ass," vibe. I love pilates and yoga but sometimes you need a good workout. However, traditional cardio scares me. Mainly because I find it to be extremely boring, and I look like an insane person when I run. So...lately I've been mixing up my workouts. Even to the extent I bought trapeze lessons using Groupon the other day. Kickboxing is the next on the list. So naturally as any social media deal addict would: when I saw a living social deal for this new type of dance a few months back, I had to try it! I really enjoy this place, and I will be looking into continuing classes here when I'm done. Drop ins are only $15 bucks, which isn't too shabby, and there is also deal packages they offer. Truth is. I have anxiety and these classes help. Classes here combine relaxation, toning and light cardio. It's mainly woman (although there is usually one or two men). Men shouldn't shy away from this type of dance, the more the merrier. However, if they get overwhelmed by tremendous amounts of " girl power" energy; they might get uncomfortable. I think these classes are proof that all woman don't need to hate on each other and can actually have a good time with one another. In fact, we like to go to places where we can use our bodies and not be judged. That's exactly the type of comfortable environment the staff has built here. This weekend instead of going to a club where girls are catty and insecure; I chose to come to Nia Underground where people of all shapes, sizes and lifestyles can bond together and share positive energy. I think I made the right life choice. I'm 9 days away from 25, what can I say, I'm getting older and wiser. ;) The studio was clean, smelt nice and there was good vibes all around. Nia fitness mixes a bunch of different styles of dance, self expression movements, stretching and light cardio. It's barefoot, which is awesome for other inner hippies like myself. You dance from anything from R&B, to class rock, to jazz. You can make it your own and adjust it to your fitness level. It's hard to explain. JUST TRY IT! :) read more

I love Nia and have tried a lot of teachers and venues and I gotta say, Nia Underground is my favorite. I love the funk feel, the connection with other cool and interesting people, the fantastic music and the opportunity to dance in a location that I consider magical. I agree that Nia Underground isn't your "typical" Nia class...it's better, at least for me. It's like a cool cross between a club and sacred cave. It's a place to get out of your head and into your body. Can't go wrong with Nia Underground read more

I've gone to Dance Underground for years, first for hip-hop classes in the late '90s and now for NIA classes. If you're unfamiliar with NIA, I describe it as "hippie jazzercize" ... I wrote about it here: http://www.electrolicious.com/archives/2006/05/why_i_love_nia.html Dance Underground is the perfect spot for NIA and ecstatic dance ... the large studio is usually kept somewhat dark, lit mostly by Christmas tree lights. It almost feels more like a really nice, really clean club, which for those of us used to dancing at night is super conducive for really breaking lose in class. You can also rent Dance Underground for private rehearsals and classes. The prices are really fair and a great value, but I found that it can be challenging to get your reservation confirmed and locked in. Be persistent when trying to reserve a studio! And prepare yourself for the fact that your reservation may get shuffled and/or spaced. I've seen it happen a couple times. read more

Woo hoo! Get yer dance on here! I've done both NIA and ecstatic dance and both were great. I felt really welcomed, especially at the ecstatic dance. The space is nice and they have a decent locker room. Check it out! read more

I'm not a regular dancer, nor a dance expert. However, when I was in town, my host took me here for freestyle dancing. Music played 90 minutes, while everyone danced as they pleased, then got in a circle and shared about their experiences. Being an absolutely horrible dancer, I enjoyed being able to move as awkwardly as possible, without judgment. Some of the aspects were cheesy, but hey, for 90 minutes of working out, not bad. especially recommended if you're the new agey sort. read more

Dance Undergtound is easy to miss if you're not looking for it. For example, I've live in the neighborhood over a year, walk down 15th many times a week, and just noticed it recently. I am a super extra space cadet sometimes, however. Anyway, seek itout! It's well worth it. I agree with Annalisa - the NIA classes are awesome. Capoeira and swing are dancetastic, too. read more

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We came here last night for Blues Underground. It was fun and we were able to learn a few moves. I'm looking forward to coming back and learning a bit more. The instructor was great, he was able to show us and make it feel easy. It's a younger crowd than the other blues class my friends and I went to, so I appreciated that. Looking forward to coming back! read more

Great dances on Wed nights and Sunday mornings! The Ecstatic Dance community meets here, and it's always amazing. The space is great, sweet people, very inclusive and welcoming. $8 dances (classes cost more), it's clean and safe. Park on 17th and walk 2 blocks. Kids are welcome on Sundays! read more

