London's 5 Best (and safest) Dance Studios!
If you’re new to London town and want to attend some amazing dance classes, or you’re a performer and need some rehearsal space, the vast options in London can be overwhelming! So, we’ve put together a list of our favourite London rehearsal studios, taking into consideration their new safety regulations due to COVID.
Top for Safety - BASE DANCE STUDIOS
Location: Vauxhall, Victoria Line (5-7m walk)
Website: basedancestudios.com
Socials: @basedancestudios
How safe is BASE?
BASE is a relatively new studio as far as London institutions go, but it’s doing everything right as far as we’re concerned when it comes to keeping it’s customers safe. You book your class / studio hire in advance online, everyone is temperature checked on arrival, they have a solid one way system in place and the studios are relatively well ventilated. Plus studio capacities have been reduced to avoid crowding.
What are the studios like to hire?
There are quite a few to choose from, and they are all creatively named after famous dancers / performers. They are modern and clean, although you will sometimes have to shout over the trains running above - BASE is built just below a tube track! They priced fairly reasonably and their best availability is in the daytime and weekends, due to their regular dance classes, which run at all times but are most popular in the weekday evenings. They sometimes have last minute availability so worth checking.
HOW TO BOOK A STUDIO: You book by sending them an email, contact details here, rather than an automated system.
I’m a beginner - are there dance classes here for me?
We’ll be honest - most of the dance classes at BASE are aimed at professional dancers - however, there are some beginner classes on their schedule that would definitely be worth a go. If you’re a bit of a mover and have some dance experience, try one of the ALL level classes - but complete beginners, do approach the All Level classes with caution, as they can massively vary in terms of difficulty. Luckily for everyone, every day BASE post snippets of their classes on their instagram story - so you can check out your class in advance and see if it’s at your level!
2. Top for Beginners - Pineapple Dance Studios
Location: Covent Garden, Piccadilly Line (1m walk)
Website: https://www.pineapple.uk.com/
Socials: @pineappledancestudios
How safe is Pineapple Dance Studios?
Pineapple have really taken their time to come back after COVID, and are taking great lengths to ensure the studio is safe and not overcrowded - at least half of their classes are currently only available online. For those that want to learn in person, you must prebook your class, and no waiting inside the studio is allowed (you are collected and taken through to your class). Once inside, there are regular sanitiser stations to use.
What are the studios like to hire?
Because of the studio’s central location, they are much more expensive than most of the others on this list, with no low price points for their smaller spaces. It’s an older building too so whilst the studios do the job, they are nothing fancy, and don’t have air conditioning so can get very hot in the summer. If you need a central spot though, their location cannot be rivalled, and they usually have great availability at all times due to having a whopping 10 studios on site of varying sizes.
HOW TO BOOK A STUDIO: Call or email them - details on their contact page.
I’m a beginner - are there dance classes here for me?
YES! There are lots of beginner classes available at Pineapple of loads of different styles - it’s one of the best places to learn to dance. It’s also got great range for people who have some dance experience, and professionals, alike.
3. Top for Value - ISLINGTON ARTS FACTORY
Location: Caledonian Road, Piccadilly Line (10m walk)
Website: islingtonartsfactory.org
Socials: @dance_at_iaf
How safe is Islington Arts Factory?
At the moment, they have minimal classes so less people walking around than the other options on this list. Sanitiser stations are around the building and staggered booking times are in place for cleaning in between hires.
What are the studios like to hire?
They only have two studios, and it is an old building, so don’t expect any fancy air conditioning, or posh sound systems. But the studios are huge and brilliant value, and definitely do the job - plus the staff at reception are always so welcoming and kind, and with the kid’s artwork on the walls (the place doubles up as an art centre) it makes you feel like you’re back at school (in a good way!) They also have music rooms and art rooms available for hire.
HOW TO BOOK A STUDIO: Email or call them - details here!
I’m a beginner - are there dance classes here for me?
Usually perhaps, but at the moment due to COVID, there are very minimal classes running (find out what by ringing or emailing Islington) so we’d recommend trying one of the other studios on the list until the new year.
4. Top for Partner Dancing - Flow Dance Studios
Location: Oval, Victoria Line (4m walk)
Website: https://flowdance-london.co.uk/
Socials: @flowdancelondon
How safe is Flow Dance?
Flow Dance is a fairly new structure compared to most of these other studios, and easier to keep clean! When we visited recently it was spotless and felt very safe, with sanitiser stations around. Since most of the classes they do are partner work, it’s best to visit with someone you know/from your household if you are taking class. They also have online streaming of their classes so you can learn from home!
What are the studios like to hire?
Similarly to Academy Mews, the studios are well kept, clean, modern and there’s a few of them so Flow have pretty good availability, and for decent value as well.
HOW TO BOOK A STUDIO: Book via their website or app.
I’m a beginner - are there dance classes here for me?
Yes - specifically in ballroom or latin, so if that’s what you’re after, this is the best place in London to head!
5. Top Facilities - THE ACADEMY DANCE STUDIOS
Location: Camden - Mornington Crescent, Northern Line (5m walk)
Website: academydancestudios.com
Socials: @academydancestudios
How safe is Academy Dance?
Very. They have staggered entry times for large groups, staggered booking times to avoid crowding in corridors, regular cleaning of the studios, and even provide wipes and disinfectant for hirers to clean surfaces themselves once finished. They also have reduced capacities to allow for social distancing.
What are the studios like to hire?
They have peak times and non peak times - whilst their larger studios at peak times can get quite pricey, at non peak times they are decent value. Plus they have 2 large studios and 3 small ones so a good range here to choose from, for varying budgets. The studios are kept very clean and have a lovely airy feel to them (especially the balcony one at the top of the building.) They get booked up quick so advance booking is recommended, you’d have to be lucky to book these guys last minute!
HOW TO BOOK A STUDIO: Their online booking system is very efficient and easy to use.
I’m a beginner - are there dance classes here for me?
Academy Mews does have a few beginner classes - but they mainly specialise in ballet, and burlesque, with some other styles thrown in once a week or two. If you’re after street styles like what we do, we would recommend one of the other studios like Pineapple or BASE.
So…in summary…Where can I learn to dance, and rehearse, in London?
London has many rehearsal spaces available, but our favourites are:
Base Dance Studios in Vauxhall for safety, and a great range of classes for professional and competent dancers,
Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden for a brilliant range of beginner dance classes in various styles, and a central London location.
Islington Arts Factory in Islington for fantastic value studio hire and a lovely warm environment.
Flow Dance in Oval for partner dance classes, beginners and improvers.
Academy Dance in Camden for great facilities, burlesque classes and easy studio booking.
Hope you enjoyed our rundown! Want to learn to dance like us, or to see us behind the scenes in rehearsals? Support us on Patreon to get access to our tutorials and behind-the-scenes videos and get an insight into how we create our surprises!
Big love as always from the Club Mob team!
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