The best dance classes in London

London’s prolific City Academy runs a wide array of dance classes that are perfect for anyone with a performing arts itch to scratch. All will have you prancing in no time, but it’s the signature tap lessons that are the pick of the bunch. Pick your level (Beginner, Improvers 1 or 2, or Tap Dance Company if you're a pro already), find a venue near you, sign up for a six- to eight-week course, and you'll be buffalo stepping with the best of them in no time. 

For anyone who used to make up dance routines with their mates, Frame’s Music Video class is a guaranteed winner. Held at Frames studios in Shoreditch and Angel, the classes take inspiration from the likes of Beyoncé and Lizzo. With moves ‘straight from MTV’ (think hair whips), classes work towards a full commercial routine complete with backing dancers and freestyle sections. It may not be the most serious of classes, but it’s serious fun and suitable for all levels.

Ballet can feel pretty intimidating, but you don't need the physique of a 14-year-old Bolshoi trainee to enjoy The Place's gentle, accessible introduction to this beautiful artform. Barre exercises, travelling steps and simple arrangements will build your confidence, while a live piano accompaniment will make sure you're getting a schooling in music as well as grace.

At Your Beat’s motto is ‘everyone can dance, you just need to find your beat’. The empowering classes at this Instagrammer fave span dancehall, pop bangers and hip hop. AYB Body Party classes will have everyone sweating. There's no complex choreography, just dance sequences to killer beats in a dark room with coloured club-style lighting. For routines you already know and love try VideoBeat, to learn how to dance like the pros. 

Don’t be put off by the mention of ‘gym’; this class has more choreography than chest pumps. Held in all Gymbox venues across London, this is a hot and sweaty dance workout where hi-tops are definitely back on the block. The party vibes will guarantee you’re smiling by the end of the class, even if you haven’t quite mastered the running man. And, with tunes from the latest music hits and videos, you’ll be wooed by the soundtrack alone.

Pineapple Dance Studios has been keeping the city swaying since 1979. It still hosts over 250 classes a week, from house to ballet to Bollywood, with a couple of wildcards too – sassy commercial, anyone? But if hip hop is more your thing, John G’s accessible Wednesday night class is the most accessible, fun and stylised of the lot. The same routine is built on each lesson (usually for four weeks), with the idea that you’ll add your own flicks as you improve. Arrive early as the drop-in classes are very popular. And bonus points to anyone who turns up in a velour tracksuit.

Lindy hop to your heart’s content with the lovely, lively Swing Patrol gang. Found at venues across town, this friendly community will welcome you with open arms – and then spin you around, swing you out and get you jiving all over the studio. Teachers specialise in lindy hop, but there’s also balboa and blues at different levels. The group rotates during each lesson, so don’t worry about bringing a partner, they’re a friendly bunch – they also host social dances so you can enjoy the sounds of the 1920s in style.

K-pop, bhangra, salsa... why not dance around the world without leaving Zone 1? Just off Oxford Street, Danceworks bills itself as an accessible place for those of all abilities, so even those with two left feet should be okay. There’s a packed class schedule, but their world dance range is the most impressive. With classes ranging from Argentine tango to Afro Fusion to Jamaican dancehall, it’s the place to go if you want unique additions to your moves. Most are also drop-in classes, so a spontaneous Saturday samba is always on the cards.

You’ll find London’s most badass dance class at Kelechnekoff Studio in Peckham. Founded by actor and writer Kelechi Okafor, these pole dance sessions here don’t just teach beginners how to spin and climb, they’re a huge body confidence boost. You’ll be sliding down the pole like a firefighter in no time.

Caramelo, based at Paddington Academy, offers more Latin classes than you can shake a pair of maracas at. Salsa, bachata, cha cha cha, kizomba and Brazlian zouk are covered from beginner up to advanced level. All classes are taught in four-week stints, but Caramelo also hosts great one-day beginner courses, which let you give Latin a go without putting your hips out. There’s also separate sessions dedicated to specific technique building, such as spinning, shines and women and men’s styling. Fancy.