A world-class studio for sure…read more Google Maps and Waze directed me to the wrong location for dance class, spitting me out at The Rocks, but the location for dance class is in Ultimo. Keep that in mind. Luckily, Uber exists and I was there in 15 minutes. Once you get in, check-in at the front desk, pay if you haven't done so yet, and the friendly staff will tell you which studio your class is located in. The studio is clean, well lit, and has restrooms, changing rooms, and showers. SDC offers a wide variety of classes for all ages and they're priced at the standard. Inside each of the individual studios are cubby spaces tacked on the wall for your personal items. Barres are on three of the walls and a huge mirror is on the fourth one. The individual studios are big and the classes were larger than I had expected. But not to worry, there was enough mirror and floor space for everyone. I loved James Deane's adult beginner hip-hop class. James leads you into a warmup then teaches the choreo step-by-step. Though the class is large, he's very open to questions from anyone, but still goes at a good pace. He also emphasizes having fun, so don't be too intimidated if you don't have experience :) And he films classes every week! Next time I'm in Sydney, I want to take classes from him again (and take even more classes). Absolutely love this studio.

Ok here is the truth about SDC Studios. Whenever I mention this place to people it's usually…read morefollowed by a "wow" or an expression of awe. Then they usually look me up and down to see if I look like a dancer. This is the amount of reverence people have of this place due to the name and reputation. So when people come here for the first time they usually have a sense of apprehension and fear of being looked down by the teachers/other dancers for having two left feet that just want to dance :) Yes, I admit in some classes the feeling is justified as some teachers just weren't meant to teach but are amazing dancers in their own right. But they are in the minority and most of the teachers there are both...great instructors with cool personalities and awesome dancers. I've been dancing for a long time and have taken most of the classes at the studios. The choreography is amazing. Biggest tip is to forget about what people think and dance your heart out. Don't worry as most people will be in the same boat as you and will be too busy looking at themselves in the mirror to care :) Which class to take? Just give it a go. Even though there may be repeats of certain dance styles and levels, every instructor will teach it in their particular way and level and you will have to judge for yourself on whether you like it or not. If you are unsure always go for the beginner or absolute beginner class and start from there. So you want to dance? This is a great place to start. I'm usually there all weekend & on random weeknights, and you can find me either in class or at the reception, so come say hello :)

I got introduced to Crossover Dance Studios via someone who also goes to Dancekool Studios on…read moreSussex St. Apparently an ex-Dancekool dancer opened this studio an year ago. The instructors also teach at both venues so it all seems interconnected even though they are not associated from a business sense. Despite the obvious comparisons, the atmosphere is different, mainly due to the crowd. There are a lot of kids here. And i mean that literally. Most of the patrons are high school and uni students with no dance background, which reflects the level of the beginners classes and are easy to follow. The intermediate/advanced classes attract a slightly different crowd with a focus more on choreography. Although there is an obvious focus on hip hop, breaking, locking, popping and waacking, there are few classes on other styles such as Jazz, JFH and RnB. Then there are Kpop classes for Korean pop fans and Girls Hip Hop, a concept I still find a bit odd, but hey it still gets a crowd! Another great thing about this studio is that they often have guest teachers from LA and SYTYCD, which you would not normally be able to access as they tend to stay in the underground scene and won't visit mainstream dance studios. I would probably only recommend this place for people who still look like they need to carry around ID's. Unless you intend to do an intermediate/advanced class where you can feel ok about being 25+ lol.

Crossover is another street dance studio located in Chinatown in Sydney. Its located on Goulburn…read morestreet and is pretty hard to find, sandwiched next to a streetwear store Espionage and a Korean restaurant, you'll notice an open doorway a slightly obscured cross over logo and an elevator in the back that you'll need to take to level one. Once in, don't be put off by the large number of teens talking and practising around the sofas cause you're here to dance. The majority of classes here are great, teaching street dance styles with the proper knowledge, understanding and foundation moves needed to give you the proper instruction you'll need to get started or improve your dancing. My favourite classes here are Rod's House class, Poppin Jack's and Keanu's Popping class and Red's Breaking class.

