Here’s Where You Can Take a Drop-in Dance Class in and Around Philly
For when you want to channel your inner ballerina, learn how to salsa, or just want to move and groove.
Dancing can be a great way to focus your mind, express yourself, and get a killer workout. Here’s where you can take a drop-in dance class near Philly. / Photograph by Hailey Hubbs for Powerhouse Dance Studio.
If you’ve ever taken a dance class, you know that it keeps your body and mind challenged, disciplined, focused, and energized. No matter if you’re doing timesteps in tap shoes or pliés at the ballet barre, you’re getting a total-body workout, while also boosting cognitive functions like processing speed, helping you form connections with others, and even alleviating anxiety.
Locally, you can shake your groove thing at a handful of studios without needing to register for the full year. Whether you’re looking to belly dance, do ballerina twirls, or twerk it out, we’ve rounded up all the places in and around Philly where you can take adult dance classes.
Amy Novinski
Where: 1901 South 9th Street, Unit 609, South Philly
Cost: $10-$20 (in-person); $10-$12 (online)
This South Philly studio caters primarily adults interested in dancing ballet, offering classes for those experienced in the genre and for those with no dance background. Although, class lists have extended to include pointe, solo variations, beginner flamenco, a Reiki-infused movement class, and a soon-to-come class exploring Martha Graham’s modern technique. Novinski has also introduced week-long workshops and a ballet retreat for dancers passionate about improving their skills.
Chez Impact of South Jersey
Where: 224 Fries Mill Road, Turnersville, New Jersey
Cost: $16
This space in South Jersey has been inspiring adult dancers for 40 years. Classes are designed to teach dancers a high-energy routine which will be performed in small groups at the end of class. (Recent classes have been focused on hip hop and jazz.) Whether you are trying to hone your skills or are just starting out, the combination of talented instructors and supportive environment is sure to leave you with a fun dance experience.
DanceFit Exertainment
Where: 98 Bethlehem Pike, Chestnut Hill
Cost: $10 (online), $15 (outdoor), or $18 (indoor)
Created for people who love to dance (regardless of experience or skill level), DanceFit Exertainment aims to transform your workout into a party. No matter if you drop in their Chestnut Hill studio in person or virtually, you’ll get to groove in group classes like Jazz Fit, Zumba, Motown Movement, and Ballet BarreFit.
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Diana Alexis Dance Academy
Where: 421 North Haddon Avenue, Haddonfield, New Jersey (Studio A); 320 North Haddon Avenue, Unit 6, Haddonfield, New Jersey (Studio B)
Cost: Varies based on class and length selected
This Haddonfield dance school offers a number of classes for youth, but doesn’t neglect the adults who want to either learn or continue enjoying the art. Currently, it runs adult tap and ballet, both of which cover the basics and crucial techniques every dancer needs in order to keep growing.
Estilo Dance Studio
Where: 2036 Frankford Avenue, Fishtown
Cost: $30 (day pass); $120 (monthly pass)
Estilo Dance Studio in Fishtown runs group classes in salsa and bachata for adults. Sessions are typically two hours (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Monday through Thursday, with designated classes for beginner and intermediate dancers. You can also receive private lessons in Latin dance from Estilo founder Michael Andino — whether you want to learn by yourself, with a partner, with your kid, or with a few friends.
Equilibrium Dance Academy
Where: 1802 South Broad Street, South Philly
Cost: No drop-in offering; $90 for six-week sessions, $120 for eight-week sessions
Equilibrium Dance Academy is about to launch two adult tap classes. (Their adult ballet class is currently wrapping up.) The Basics, which runs for six weeks starting April 8th, will teach you the fundamentals of the genre. If you’ve already got some knowledge, opt for the intermediate eight-week session, which meets Monday evenings beginning on April 4th.
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Fit For Life
Where: 714 West Avenue, Jenkintown
Cost: Varies depending on class, and whether or not you opt for in-person or virtual
If you are looking to get into dance or dance fitness, but don’t know where to start, Fit For Life is for you. The Jenkintown space offers beginner ballet, intro to jazz, beginner hip hop, and beginner contemporary, with instructors modifying difficulty levels based on student needs.
Flaunt Fitness
Where: 1939 South 17th Street, South Philly
Cost: $25 (pole and fitness); $35 for aerials
Flaunt Fitness reminds us that pole dancing is an amazing (and challenging!) way to get your body moving. The South Philly studio has a bunch of different pole classes, ranging from introductory to advanced. There are even classes focused on climbing, inverting, and dancing seductively. If the pole isn’t for you, Flaunt Fitness also offers dance fitness classes like contemporary, twerking, and beginner ballet.
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I AM Phresh
Where: 12301 McNulty Road, Northeast Philly
Cost: $20
I AM Phresh’s class list is ever-rotating with hip hop, heels, and other classes each week with in-studio and guest instructors. Classes are listed as intermediate, but are open to all dance levels. To keep up with their weekly schedule, go here.
Jazz Unlimited
Where: 201 South Route 73, Marlton, New Jersey
Cost: $25
In business for over 50 years, Jazz Unlimited offers drop-in adult hip hop, jazz, and tap classes on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. While some experience is helpful, classes are open to all levels of dancers with experienced instructors ready to cater to each class’s needs.
