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.

Danceworks is probably the less intimidating version of Pineapple studios. I have been here a…read morecouple of times for jazz classes and feel very comfortable. The studios are bright, modern and airy and it is geared completely towards all levels - you don't tend to get too mixed a group in terms of ability so no chance of feeling like the one who can't get it! The range of classes are great - yoga, pilates, jazz, contemporary, ballet....something that everyone can benefit from and most importantly, enjoy. They tend to stick the standard classes as opposed to the more quirky and trendy classes but do sometimes introduce styles such as Cheerleading and Bollywood. It is also fairly cheap to go - around £8 on average for a class plus a couple of pound entry on arrival.

Danceworks is an amazing studio offering a wonderful variety of classes and programs in many types…read moreof dance. The ballet teachers are the very highest caliber and my daughters have enjoyed every program they have attended there. The studio even offers opportunities to join some master classes online. The administration is also excellent. They are always prompt and courteous and make coordinating enrollment very easy!

What a fantastic venue! We went to see "A Christmas Carol" play at this theater and the production…read morewas just perfect. The stage was located in the middle with the audience sitting all around it. It felt like we were part of the play. It was nothing like the theaters in the US. We loved it. Can't wait to be back in London and see another play at the Old Vic!

Love The Old Vic! It oozes history and class. The interior decor is stunning and the exterior looks…read morepretty swell too especially when lit up at night. I was so excited to be there for one of the previews of 'Other Desert Cities' and curious as to how that would work with the theatre having just been reconfigured to 'in the round'. It actually worked very well, and while we in the upper level, I can imagine it would be particularly interesting to be in the seats that were vitrually part of the set. I think I spied Melvin Bragg Down there. Who-ever it was he seemed to enjoy the show as much as us. OK perhaps it wasn't what I would call must-see theatre but it had a little something for everyone, and despite its dark nature in places, we had plenty of knowing belly laughs too. Since press night its been garnering a solid four stars. Perhaps because the show was in preview we were able to bag reasonably priced tickets at the box office direct. The staff were very friendly and helpful when we popped in the day before to check on availability. If there was a down-side it was that the seats were uncomfortable and the leg room very cramped, and thats coming from someone who is just 5ft & 2 inches! My companion had another foot on me and found the cramped seating a distraction from the show. Perhaps the more expensive seats are more comfortable. Wish everywhere had seats as cosy and roomy as The National Theatre! Conveniently located just along the road from Waterloo station for tube, rail and taxis.

The London School of Musical Theatre is a fantastic theatre school which offers a year long course…read morein acting, singing and dance - all geared towards the Musical Theatre genre. This school really is fantastic - the classes are small (around 16 people per year) which means that you get significant individual attention. You have group classes and one on one sessions which enables you progress throughout the course. Each term you work towards a show/production and everybody gets their chance to 'shine' and showcase their talent. This course isn't for the faint hearted. Industry professionals regularly come in to take performance classes and will be brutally honest. The teachers have all also worked extensively in the industry and will know what cuts it and what doesn't. You work extremely hard but it is an immensely enjoyable course and you leave as well prepared as you could be to enter the industry. LSMT teaches you that it takes a lot more than jumping off taxis and belting out the word 'Fame' to become successful in Musical Theatre!

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!

Steer clear unless they agree to let you try a 'taster class' or observe for free (which they do…read morenot currently offer). I joined up for the term for the adult jazz/contemporary dance class. After my first class I realised it was not for for me - for a variety of reasons,not least the fact that there was very little dancing! Plus the studio was small and the music was uninspiring. Immediately after the class ended I told the dance teacher that it wasn't for me and the very same day called their offices to inform them and request a refund. I spoke with their administrator who arranged for the head to call me back. She did call back and said that she would not offer me a refund as it is not their policy. No good will shown there and no place for organisations like this in todays market. Steer well clear!

