Swing Step Your Way Into One of These Dance Classes for Adults
This total-body workout not only gets you into tip-top shape, but your brain function and mental health improves too.
Illustration by Jeannie Phan
Did you know dance may be the best form of exercise? From a quick-paced dance routine alone, a Harvard study estimates that people can burn about 200 calories in just 30 minutes—now, you can call your nightly jam sesh a workout. Not only does it have resounding physical benefits, but dance has also been shown to improve brain function and mental health. Luckily, with these dance classes for adults in Boston you don’t have to twirl alone—drop in now, and let your body feel the rhythm.
TrillFit
Custom soundtracks mixed by an in-house DJ. Copious amounts of twerking. No, it’s not Saturday night at the hottest new club, it’s TrillFit’s signature dance-cardio class, which incorporates hip-hop-inspired choreography and high-intensity interval training into one intense sweat session. Actually headed out for a night on the town after class? The new Mission Hill studio boasts an on-site hair salon.
Starting at $18, 1484 Tremont St., Boston, 617-544-7690.
Arthur Murray Dance Center
Ever watch an episode of Dancing With the Stars and wonder how the amateurs learned to waltz, cha-cha, and foxtrot only days before? This 100-year-old studio in the Back Bay will teach you. Master the intricacies of ballroom dancing with an introductory program that focuses on the three most important elements: foot position, rhythm and timing, and leading or following—BYO sparkly costume.
Complimentary first private dance lesson, 20 Park Plaza, Boston, 617-426-3335.
The Dance Complex
If you want to try a little bit of everything, The Dance Complex is the place for you. The studio offers an enormous range of classes that can be taken on a drop-in basis, such as hip hop, African dance, tango, flamenco, funk, and more.
Starting at $10/class, but may vary. 536 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-547-9363.
Boston Center for Adult Education
If you’re looking for a fun (ongoing) date idea, the Boston Center for Adult Education offers several four-session packages for couples’ dance lessons. Classes include ballroom, swing, and first wedding dance workshops.
Prices vary. 122 Arlington St., 617-267-4430.
Boston Ballet School
Indulge your childhood ballerina fantasies with classes taught by professional dancers at one of the Boston Ballet School’s three locations. Drop in for open adult classes on a pay-as-you-go basis, or attend more structured ballet workshops.
$20/class or $160 for 10. 19 Clarendon St.; 617-456-6260; and others.
Hop to the Beat Dance Studio
Party like it’s 1920 with Lindy Hop and swing classes open to all levels. The Balboa, the Charleston, and other related dances are also mixed into the classes, which run for six-week long sessions at its Boston and Newton locations.
$65 for a six-week long session. Lower Falls Community Center, 545 Grove St., Newton Lower Falls and Ruggles Baptist Church, 874 Beacon St.; 508-435-2363.
The Studio: A Dance Center for Adults
Students must be at least 18 years old for all classes, meaning you’ll never have to share the floor with giggling high school girls. Classes include ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, Broadway, contemporary, lyrical, pop jazz, and belly dance.
$18/class or $160 for 10. 1404 Beacon St., Brookline, 617-879-2732.
Flamenco Boston
Flamenco Boston offers classes at a range of experience levels, all offered on an ongoing basis. Contact the studio for pricing.
Green Street Studios, 185 Green St., Boston.
Q Ballroom Dance
This studio, located in Cambridge, offers group and private lessons in a variety of styles, like ballroom, club salsa, swing, and Argentine tango. Choose to drop-in, or take your studies a little more seriously with programs meeting twice a week.
Starting at $15/drop-in or $130 for 10. 26 New St., Suite 3, Cambridge, 617-492-2122.
Polynesian Dance Arts
Pretend you’re basking in the Hawaiian sun with the help of Polynesian Dance Arts. You can start from scratch with the company’s hula and Tahitian classes for beginners, and then move up to intermediate and advanced options as you progress.
$15/class, $60/5-pack, or $100/10-pack. Deborah Mason School of Dance, 32 Cottage Park Ave., Cambridge; 781-729-2252.
Urbanity Dance
Dancers at Urbanity must be at least intermediate level, but those who are can take contemporary lessons from this company. Yoga classes are also available.
$15/drop-in. 1180 Washington St., Boston, 617-572-3727.
305 Fitness
At this fitness dance studio in Fenway you don’t have to be a dancer to have fun. Touted as an “addictive cardio party” you’ll sweat through 45-minutes of high-flying fun including signature moves like the V-Up and the Bird. You can also take strength and conditioning classes plus yoga as well.
$26/class, 506 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, 617-603-2522.
