Where can I learn Street Dance?

Where can I learn Street Dance?

Learning to dance can be a lifelong ambition, but often we're shy to try new things and worry that we'll make ourselves look foolish, or won't like the reality of learning a new skill and the effort we have to put in.
A negative experience can put you off learning a new skill like dance for life, so that's why when choosing a particular studio or method of learning to dance you must first evaluate the studio and classes, and decide whether it is a fit for you.

Why dance?

If your answer is to learn to dance for fun stay with the inexpensive ways of learning to dance and steer clear of the larger dance specialist dance schools, which offer great range of choice, but are often geared towards professional dancers. You may also find that classes which teach you a lot of technique don't give you casual approach you are looking for.
However, if your answer to this question involves elements of learning to be the best, learning the proper technique, or even competing -- your best decision would be to choose a studio in which you are pushed to train and learn more in depth aspects of dance. Perhaps going to a specialist 'popping' class, or taking private lessons in a Latin style may be more appropriate, and you'll probably want to invest some money into your new hobby as well.

How much will it cost?

Before making any decisions as to which class, you must decide for yourself what your yearly or monthly budget can afford. All classes have different price plans, and it's not always clear which is the cheapest. Joining a gym to take classes can cost you a whopping £500 per year, based on only 1 class per week, because you're paying for other services you won't use. Dance companies like Creation charge on a term basis, and offer large discounts for signing up for 12 weeks. This should encourage you to commit, but make sure that any course you sign up for can be flexible about attendance so that you don't miss out. Creation, for example, allows you to make up missed classes for free throughout the term and offers a money back guarantee, something you don't get at the regular dance schools. Then there are drop-in classes, which often appear cheaper, but if you add the cost of 'daily membership' often charged by these schools you can end up paying more in the long run, and getting less. So make sure you investigate carefully before you decide.

What about the age of the class?

If you wanting to learn something like street dance you need to think about what kind of atmosphere you want and the other people likely to be in the class. If you a bit older, you won't want to be surrounded by teenagers, and if you're only 15, you don't want to be in the kids section. Make sure that the class caters for people like you by asking the school about who comes along. You can always ask to watch a class if possible, or take a look at the video to see if it's full of super-cool street kids, or mums busting a move.

Your motivation

Ensure that you understand why you enjoy dancing or at least why you want to dance.
For example, some people dance because it gives them a "workout", some dance because they love music, some dance because they gain self-confidence, others dance to meet people, etc. These are just a few reasons -- determine yours, and enjoy it!

Creation Dance runs adult beginners street dance classes in London and the Southwest. For more information check out http://www.creationdance.co.uk or call 0870 140 3234

Elle Kealy is the founder of Creation Dance, a specialist beginners dance school in London and the South West. You can contact Elle on elle.kealy@creationdance.co.uk