Koresh School of Dance
Where: 2002 Rittenhouse Square, Rittenhouse
Cost: $15
Since 1993, Koresh has been providing open dance classes to the public, with drop-ins ranging from ages four through seniors, and beginners through professionals. Open to the public Monday through Saturday, the school offers classes in ballet, hip hop, modern, and jazz, with each style taught to various skill levels. Plus, Koresh often hosts workshop series, where you can learn the ins and outs of select dance forms over the course of several weeks.
Living Arts Dance, Inc.
Where: 624 North Front Street, Northern Liberties
Cost: $15
Located in Northern Liberties, Living Arts Dance aims to provide adults and youth a space to freely pursue self-expression through movement. Adult drop-ins often rotate, so you’ll have to contact the studio in order to learn about the current offerings.
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Mastah Tee Fitness & Dance
Where: 714 Reed Street, South Philly
Cost: $18
Classes at Mastah Tee Fitness & Dance focus on low- to mid-impact dance movements that will improve range of motion, flexibility, and blood flow. While dancers are sure to have fun and get a good workout, the goal of owner Trina Lyons is for all clients to build confidence. In-person classes are available on weekends, but feel free to drop-in virtually Monday through Thursday.
The Performance Garage
Where: 1515 Brandywine Street, Spring Garden
Cost: Varies depending on class
Performance Garage recently reopened after being closed since the start of the pandemic. Class offerings rotate frequently, but currently, they’re running ballet, contemporary, West African, and aerial. The space can also be rented out for classes, workshops, and rehearsals.
Philly Dance Fitness
Where: 1301 Locust Street, second floor, Midtown Village; 1923 Chestnut Street, Rittenhouse
Cost: $12 through $18
Philly Dance Fitness might be Philly’s most popular dance organization focused on “fitness and fun.” With over 15 genres taught, this local dance fitness business is designed to meet the needs of everybody — as in, every type of dancer in every type of body — with styles like Bollywood, tap dancing, pointe, and Zumba.
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Powerhouse Dance Studio
Where: 1724 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Cost: $20; prices vary for master classes
Classes at Powerhouse are offered at the intermediate level (and sometimes advanced) for dancers looking to continue their practice recreationally or professionally. Students will learn a short combo in an inviting, judgment-free space in a variety of styles, including tap, ballet, contemporary, pro dance team, jazz, and hip hop. The studio also brings in master instructors for 90-minute sessions monthly.
ProMo Dance
Where: 2511 West Girard Avenue, second floor, Brewerytown (out of Sound Space Performing Arts)
Cost: $15
ProMo Dance is the adult dance program from local all-female jazz company, Project Moshen. Their offerings — which will resume this April — typically include hip hop, street jazz, and contemporary.
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The Rock School
Where: 1101 South Broad Street, South Philly
Cost: $15
Since 1963, the Rock School has trained students in classical ballet in order to help them go on to professional companies. The school currently offers open sessions of intermediate ballet for adults (ages 16 years and older) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. A basic knowledge of ballet terminology is encouraged but not required.
School of Philadelphia Ballet
Where: 323 North Broad Street, Callowhill
Cost: $15
Maybe you’ve always wanted to take ballet but have been intimidated to step into a class as an adult. The School of Philadelphia Ballet is here to help. Its open adult ballet, which runs every Tuesday and Thursday evening, will give you the education and confidence you need in pursuing the technique and strengthening your muscles and mind. The school also frequently hosts master classes; stay updated on offerings here.
Society Hill Dance Studio
Where: 409 South 2nd Street, Society Hill
Cost: No drop-in offering; $195 per person for six-week courses
Society Hill Dance Studio is the place to go if you’re looking to learn how to salsa, samba, swing, waltz, fox trot, or dance jazz. (You can also sign up for private lessons!) Plus, the instructors can even choreograph your wedding dance if you want to do more than just sway back and forth on the floor.
Sound Space Performing Arts
Where: 2511 West Girard Avenue, second floor, Brewerytown — though, they are in the process of moving to the corner of 31st and Jefferson Streets.
Drop-in rate: $16-$20
Founded in 2015 by tap connoisseur Pamela Hetherington, Sound Space originated as a studio space solely for percussive dance (a.k.a. tap dancing and hoofing). Since then, the studio has expanded to include flamenco and the Horton technique. You can find the current class schedule here.
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Symmetry Dance Wellness
Where: 2016 Walnut Street, Rittenhouse
Drop-in rate: $10-$21 (in-person); $8-$15 (online)
Specializing in ballet, Symmetry runs various classes, including absolute beginner, pointe, express, and open studio. You can also take private lessons for $65 per session, or have two or three friends join you ($30 and $22, respectively).
Two Hearts Dance & Yoga
Where: Online
Drop-in rate: $8, with some donation-based offerings
This all-virtual studio offers yoga, plus a number of dance classes suitable for all levels. Currently, Two Hearts offers adult hip hop, jazz technique, commercial dance, and “Sassy Pom,” which is similar to sport-style dance team. You can also take virtual private lessons at $50 per hour.
Urban Movement Arts
Where: 2100 Chestnut Street, second floor, Rittenhouse
Drop-in rate: $15 (in-person); $10 (online)
Urban Movement Arts is dedicated to teaching adults genres and techniques characteristic of hip hop, American folk dance, and the African Diaspora movement. We’re talking breakdancing, Reggaeton, Latin dance fusion, Soul Train, Lindy Hop, waacking, salsa, and a slew of others. Not sure where to start? UMA’s class descriptions will help steer you in the right direction.
This page has been updated since originally publishing in 2019.
