I visited Mad Dance House and took a few classes in yet another aborted attempt at embracing exercise around half-way through 2011. An old friend and I somehow came to the conclusion it would be good for us. It was, but we didn't count on our lack of resolution. The classes we went to were called "Girly Street Jazz", and typing that makes me feel like a girlier girl than an American cheerleader and I want to wince, but they were good classes. Set up in a building near The Victory Hotel and Queensland Writer's Centre at the time, I believe classes have now moved to a new location on Elizabeth street, near Govinda's Vegetarian Restaurant (excellent and a Brisbane local favourite). Apparently the new premises have air conditioning unlike the old place, because even on a winter night it got extremely hot in this tall brick building. (Then again, Brisbane's Julys are barely winter.) And you will work up a sweat and feel insanely hot in any case, because you're somewhat deftly thrown into the deep end from your first class. (You realize you're undergoing a baptism of fire but also appreciate it's for your own good.) Definitely bring a LARGE bottle of water with you. The classes are obviously highly cardio, but even then it's surprising at how hard you are pushed. It didn't meet boot camp level, but it came near. Also, the second half of the lesson comprised the learning of a fairly complicated dance routine, so you had to really engage your memory as well as keep your body moving. The scheduled 45 minute lesson went for an hour and felt like it went for three hours, but it was exhilarating. And, it was good for me. Thinking about how I no longer go here makes me feel justly chided. For $14 a lesson, these classes were well worth it. There was also a strange sense of bonding between you and the class members by the end of a lesson, like strangers in an emergency (oh no - the elevator doors won't open) or people climbing a mountain together. It feels a bit like both, with everyone looking scattered and afraid at the start and shy of making eye contact, then clapping each other on the arm at the end of the session. read more

I used to swing by Mad Dance House for beginner hip hop lessons with friends on Tuesday nights (5:45pm) with Tammi T. Tammi's insanely talented and always knows how to break the ice with first timers who are reticent about dancing in front of others. But it's a group process, with each class beginning and ending with a warm up and warm down. There are huge windows for ventilation and two large fans that whirl madly throughout the classes, but this won't stop you from sweating like a beast. Make sure you bring a big water bottle, otherwise bottles can be purchased from the front counter. There are also change rooms and toilets for those coming straight from work. My friends and I were real beginners. The routines were tricky but relatively easy to pick up. Also the crowd was very supportive and friendly, and always focused on having a good time and nailing the moves and helping others achieve the same. One of my friends has since performed in one of Mad Dance House's hip hop shows and she's almost dancing like a pro. The only problem, which shouldn't really be a problem (!), is how popular these classes are. Spaces fill up quickly, so it's important to arrive early to get a good position in front of the mirrors. That said, Tammi's always considerate and rotates the front and back rows. That said, bring a friend along and you'll both get in for cheaper. read more

Mad Dance House - Dance Studios Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

I think I feel more comfortable dancing than doing anything else in life. Whenever I am walking down the street I trip over things and constantly stub my toes but once the music is playing I somehow gain what resembles coordination. Looking for a place to practice this, a friend suggested Mad Dance House to me. Entering from Elizabeth Street you have to walk up a bunch of steps before finding the main office and dance floors. Everyone was really lovely to me and explained how all the classes worked, suggesting what I should try and figuring out what level I would be at. They also had change rooms which was perfect since i was still in my work clothes when I went there. Opting for a 10 class pass (you save a little bit of money if you do it this way) I was then able to go to whatever 10 classes I wanted to over the term. This worked well since my work shifts were constantly changing. It meant that I got to test out a lot of different classes but sadly not stick with one for too long. I tried various hip hops and each teacher was fantastic. They all have their own style and flavour so I suggest trying out a few til you find one that you like. My favourite style was the dancehall (afro-carribbean hip hop). It was the best work out I have had in a very long time and oh so addictive! You can try everything from hip hop to burlesque, breaking, and ballet at this place. Give it a go if you are looking for a fun, casual place to dance. read more

Mad Dance House - Dance Studios Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

Sign up for the $25/week unlimited classes deal. You'll want to dance everyday!