Not sure how anyone learns anything here…read more I took an adult Performance Tap dance class here, with the intention of taking a few others while I am here in London on holiday. After this class experience, I have definitely changed my mind. The instructor played the music so unbelievably loud that we could barely hear him speak or dance. Also, the other dancers did not listen to each other at all. Everyone just danced to their own rhythm without any regard for what their fellow dancers were doing. They were not at all in sync; which was incredibly ironic for a Performance Tap class. Part of being a successful performer is situational awareness; being in tune and in sync with your fellow performers on stage/on the floor at all times. Moreover, I expected more discipline from adult dancers. There were entirely too many times during the class where the teacher was speaking or trying to review steps, and other dancers were off tapping and doing their own thing, making it almost impossible to hear what the teacher was trying to teach. I almost can't fault them though because the class was quite unstructured. There was no delineation between warm-up, technique review, and actual choreography. We were just doing whatever the instructor did, whenever he did it. His hand cues were only slightly less awful than his counts and his verbal cues. Only a handful of people were able to keep up with him... I'm guessing they're accustomed to the dysfunction. Suffice it to say, Derek was definitely not one of the best instructors I've had. I found him only slightly less arrogant than his bio implied. At one point during the class, a student asked him a question about the choreography because he seemed to have changed the rhythm of the choreography that we were learning part way through the class. Most of the people in the class seemed to notice it (and it was a point of frustration and spirited conversation among some students after class). The student said something to the effect of, "It looks like you've changed the rhythm a bit," at which point he scoffed at her and replied, "Oh, *I* changed it?" in this condescending "How dare you imply that I'm wrong" kind of tone. As someone who has both taken and taught countless tap classes over the course of my life, I can say from experience that teachers and choreographers forget what they've choreographed all the time...especially when you're choreographing on the spot. We're human. It happens. But apparently not to Derek. Hmm. Classes are cash only, and are payable directly to the teacher at the beginning or end of class. There is also an extra £4 fee for drop-in classes, which are to be paid at the front desk by either cash or credit card. Why they have not made it possible for students to pay for classes with card is beyond me. If you find yourself without cash, not to worry. There is an ATM down the block near the Five Guys. Exit the studio and turn left, then turn right onto the street. It's about 2 to 3 minute walk, and the cash machine will be on the left side of the street. Overall, I am not certain that this experience was worth the frustration. The website is incredibly convoluted and it makes it almost impossible to effectively filter down the classes one wants to take. The website also does not have a long-term class schedule (I think it's only posted week-to-week), so you have to check back every few days to see what's available. Ultimately, I ended up waiting until I arrived in London and called the studio directly to see if they had the style and level of instruction that I was interested in. I am only giving this place an extra star because it was a catalyst for helping me to check off one of my bucket list items; taking my lifelong love of tap dance to another country.

Pineapple Studios is one of the most notorious dance studios in London and really has that 'Fame'…read moreesque vibe to it. I went here for a Musical Theatre training week almost a year ago and the place sported a minimalistic 80's vibe back then and has hardly changed since! Fear not however as the wide range of classes vary from beginners to advanced meaning there is something for every style and ability so you will never feel self conscious. I go every Wednesday evening to Street Jazz with Nicky Bentley which is not only brilliant fun but an amazing workout. Be warned, the tutors work you hard but you feel the benefit. I'm not a member and so pay £2 for a daily membership and an additional £6 for the class. I would advise that if you go to the more popular evening classes, get there early to get a good spot in the studio. Oh and take a towel as it gets quite sweaty if you participate in the more high energy classes! These tutors are the best in the business and I love it as an alternative way to get fit.

This place is great. I felt so welcomed when I dropped-in for a Flamenco class. The teacher was…read moregreat and I stayed for two classes. If you have been to other studios, you know what to expect regarding coming into the class at the right time (as people are leaving the previous class), tucking your bag away, and stretching in a space of your own. This studio is really cool. It was an old bath house! It has loads of space. You feel like you belong, and it just runs like a great dance studio.

I went along to a breakdance (yes, you heard right, breakdance) class at my local dance studio and…read moreboy was I in for a workout.... I'm a pretty fit kind of gal - go to the gym regularly, eat my veggies, all that kind of stuff, but nothing prepared me for this. I arrived, somewhat sheepishly, at the Fame-esque studios and became gradually more terrified as I walked past room after room of people, perfectly in time, pulling some moves I could only dream of. I arrived at my studio and found that I was not the only person whose age began with a 3 - thank the Lord. Everyone was very friendly and soon swapping stories of their dancing experience. Luckily many were practically nil or fell into the 'I haven't done anything since school' category. To be honest, once you get in there, you're concentrating so hard on remembering the routines and trying not to break your legs/arms that you really don't care what everyone else is up to! Lana was our instructor - a half-woman, half b-boy phenomenon who really looked the part. Bandana, cap on sideways, baggy pants - she had the whole look down pat. And she was lovely. By the end of it I was exhausted, my knees hurt and I certainly wouldn't be pulling any of those moves on a dancefloor near you, but I was on my way. I'm looking forward to the next class already.

