Learn to Dance in Seattle
While the number of students in a dance class can range from ten to 200, most private schools try to limit their class to twenty or so. However, if you’re shy about trying out your new moves in front of a group or if you work unusual hours, private lessons might be for you. For those with unpredictable schedules, many dance clubs offer drop-in lessons, as well.
Don’t think you’re required to bring a regular partner in order to sign up, either. Although some drop-in classes give preference to couples or to the gender in the minority, scheduled group lessons are arranged to include an equal number of men and women. Once you’ve chosen the dance style that suits you best, one of Seattle’s specialized dance schools can help get you out on the floor.
Ballroom
The elegant Viennese waltz, the spirited tango, the foxtrot, and the quickstep are among the ballroom dances taught at many of the larger dance schools and halls in Seattle. Whether you’re interesting in spicing up your social life or in taking part in dance competitions, these schools can provide instruction to get you there.
Pacific Dance Academy
Chong Wa Benevolent Association, 2nd floor
522 – 7th Avenue South
Seattle, Wa. 98104
Headed by Ma Rui and Li Qian, both graduates of the Beijing Dance Institute and award-winning dancers, this school offers a number of international-style ballroom dances. Viennese waltz, foxtrot, tango, and rumba are taught at beginner, intermediate, and advanced level. Classes are available on both weekday and weekend evenings, but private lessons can be arranged for advanced students.
Arthur Murray Dance Studios
530 Dexter Ave. North
Seattle, Wa 98109
This national chain with locations in Bellevue, Everett, Federal Way, and Seattle prides itself on its patient and easy-going instructors who are specially trained in Arthur Murray’s unique teaching methods. Murray’s methods involve teaching each aspect of the dance point by point at the learner’s own pace in order to avoid the confusion and frustration that many beginning dancers experience. Emphasis is also placed on learning to dance gracefully with any partner. While ballroom dancing is the main focus, several branches also offer classes in swing and Latin dances.
Swing
Swing’s high energy and flair have kept these dances popular in one form or another for nearly eighty years.
Century Ballroom and Cafe
915 E Pine
2nd floor
Seattle, Wa 98122
More than just a dance studio, the Century Ballroom’s dance hall and restaurant make it a great date destination, too. Each night, swing and Latin dancers take over the 2000 square feet of floor space to the beat of a live band. The restaurant, which specializes in fresh, seasonal dishes, offers a view of the dance hall. Standard dance courses run five weeks, with lessons of one hour each. Drop ins are accepted, but only for those who have already attended earlier classes and only if the class is short on participants of your gender. Private lessons are also available.
Dave Atkinson Swing Dance
4718 1/2 University Way NE
Seattle, Wa. 98105
In the historic Wilsonian Ballroom, Dave Atkinson offers on-going lessons in swing dance and Lindy hop at three skill levels. If you’re not one for large groups and drafty dance halls, this ballroom is for you. Wall sconces, leaded Tiffany glass, and mellow lighting create an ambience reminiscent of when the ballroom was opened in 1923. The spring-balanced oak floor will also please dancers.
Other places to learn swing dance in Seattle include the Jitterbug Club, Paradise Place, and the Savoy Swing Club.
Latin
Latin dance’s daring moves, sizzling beats, and flashy costumes have made this style hot worldwide. Fortunately for Seattlites, there’s a great place to learn Latin dance that’s a little closer than South America.
Sonny Newman’s Dance Hall
201 N. 85th Street
Seattle, Wa
Argentine tango and salsa are among the many dance styles offered at this well-known dance center. Many of the tango lessons are taught by Sonny Newman, a Juilliard-trained dancer, teacher, and choreographer who studied tango in Argentina. In addition to scheduled courses, drop in classes are also offered and private lessons are available for individuals and couples. Sonny’s dance parties with live music give students a chance to keep their skills sharp.
Middle Eastern
Some are drawn to the exoticism, some to the sensual movements, and others just want a good workout. If Middle Eastern dance styles appeal to you, skip the flight to Cairo and train to be a harem dancer at home in Seattle.
Visionary Dance Expressions
4128 Fremont Ave. North
Seattle, Wa. 98103
Delilah Moon teaches classes in tribal and Egyptian-style belly dancing that run from basic to advanced. The school also offers “power belly” workout classes and holds a variety of specialized workshops with guest speakers. For the truly dedicated, there’s even an annual dance retreat.
Ballet and Tap
Despite the somewhat elitist image, these dances aren’t just for the young and ultra-flexible. Adult classes welcome all ages to learn the graceful, challenging movements of ballet or intricate footwork of tap.
Cameo/Carrabba Dance
18104 102nd NE
Suite 104
Bothell, Wa
Serving the North Seattle area, this dance studio offers beginning through advanced lessons in ballet and tap. Those who already have some ballet experience may enjoy the open level classes, which are designed to let students to work at their own level. The school also puts on several dance performances a year.
Spectrum Dance Theatre
800 Lake Washington Blvd.
Seattle, Wa. 98122
This school’s stated mission is “to make dance accessible, without limitations, to the community.” With six levels of ballet instruction and several levels of tap, rank beginners and would-be professionals alike will find it more than just accessible. Movement classes are available for toddlers and young adults are welcomed to the teen ballet classes. Fast-paced jazz dance and African dance classes are also held here.
Seattle’s many dance schools offer everything from a gentle introduction to the foxtrot to a serious belly dance workout. And if you don’t find a school you like, you can always go up to Broadway in Seattle and follow the copper dance footprints embedded in the sidewalks.
