The ultimate cure to the dreaded Monday-itis, a stressful week, or a quiet weekend—dancing might just be the answer to all of life’s problems. Not only do you get fitter without realising it, it’s like a universal panacea that improves nearly everything else in your life, from your balance and coordination to your endorphin levels and even your social life. If you’ve been hesitating to take that dance class for a while now, consider this your sign.
Here are some of the very best adult dance classes in Perth to get you started.
WA Ballet
Maylands
WA Ballet hosts adults ballet classes from beginners right through to advanced dancers, with over 20 classes per week including conditioning and pointe. If you're feeling a little daunted by pirouettes and jetes, the stunning building will distract you just enough to get you to give it a go.
The Dance Workshop
Scarborough
Affectionately known as TDC, they’re one of the most diverse and comprehensive dance schools in Perth, offering everything from ballet, tap and jazz to flamenco, hip hop, Bollywood, African and heels classes, plus loads more. With a full timetable of classes to suit your busy schedule, you’ll be moonlighting as a Bollywood dancer in no time.
Elan Dance Est
Perth CBD
Dedicated to adults and teens, the Elan Dance Est on Murray Street in Perth offers dancehall, hip hop and grooves classes—which combine all aspects of urban dance fundamentals for those that want a crash-course in many different styles. With evening classes running every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, signing up will get you involved instantly in a community of like-minded fellow dance-lovers.
Casa Del Compas
Bibra Lake
If you fancy a bit of skirt-flailing and castanet action, then there’s no better place to learn this passionate Spanish dance than with Faridah Rabih of Casa Del Compas. With over 25 years of experience teaching, performing and choreographing classic Spanish dance and Flamenco internationally, as well as a strong network of flamenco guitarists and singers to dance to, Perth is lucky to have access such an experienced and well-travelled teacher.
Swing It!
Various Locations
With five locations around Perth, there’s sure to be a Swing It class near you and let’s be real, nobody ever regretted going to a swing class. Very often unassuming visitors are won over by the charms and good-humour of the teachers, only to be swept away by the dynamic underground jazz world of social dancing, live jazz bands, burlesque and people united over the love of vintage dances. You’ll find more info on class times here, and the rest will be history.
The WA Performance School
Subiaco
The WA Performance School isn't just for kiddos, they offer loads of adult dance classes every night during the week. From ballet, cabaret and hip hop to contemporary, tap and jazz, there's something to suit everyone, even a music theatre class!
Ritmo Caliente Dance Academy
Applecross
Anything that translates to ‘hot rhythm’ is a good thing in our books, and Ritmo Caliente Dance Academy is most certainly a good thing—as far as salsa, bachata, kizomba, zouk and any classes from the genre of Latin dance go. Running beginner’s classes upstairs at the Raffles from 6.30pm every Tuesday and social dancing with multiple rooms and local DJs late into the evening—the venue is packed every week with people from all ages and abilities, making it an unintimidating environment for beginners.
King Street Dance
Perth CBD
International choreographer Janelle Vacaro of The Arthaus Group has won hearts in the hip hop community of Perth, knocking out the kind of MTV video clip worthy routines you dream of when you signed up to a hip hop or hip hop in heels class. Her much-loved beginners hip hop class is the perfect place to start and they run from the Kings Street Art Centre every Thursday from 5pm.
Gilkisons
Perth CBD
Fancy learning a bit of jitterbug? Or how about some samba, or rumba, or quickstep? Those are just a few of the dance styles on offer at Gilkisons in the city. If you fancy a dance but aren't keen on a lesson, Gilkisons does social nights (with a fully licensed bar in case you need some liquid courage) on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. These guys also offer wedding dance lessons, so if you're about to tie the knot you might want to give them a call.
Danza Loca
Various Locations
If you've got a secret passion for salsa dancing, then Danza Loca is the dance studio for you. Specialising in salsa, kizomba and bachata, you know you'll be in good hands. If you're too nervous to leap straight into classes, don't worry, they also have Zumba classes on offer to find the dancer within you.
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Image credit: Angelos Michalopoulos