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.

It takes a special kind of soul to teach ZOOM-buh!…read more Through trying various classes and instructors, I've learned that being highly skilled in something doesn't automatically make you a suitable teacher. I've been in one too many sessions where the instructor gets so carried away with how good they are at dancing, they momentarily forget that there's a class of 30 wheezing, sweaty novices struggling to keep up. My love for Zumba has blown hot and cold over the years, as I'm a strong believer that it's really the instructor that makes the class. I was pleasantly surprised by my session at the Bedford Pub in Balham. Held in a private function room on the top floor, it's a good way to meet the locals if you're new to an area. Ashley is a darling. He took us through the motions and ran a session challenging enough for a good workout, but easy enough to follow and get the absolute most out of the hour. (He even had one of those hands-free mics, which is when I knew he meant business!) I would say it was a tad steep at £8, so to really get your money's worth I would suggest getting there early and bagging a spot at the front. There is a lot of foot-work, which is easy to miss when it's packed. Overall, it's a rather decent way to spend a Wednesday evening, or any other, as the Bedford hosts 4 Zumba classes a week. Not that I need to remind you for a workout, but a large, ice cold bottle water is highly recommended, as it gets quite hot and sweaty. But hey, you might like that...whatever floats your boat ;)

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!

Great dance school, my daughter has been going there for years (ballet and contemporary) and loves…read moreit. They do trial classes too, which is handy if you don't want to commit initially. They have a team of very knowledgable and supportive teachers.

My daughter has been going to Rise for several years now. She loves tap and the quality of the…read moreteaching is very high. Rise is an extremely well organised dance school with clear and timely communications to parents and did a fantastic job in keeping fun classes going through lockdown. I can highly recommend Rise.

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.

Training with the best instructors in the industry, who are passionate and knowledgeable about what…read morethey do. Barreworks is a welcoming and friendly studio, all of the classes are amazing and to a very high standard of teaching...Honestly, this the best workout method I have tried! & I can see and feel a noticeable difference in my strength, flexibility, posture and overall wellbeing. Thank you Barreworks!

I've been going to Barreworks for four years. It is simply the best workout I've ever found for…read morecore strength, balance and body sculpting. Small classes mean the instructors quickly learn your strengths and weaknesses and know what the next steps are for you as an individual. The studio ethos is one of wanting everyone get the best out of their workout. But beware you will be challenged so you can't ever get complacent and .............. it is very, very addictive!

I started learning salsa with Salsateca at Bourne Hall in Ewell, Surrey almost 2 years ago. Sadly,…read morethey've had to stop teaching at the Bourne Hall venue but I now come up to Clapham instead. Salsateca take over the whole of the upstairs area for the classes on Tuesday evenings. Warm up is quite prompt at 7.30pm. Then, everyone is split into 5 levels with excellent instruction from whoever teaches you. Having experienced a few other salsa venues, I have to say that the teaching at Salsateca venues has always been top notch. The lesson continues for about an hour and a half with a short break in the middle. Then, there's a warm down followed by a club til 11pm. Unfortunately, as Tuesday is a workday, I don't tend to stay til late at the club. There's a bar available but there are also jugs of free water available. Whatever level of dancer you are, this is good venue for learning. Only downside is that the venue can get crowded and hot - the Bourne Hall venue was bigger.

My daughter attended Hertsmere Academy of Dance for almost 5 years before we moved to another…read morecountry. She absolutely loved what this school offered and studied Ballet and Tap dancing. She was extremely successful in her examinations and loved doing the shows, they were great fun. Miss Chahna was such a supportive teacher and my daughter just adored her, she was so sad to leave. I would recommend this school to any parents who wants to be assured of getting a great standard of teaching.