My friend brought me to Nia Underground last year. At that time, I was holding so much tension in my hands it was painful to create jewelry. And now, I can't even imagine my life without this amazing community! Dina and Barb have created an incredible energy on the dance floor, were I feel comfortable to express myself freely through movement. I crave the fellowship as much as the kick-ass workout! And would highly recommend as a spiritual and physical oasis. read more

Nia is an amazingly fun and sweaty workout in itself. Done by Dina and Barb of Nia Underground (in the Dance Underground space on 15th in Cap Hill) it is tops. Great music, too, which makes the hour go by faster and the dancing even dancier. Check out niadu.com for more info on Nia. Best, Peter read more

On a recent trip to Seattle I dropped into a Nia class at NIA Underground; wow! This is definitely on my list of must dos for every Seattle trip now. Living in Portland, I attend NIA at the world headquarters. I've taken classes from the founders. That said, the NIA Underground spin was refreshing and fun and just... great. You still get a great NIA workout, you still feel connected and feel that vital energy. Its just a unique spin. The instructor is amazing and the music ranges all kinds of genres. Highly recommended!!! read more

The only problem I see with a NIA class being like no other (NIA class or anything else) is that it becomes rather sought after. It's an impressive pearl in the midst of what can be too much sameness, too much Western packaging of what "fitness" is about. I take Dina's class regularly, and hesitate to even write a review because I'm selfish. How many more lovely souls can we embrace in this powerful, community of dedicated dancers? Under Dina's extraordinary guidance, I personally continue to heal, grow, and thrive...on the dance floor and beyond. There is no comparison to this class, or any one of the other NIA-Undergound classes. Each teacher/guide has her own style, energy and set of gifts. Come find your perfect guide. And know that there will be no other quite like her. That's the magic at work. read more

I take Dina's class and continually go back because the routines actually keep me interested! I've quit countless other types of exercise classes over the years because I get bored with the same routine and music that is typical of a gym. Granted, this means that you won't know exactly what to expect from each class...some days it's more dance-oriented while other days are about alignment, or introspective/spiritual, or even flavored with some martial arts moves. But the whole point of NIA is to EXPLORE! Explore different movement patterns, different ways to use your body and to open your heart/mind/soul to the beauty and diversity of life. read more

Lots of cool classes offered, especially stuff you won't learn at most dance studios. They usually offer discounts for beginners and are willing to be patient to help you catch up ;) read more

Super fun place! I went to Zumba for the first time there and it was great. The instructors are fun and motivating. They are good at what they do. I've been a couple times since and there were some instructors in training and they were fun and seemed like they've been doing it forever. I like the mood and atmosphere and the music gets you into the dance. Try it! read more

Zumba is my absolute favorite part of my day. It gives you confidence, is super fun, and a wonderful work out. I LOVE Barb and her classes. She is a very skilled teacher and choreographer, and incorperates a good combination of actual technical dance moves with working out. Coolest vibe, space, and class that I go to. I try to go everyday. Dont be put off if you feel behind the first few classes, you will learn the steps eventually, and it is about moving non-stop anyways, so just go with it! I guarantee you will not regret coming here, and will want to Zumba every day like i do! read more

If I could put 6 out of 5 stars here, I would. I have been doing NIA for a little over a year in various places around Seattle and Portland and NIA in dance underground is by far my favorite place. I LOVE the ambiance. Darkly lit, with a string of white x-mas lights around, very clean, with warmed scented towels for the end of the dance. These are just a few of details that make this place so magical, special and emotionally safe to express yourself. All the NIA teachers at dance underground bring something unique and special to their classes. NIA is a great way to become present in your body and in your life. It's completely FUN! So fun, its easy to forget that your getting a great workout. Its encouraged to be different, not try to be a replica of the teacher. Its beautiful amazing experience that I think EVERYONE should try once. This technique has the potential to change your life for the better and dance underground is one of the best places to do it, EVER!!! GO take a class! They have discounts for new students! read more

Dance Underground has the best dance floor I've been on in Seattle - and I've tried a lot of them. It is a sprung floor (one of the few in a dance hall in Seattle), which saves the knees, and has just the right amount of friction for dancing, allowing you to pivot with little resistance but also not slip around if you want to grab the floor. There are also mirrors across multiple walls so you can see what you're doing more easily while practicing, but which can be (and typically are, I believe) covered with decor for the ambience of more formal events. If you don't mind dancing in a basement with no windows (I'm there to dance, not enjoy the view of the ocean), this place is great! read more

