Houston, a vibrant city with a rich cultural tapestry, boasts a thriving dance scene. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious beginner, you'll find a dance class in Houston to match your style and skill level. This comprehensive guide explores 23 of the best dance studios and classes in the city, offering a diverse range of styles and experiences. Finding your perfect dance class in Houston just got easier!
Ballet
1. Houston Ballet Academy: Nurturing Future Stars
The Houston Ballet Academy is renowned for its rigorous training program, producing many professional dancers. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels, catering to students of all ages and experience. Their faculty comprises highly skilled instructors dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a love for ballet. They offer a range of classes including:
- Pre-Professional Division
- Children's Division
- Adult Classes
2. The School of Classical Ballet: A Focus on Technique
This esteemed school emphasizes classical ballet technique, providing a strong foundation for aspiring dancers. Their smaller class sizes allow for personalized attention and individualized instruction. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to develop both technical skills and artistic expression.
Jazz
3. Dance Etc.: A Diverse Jazz Program
Dance Etc. offers a comprehensive jazz program encompassing various styles, from contemporary jazz to Broadway jazz. Their instructors are experienced professionals with a passion for sharing their knowledge. They regularly host workshops and masterclasses with renowned choreographers, providing students with valuable learning opportunities.
4. Velocity Dance Center: High-Energy Jazz Experiences
Velocity Dance Center is known for its high-energy jazz classes, perfect for those seeking a dynamic and challenging workout. Their instructors emphasize both technical precision and expressive movement, helping students develop their individual style and confidence.
Hip Hop
5. The Movement Lab: Street Style and Urban Vibes
The Movement Lab is a hub for hip-hop dance enthusiasts, offering classes in various styles, including popping, locking, breaking, and house. The atmosphere is energetic and supportive, fostering creativity and self-expression.
6. Studio B Dance: A Fusion of Hip Hop and Other Styles
Studio B Dance integrates hip-hop with other dance forms, creating exciting fusion classes. This allows for a more versatile and well-rounded dance education. They often incorporate elements of contemporary, jazz, and modern dance.
Contemporary
7. The Juilliard School (Houston Campus): World-Class Contemporary Training
The Juilliard School's Houston campus offers exceptional contemporary dance training. Their program is highly selective and rigorous, attracting talented dancers from around the world. Expect a demanding but rewarding experience with opportunities for collaboration and performance. Note: This program is highly competitive and requires auditions.
8. Project Row Houses: Community-Based Contemporary Dance
Project Row Houses offers contemporary dance classes within a unique community setting. Their programs often incorporate social themes and engage with local artists and choreographers. This offers a more community-focused approach to contemporary dance.
Ballroom
9. Arthur Murray Dance Studio: Mastering the Art of Ballroom
Arthur Murray Dance Studio provides structured ballroom dance instruction, teaching various styles such as waltz, foxtrot, tango, and salsa. Their experienced instructors provide personalized attention, helping students develop their technique and confidence on the dance floor.
10. Fred Astaire Dance Studio: Elegance and Grace on the Dance Floor
Fred Astaire Dance Studio shares a similar approach to Arthur Murray, focusing on ballroom elegance and precision. They’re known for their structured curriculum and focus on partner dancing.
Salsa & Latin
11. Ritmo Dance Studio: Immerse Yourself in Latin Rhythms
Ritmo Dance Studio offers a variety of salsa and Latin dance classes, covering different styles and levels. Their lively atmosphere and passionate instructors create an immersive experience that encourages participation and fun.
12. Baila Conmigo Dance Studio: Learn Authentic Latin Dance Styles
Baila Conmigo Dance Studio emphasizes authenticity in its Latin dance instruction. They offer classes in salsa, bachata, merengue, and other styles, focusing on traditional techniques and musicality.
Tap
13. Texas Tap Company: Celebrating the Energy of Tap Dance
Texas Tap Company is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of tap dance. They offer classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced students, emphasizing rhythmic precision and creative expression.
14. Stepping Out Studio: A Blend of Tap and Other Dance Styles
Stepping Out Studio integrates tap with other dance forms, creating dynamic and engaging classes. They often incorporate elements of jazz, modern, and contemporary dance, fostering versatility in their students.
Other Dance Styles
15. Belly Dance Houston: Discover the Grace of Belly Dance
Belly Dance Houston introduces students to the art of belly dance, focusing on posture, fluidity, and expression. Classes are designed to empower women and promote body positivity.
16. Irish Dance Academy of Houston: Learn Traditional Irish Dance
The Irish Dance Academy of Houston provides instruction in traditional Irish dance, teaching students the intricate steps and rhythms of this captivating art form.
17. Ballet Folklorico Classes: Experience Mexican Cultural Dance
Several studios around Houston offer Ballet Folklorico classes, celebrating Mexican cultural heritage through dance.
18. Bollywood Dance Classes: Explore the Rhythms of Bollywood
Bollywood dance classes are available at several studios, providing a fun and energetic way to learn the vibrant dance styles of Indian cinema.
19. Modern Dance Classes: Express Yourself Through Modern Movement
Numerous studios in Houston provide modern dance classes, which focus on exploration and self-expression.
20. African Dance Classes: Discover the Rhythms of Africa
Several studios in Houston offer African dance classes, focusing on the diverse styles and traditions of the African continent.
Dance Fitness
21. Zumba Fitness Classes: A Fun and Effective Workout
Numerous gyms and studios throughout Houston offer Zumba fitness classes, combining Latin rhythms and energetic movements for a fun and effective workout.
22. Barre Fitness Classes: Sculpt Your Body Through Ballet-Inspired Movements
Many studios and gyms in Houston offer barre fitness classes, using ballet-inspired movements to tone and strengthen muscles.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
23. Community Centers and Parks: Check Local Offerings
Beyond dedicated dance studios, many community centers and parks offer dance classes. Check your local listings for affordable and accessible options.
Remember to check each studio's website or contact them directly for class schedules, pricing, and registration information. Finding the right dance class in Houston is an exciting journey – enjoy the process of discovering your perfect fit!
