The best hip-hop dance classes in NYC: beginner & expert friendly

One of the most impressive aspects of hip hop is how versatile of a dance style it is and how it is easily repurposed and remixed with other music styles. In this dance fitness course, hip hop music meets house-style in an electrifying and upbeat dance workout routine. This fast-paced aerobic workout is an excellent way to burn calories and build endurance while working out core muscle groups, all while enjoying unforgettable remixes of classic hip-hop and modern house music and learning a unique dance style that you can take with you to the club.

Price and hours
$22/class, packages available
Classes offered daily

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (yes, the world-famous company) has dance classes of all kinds geared toward real people at Ailey Extension. Running the gamut from absolute beginners to dancers who are waaay more experienced than you are, students attend hip-hop classes here that promise popping, locking, breaking and more—and are taught by pro instructors. This kind of cardio? Yes, please.

Price and hours:
$25/class, packages available
Classes offered Monday-Saturday

There are many different levels under one roof at Broadway Dance Center. With two ranks before you even crack into beginner, there really is a class for everyone—all the way up to pro. The instructors, who are almost all working professionals themselves, teach fundamentals as well as the freshest trends in the industry. And though it’s a few notches above the basic level, the Hip Hop in Stilettos class is something we want in on before next Saturday night.

Price and hours:
$25/class, packages available
Classes offered daily

One of the largest dance studios in the city, Steps On Broadway has kept New Yorkers groovin’ since 1979, hosting up to 50 classes a day, seven days a week. If there’s anyone who can help you out of your Running Man rut, it’s the instructors at this place. Check the class-level key before you sign up to be clear on what exactly advanced-beginner hip-hop classes are (they’re for anyone with at least two years of training).

Price and hours:
$25/class, packages available
Classes offered daily

Owner and instructor Brandon Chow started this studio in 2010 for people looking to learn something new and sneak in some fitness. All ages and all ethnicities sign up for these classes—suitable for complete newbies—for basic moves mixed with new tricks. All classes are private, so you get the attention you need to learn all the right moves.

Price and hours:
Pricing varies
Private classes only

Brooklyn-based Dancewave, a nonprofit dance center, hosts a Monday-night hip-hop class taught by Rolanda Ledain, an instructor with a cult following. (She’s worked on Shaggy’s music videos, so yea, she’s a pretty big deal.) Classes are super high energy and geared toward all levels.

Price and hours:
$25/class, packages available
Classes offered daily