I have my suspicions that the Willoughy Leisure Centre logo depicts a parent and child hobbling in…read morediscomfort on the daggy old pebbles that provide floor covering in the pool area. They're aggressive wee stones that leave angry sores on little knees and make bottoms tender and dimply (no it is not cellulite thank you very much!). Turn your grimace upward from the floor covering however and this pool is a great family spot. There's a warm kids pool which I think is mechanically heated as well as being full of wee. The adult pool has plenty of lanes and is popular. There's an oddly cold spa and a heated one if you want to pay extra. Showers are hot and free of charge, which as a local of Mosman Pool where you pay for the pleasure of rinsing off chlorine, that's a welcome change. There's a café, free onsite parking, gym and crèche, so popular with mums and tums. Just what is with the pebbles?!

As your local leisure centre, Willoughby ranks pretty well - surrounded on three sides by parkland,…read moreit's hidden away in the 'burbs and remarkable for the sheer size of its facilities - dominated by up to 30 outdoor under-lights netball courts. Between players, umpires and officials, this must account for pretty much half the women of the northern suburbs on a game night! Sadly, the parking facilities reflect that and it can be tricky to find a space especially at the end of one game and start of the next. Indoors, the Centre has another two multi-purpose courts (also in high demand for netball, basketball, volleyball and badminton) plus racquet sports courts, a large gym and rooms for exercise classes, and a 25-metre indoor pool (I'm never a huge fan of indoor public swimming pools and their associated facilities but this one is as clean and pleasant as they can be ..) Willoughby Council owns the Leisure Centre so along with the independently run competitions, the facilities are also used for schools, older people's fitness classes, swim school and more, so it can be pretty busy. But then the cost of membership - or casual entry - is much more reasonable that you'd pay in a privately run club.

Not that I've done loads of dance courses/classes, but judged by how passionate the students here…read moreare, it's safe to say this is one of the best dance schools in Sydney. I took both salsa and zouk lessons at LDA a few years ago and had so much fun - the teachers are very knowledgeable and patient, the majority are professional dancers who compete both nationally and internationally, so you know you are definitely in good hands. They always make sure to balance out the number of male and female students in the class to ensure a good learning experience and I often saw them doing special deals to increase the number of either men or women when required. Some students had memberships which allowed them to take as many classes as they wanted and they'd literally go every single night - they were super passionate and would often say the school was their second home. I made friends and we often did outings together to dance. I haven't continued to practice, but know many who still do. They also organize balls and congresses and people practice their routine to perfection for several months prior - it's always a fun event that many students sign up for year after year. I always recommend LDA for anyone wanting to take up a new hobby, make some friends and have a bit of fun. The staff is awesome and whether you are dancing for the very first time or you are an advanced student coming from another school, they'll make you feel right at home.

From the owner: Latin Dance Australia (LDA) is the biggest Latin dance school in Australia. Learn Salsa, Samba,…read moreBachata, Reggaeton, Cha Cha, Zouk, and much more, in Sydney. LDA is not just a dance studio, it is a community of fun loving, social people creating an atmosphere of friendliness and friendships through their passion of Latin Dance and fitness. We also offer a premium quality of Latin Dance Entertainment. From small functions to big festivals. We are the home of many national and world champions performers.

Elouise's studio was recommended to me by a physio after I herniated my L4/L5 disks. I hardly dared…read moredo any exercise for fear of re-doing it. Carefully and with in depth knowledge, I was taught how to strengthen my core, support my back and move with comfort and ease. These are not "one size fits all" group classes but rather, individually tailored sessions with a maximum of three clients. Each person is guided through their own specific exercises which vary each visit, depending on how their body is feeling. Clients are of all ages and range from remedial with injuries through to professional athletes. Elouise and Vanessa are outstanding teachers- both in their knowledge and their expertise. As for me, thanks to Pilates, I have gone from feeling like an invalid to an athlete. My Pilates classes are now "bring it on" sessions where I feel I get a great workout and am in the best shape I can remember. Also, the studio is brilliantly located opposite the Cremorne Orpheum with great cafes around and there is free 2 hour parking in the IGA car park underneath. Amanda Durack

From the owner: Centered Pilates is a boutique studio in the heart of Cremorne on Sydney's lower north shore. Our…read morestudio offers small group equipment based studio Pilates classes with a maximum ratio of three clients to the one instructor. Each client's program is individually tailored to their specific requirements, goals and needs. Our experienced instructors work closely with each client ensuring optimal personalised attention, focusing on good posture, correcting muscular imbalances and promoting more efficient ways of moving. All classes are appointment based and conducted under professional supervision in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.