Unfortunately my first experience with them was rather sad - I found them to be Unprofessional,…read moreChaotic and rude. My partner wanted to take (adult) tap lessons with this 'studio'. Their website says that someone is available in the office during restricted hours. After many attempts all I got was their answer machine so I left a message. After no return of call and about a week later I left another more exasperated message. I also made further calls to try and make contact - and I 'caught' their office worker who told me her name but it escapes me. She apologised - yes she heard the call on the answer machine and would have to phone me back in the evening as she didn't have the details to hand. At least to her credit she did phone back earlier than promised with the details and said she would send an invoice - and a joiners package. After a further two weeks - the course started next week - still no package had arrived - or no invoice. (They seem very keen to send an 'invoice' when we wanted all the details.) Unfortunately a further call was required this time answered by someone reluctant to give her name - until pressed. Miss xxx was the reply. (Am I an adult or a child?). Well I said I am Mr Charlie then. 'Miss xxx' did not believe a word I said and was more interested in challenging the above details than sending me the joiners package - she suggested it had got lost in the post (I order a lot on the internet and nothing has been lost to date) - and challenged my message-leaving technique saying mobile messages are difficult to understand (I was using a landline) . And that they are often unclear (I very deliberately and slowly give my telephone number - and slowly repeat it again at the end). She denied that messages had gone unheeded - (remember her office worker had acknowledged one of the calls). I said I resented being called a liar - and she slammed the phone down. I was so incensed that I phoned her back and told her to forget the invoice as my partner was no longer interested in learning with such a chaotic organisation. 'Miss Zoe' said I was being rude - No Miss xxx, I was frustrated - and I was not rude. And she slammed the phone down again. My partner will not be doing adult tap with the South London Dance Studio.

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.

The Place is the number one spot for contemporary dance class and shows in London…read more With no membership fees and it costing only £4 for the advanced level classes in the morning, The Place is outstanding value. All classes are taught by company members on a weekly basis. This makes Monday the best day to start so you don't get left behind in routines. Most teachers teach one routine throughout the week adding sections daily. The changing rooms and showers are very clean and tidy. The studios are large and airy with sprung floors. There really is no better place to go to learn contemporary dance anywhere in London. If you are a beginner they hold workshops and courses throughout the year. Check the website for more details.

The Place is a school for dance development that is leading the way in dance training, creation and…read moreperformance. Its one of Europe's most innovative dance spaces, where artists from all over the world come to push creative boundaries, to experiment and to perform outstanding new work for audiences who expect to be surprised, inspired and delighted. The Place also has a 280 seat theatre, an extensive range of classes, courses and participatory opportunities for adults and young people, and professional development programmes for artists. The theatre holds over 200 performances a year, including festivals and special events. I went along to The Place to see the performance done by Protein "May Contain Food". This performance runs from Thu 21 Apr to Sat 7 May but touring after this. The whole performance was very interesting all about food. First of all you enter a big room full of tables around the side all decorated differently some was done up with dried pasta laying across the table, some full of vegetables, some full of feathers laying across table etc. The table I chose was full of fast food wrappers and containers I don't like fast food but it looked more colourful and fun compared to the other tables. Also the main lead was the waitor for our table as the performance is all about waitors/waitresses, family/friends and food. They dance and sing about food teaching us about where food comes from, how we should appreciate food, how are life if revolved around food etc. Throughout we got tastings like a tomato and we had to roll it across our face, feel it, look at it, hear it etc to appreciate it. This was a fun unique way though with a very artist performance played out by the cast. I particularly liked the part when they was singing about meat they acted like animals, funny. Has to be seen to understand whole concept of performance.

Tucked away in Greenwich, SE London is the Borough Hall which houses the excellent Greenwich dance…read moreagency. If you are interested in contemporary dance and you don't fancy going to The Place, the GDA is a great alternative. They have currently working directors and choreographers teach professional contemporary dance classes in weekly slots in the mornings. This means you are getting cutting edge instruction and connections to the professional world. If you are not a pro don't fear they have beginners and intermediate classes on Tuesday evenings. These classes are perfectly paced for a deep and thorough development and understanding. At the GDA you can choose to do adult drop-in classes, workshops or book onto courses. GDA is not only about dance, so it is a good idea to keep up-to-date with what is happening on the website. They often run martial arts, salsa and yoga classes

Yep, hell freezing over and me reviewing a dance school…read more I started Capoeria classes last week and I'm having a pretty awesome time already (another class tonight, yay!), but I like it here. It doesn't feel too... dancey. I'm not a dancer. Despite doing dance classes at college, it's not something that I do naturally - as my teacher is finding out. But he's pretty cool. Maybe one day I'll stop turning left instead of right. The staff are friendly, the dance studios are huge and I'm not made to feel like I shouldn't be there, even though I'm probably slightly out of my depth. I've paid £37 for the classes (think that's for six) and might even do another class after I've finished these. I like it here. They do everything from ballroom to lindy hop to street dance, so you'll find something to suit you, even if you've got two left feet.