LOVE THIS PLACE. I'm a Zumba addict, and have been looking for a fun and challenging class in the Seattle area. After lots of research and trying places out, I've found my new Zumba home! This place is really convenient because a) it isn't located in downtown so you don't need to do the whole traffic and parking thing, b) you pay per class, so you don't lose money if you can't show up, and c) the classes are offered in the evening, so I don't have to make my workday schedule any more hectic. This is all not to mention the amazing group of people who come to Dance Underground. The teachers are always upbeat and really care about making their class fun and exciting. The regulars are friendly and welcoming. Class gets down and dirty and people let loose! If you need another reason to keep dancing, there's a complimentary scented hot towel waiting for you at the end of each. If you challenge yourself as much as I challenge myself in the class, you'll need it! read more

My Nia teacher, Fran, took me to Nia Underground a few months ago so that we could dance together. The space is beautiful, with mirrors and filmy curtains that give it a dreamy look and feel. I like the low lighting as well, since dancing to fluorescence is not my cup of tea. The music is upbeat and a little funky. Definitely puts me in the mood to move. The staff and the other dancers are welcoming and the mood is generous and warm. This is a beautiful place, physically and spiritually. Come dance with us!! read more

All it took was one class and I fell in love! NIA Underground is a truly wonder-full dance community. There are a variety of teachers, routines, music genres, body types, class times, & dancer diversity. With such thoughtful facilitation, well cared for space, & sincerely friendly vibes, there is a sense of safety and acceptance: offering ample room to modify according to personal preferences or physical limitations, room for self expression, & room to be wherever you are at within that particular point in time. It has not only been a place for me to improve my physical health & strengthen mind-body connection, but with such a safe, fun and supportive space...I can say that it has also added to the nourishment & healing of my heart and spirit. If you are interested in NIA, give this studio a try. I love it!! read more

Getting a groupon for an unlimited month of classes at NIA underground was hands down the best thing I've ever done for myself. I hate exercise, I hate everything to do with it. I really need to get in better shape, though, so I decided I would buy different groupons (starting with NIA underground) and do it on the cheap and find what worked for me. After my first class at dance underground, I knew I had no more searching to do. My groupon ends today, and I just signed up for a 6 month contract of unlimited classes. Barb and Dina are both lovely, but because of my schedule I usually have Barb as an instructor, and know her style best at the moment. Barb makes you laugh, explains what's going on in class each day (we're focusing on abs, or strengthening the back, etc) and is always sure to encourage people to find their comfort level- she always demonstrates the different levels and gives modification ideas for folks with injuries. As she says 'pain is your body's way of saying something isn't right and you should stop'. Because of this philosophy and communication, I feel empowered, not pushed uncomfortably to 'work through the pain' as I've been told by some fitness class instructors. There is no doubt that even when my left leg is giving me trouble (tragic kickball accident, for reals) I'm getting a great workout and not furthering injury. The studio space is comfortable, close (I live on the hill), and fun (the christmas lights!!). The hot towel service at the end, scented with essential oils makes my workouts feel like a luxurious indulgence. I always leave class feeling energized and refreshed. I'm so pleased I found NIA underground, and highly recommend it for folks who want to burn calories, feel the grace of their body, and have a great time doing it. read more

I don't normally feel compelled to write reviews, but this was necessary. I took Lyndsay's hoop dance class tonight and was amazed at how wonderful it was. I was a little anxious because I have a lot of hooper friends who treat the dance almost like a clique. Lyndsay made me feel so comfortable at not being super-awesome at hooping, while being really informative and helpful. I loved how she began and ended the class with some light yoga and stretching, and love how she kept it fun in the middle. This is a new class, apparently, which is awesome because there aren't many (if any) places to learn hooping in Seattle. I definitely recommend it for a fun workout! read more

The NIA classes at Dance Underground may not be similar to others offered in other locations, but they are beautifully structured and very, very well presented. Unlike other NIA classes I have taken in the Seattle area, the workouts here use a full menu of moves (instead of the three moves that the teacher has mastered, over and over again) with a good warm-up and cool-down and plenty of excitement in between. I've never had any trouble with cueing, particularly with Dina, the queen of cueing, which she does throughout the entire routine. I can't say that I've found the music to be particularly loud, either, but earplugs would be a good choice if you think you might bother you. Don't miss this workout! read more

A sanctuary on capitol hill!! I always heard that NIA was fun so I came here to check it out and I must say that the experience has changed my life!!! A beautiful studio, GREAT teachers (who are inspiring and creative) and great people to dance with. Can not get any better... read more

dance underground is amazingly welcoming. my experience there for ecstatic dance was absolutely wonderful. it's a great community of people and the lighting and music were really comforting and i had fun skipping about without judgement from others.. if you've never tried this, i highly recomend it. it's as fun as fun gets. you will be sad you missed it, if you knew what you were missing when you missed it. or something along those lines. come dance! it's excitement for everyone.. read more