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!

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 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!

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 theatre is a little gem of entertainment on Hoxton Street. The theatre shabby and…read moreunprepossessing but that's part of its character and charm. The facility itself is small and intimate, with little separation from the performers on stage. There's a small bar attached. The show I went to was called 'Shakespeare in Hackney; or 'tis a mad world in Hoxton'. Jack Klaff (Star Wars, For Your Eyes Only, etc.) did a one-man reading of an anonymous poem written in the time of Shakespeare about a pub in Hackney known as 'Pimlyco'. The whole poem was about drinking and this magical marginal world of London where people are transformed (by beer) and the audience was served a surprise beer during the performance (free!). The performance was followed by a lecture by a university academic about the poem and its possible relation to Shakespeare's Tempest. It had all the good bits of a conference paper - a well-informed argument by a passionate scholar - without any of the pretention and stuffiness. This show was a fun, interesting and affordable (only £6, or £4 concessions) way to spend a week night. I definitely will be looking into what other shows this theatre has in the future -- I saw something about a circus? -- and will maybe even do some exploring in the 'mad world' of Hoxton.

Hoxton Hall was one of a number of venues I had the pleasure to dance in at a recent dance weekend…read moreaway in London. I am, very admittedly, a dance-floor snob. Give me sprung wood, unsprung (smooth) floorboards, laminate, Marley, grass and at the very end of the dance pleasure spectrum, lino and concrete and footpath. I have danced on them all., and know my preferences. The main auditorium at Hoxton Hall has a floor that was a pleasure to dance on with acoustics to match. Built in the 1800s a two tier gallery runs overhead, allowing you to watch the dance-floor/gig/play from a height. It's got a slightly grungy appeal, but I think they are still undertaking restoration work on the building. We used the second dance studio area too which was good also, but nothing compaired to the main hall. There was also a bar available on the night and the staff were lovely. This is the kind of place I'm delighted still exists; and I believe is one of only two remaining music halls still existant in London, amazingly. I would have loved to time machine back and seen it in its heyday!

I've taken a variety of classes there. The cardio classes kick butt. The pilates classes are…read moreabove average for London, meaning they actually have folks trained in pilates, not personal trainers who happen to have dabbled in pilates. The class registration process is a nightmare. Website registration was down and glitchy for more than 4 weeks; the class timetable navigation is super clunky. Constantly having to call to pay, call to book, became too much of a pain, especially when the phone would ring for hours with no one picking up. Too bad. I'd really like to continue being a client, but given the pain to try to get into classes, I'd rather bring my business elsewhere. Fix your site!

From the owner: We have a massive variety of classes, from choreographed dance classes to Reformer Pilates, Yoga,…read moreBoxfit and Kettlebells. Our pre and post-natal classes cater for expectant mothers, we also run a Mum's club, crèche and kids classes. All classes are designed so you can drop by any time and try something new, or get fit by doing something you normally wouldn't (like Bend it like Barbie or Jane Fonda style aerobics). We created Frame because we believed getting fit shouldn't be a chore. In fact, we reckon if done right, getting fit could actually be heaps of fun especially when it's coupled together with hanging out with your mates and a more laid-back approach - and that's still our general ethos. If you like to book in advance we have a top-up card system which gives cheaper class rates, you can be a member or just rock up, it's totally up to you, because different things suit different people. To make it super easy we have an App so you can book into classes from wherever you are.

I discovered Skylab Studios via Classpass! CHECK THIS PLACE OUT! I follow a few actors on Instagram…read moreand they kept posting about aerial yoga so I had to check this place out. The instructors are lovely and they teach at a level that makes newbies very welcomed! They also offer silks and aerial hoop!

I found this class to be wonderful when it was in Parkhurst Rd. I believe they have moved to…read moreWaterloo now. There was a good supply of interesting models. The class at that time was very cheap. It is more expensive now. I would still like to go back. It is a good place to improve drawing skills.

I'm torn. Nice…read morestudio, REALLY friendly staff, but the £1 fee at the door (on top of class fees) baffles me. I do think it puts people off. But on the other hand, I know these places need financial help and I always like to support arts facilities. But there ya go. They offer tons of classes like ballroom, salsa, caipoera, zumba, ballet... check it out if you need a local dance facility.