Sex, high heels and rock 'n' roll wooh!!…read more Ahem, ok not quite... but now that I've got your attention, anyone thinking pole-dancing is all posing in heels and sticking your tush out needs to think again! This 2hr class for a friend's hen gave me a whole new perspective on how fit you need to be, and turned into the funniest, naughtiest and also toughest work-out of my life! This is Polepeople's own dance studio, a bit of an industrial warren of corridors with no signs so don't wander off. Wanted to review it for how awesome our instructor was - Jai, a washboard-stomached pro who remembered all 11 of our names after only one mention and quickly put us at ease. She had us in stitches at 'what not to do' and got even the quietest of the group strutting their stuff, despite the mirrored studio of poles initially looking a bit daunting. The class lets everyone go at their own pace so suited all coordination and fitness levels, from the gym bunnies to those who had barely exercised since school PE (I'd put myself somewhere in the middle!). You'll soon be using muscles you didn't even know you had, and by the second half everyone seemed glad there were more girls than poles as it gave you a rest between goes! In 2 hours we learned how to pull off several tricks and moves (once she'd broken them down into baby steps) that actually looked pretty impressive and sexy (well, at least when she did them!). Turns out I had a natural talent for 'The Corkscrew' - who knew?! ;) hmm, prob best to keep the pics under wraps methinks... For about £20pp (or less for more peeps) I highly recommend this session of high-heeled girly fun - can't put a price on the feel-good factor from getting active to awesome tunes, lots of giggles and letting your inner minx out for a bit! A word of warning though: not sure whether it was the fact that I missed most of the warm-up, or got overenthusiastic with the tricks or whether I'm just hopelessly unfit, but ohh the pain the morning after - my thighs and upper arms actually didn't work for a week :-$ So err warm up properly and give it a go - after all, it's healthy!

Polepeople is awesome!! A quaint, well lit studio with plenty of mirrors. The lighting is welcoming…read moreand great for pictures and videos. I've been pole dancing for 3 years in California. I was traveling through London, and was looking for my pole fix. I did a afternoon mixed level drop in class and it was perfect. It was an hour and very reasonably priced. My instructor, Aneta, was great at teaching a pole trick and breaking it down into different levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. It felt like all the students were getting even attention. All the students were super welcoming and supportive. I had a really fun class where I learned new tricks and also perfected the classics. Will definitely visit again next time I'm in town!

I had the opportunity to attend Zumba classes at Mango Academy and I really enjoyed the class and…read morethe work out. I have done quite a few Zumba classes and I have to confess this is the best work out so far! I definitly recommend Mango Academy for a good sweat!

Awesome dance school I do burlesque and aerial hoop there…read moreand it is awesome Professional teacher Excellent customer service thanks to the use of a good booking platform A lot of amazing types of classes Prices super ok regarding the service

From the owner: London Dance Academy is a pioneering studio in Old Street offering classes in dance, pole dancing,…read moreyoga, aerial, circus, acrobatics and fitness. Studio, streaming and on-demand classes for all levels.

I have recently discovered this new way of doing some exercises it is fun and you get awesome…read moreresults with your body. I have started the class here and it's going really well. Our instructor is great and I can't wait for the next session to come.

From the owner: Latin Soul is the real Latino Dance & fitness experience led by Colombian Fredy Montero. Our…read moreclasses are taught by a team of trained dancers from different backgrounds making our Zumba, Salsa & Tango lessons authentic and different. Be aware our classes are highly addictive and you run the risk of meeting lots of new friendly people! We cater for all levels and ages... come and join the party!

I popped in last night for a drop in absolute beginner class with David Kierce and I had a lot of…read morefun. it really exceeded my expectations. Reading the reviews below I wasn't sure it was going to work as I was expecting it to be overcrowded, difficult to follow, etc. but given my renewed passion for ballet and the fact that I was done with work I decided to give it a try (also to feel less guilty about my lasagna at lunch). The class is the cheapest I have tried so far (£8 and no membership fee), but the level was at par. The studio is not huge and there were quite a lot of people, but we managed to fit and to do our exercises without crashing into each other. The teacher is great, really explains carefully all the steps and positions and is very funny. I would give the 5th star to this place if it had later classes (7.20 is hard to fit into a busy working schedule) and also if the changing room was a bit bigger and organised: there are a lot of stuffs from the real academy students, so there is a bit of confusion and I am sure I will leave something sooner or later (which reminds me of my ballet days when I was a kid). i'll try to put it in my weekly timetable from now on!

I took a few adult ballet lessons here a few months ago. The ballet teacher Renato Paroni was…read moregreat; seems quite passionate and have a fabulous sense of humour. However, it was overly crowded too crowded for a comfortable session to take place. I also did not get much attention from the teacher which was not really helpful. I tried the beginner's class on Tuesday and Thursday evenings ballet classes. And I think it is too easy for me who have some experience. However, the more advance classes looked really difficult. So, I stopped going to the classes and I am now looking for other better places more suitable for my level of experience.