Find dance lessons near me in Glasgow

Glasgow and Dance

The Glasgow Story website tells of how dancing became popular in the city of Glasgow during the 1900s. It states that, following the First World War and for a near 30 years thereafter, dancing boomed despite the fact that spaces like ballrooms were destined for military purposes during this period. It was, however, the conflict of the war that brought people together in the form of dance, and became an escape or diversion. Around this time, the gramophone was highly popular as well as the radio, and so there were increasing opportunities for young people to listen to music and hear jazz and other such transatlantic rhythms.

The Scottish Country Dance Society was formed in Glasgow in 1923 but the dancing styles were still quite diverse, with ballroom dominating but a love of traditional dances like country and rock n' roll shining through at community halls and other venues. The peak of the dancing boom was said to be around the time of the Second World War.

So what about now - is dancing still ever as popular amongst Glaswegians today?

Dancing in Glasgow in the 2020s

You only have to take one glance at the What's On in Glasgow website to see just how many opportunities there are to join dance classes in the city these days - and not just ballroom or other traditional dances! You will discover Ballet, Tap, Street, Salsa, Belly and all sorts of other styles of dance on offer in this vibrant city.

What's more, it's not even limited to dance classes for adults - you will soon find a range of classes to suit all ages, including babies and toddlers as well as the more mature dancers wanting to relive the dancing of their youth!

Learn to dance in Glasgow

Taking dance lessons in Glasgow means giving yourself the opportunity of choice.

Aerobic dance, bachata, hip-hop, Cuban dance, couples dance, jazz, Viennese waltz, Zumba, reggae, flamenco, swing, all different kinds of dance styles are offered in this city!

Big cities like Glasgow are known for offering a wide variety of activities. Everything is possible. You can find dance centres, dance studios, training rooms... and to learn dance, students have the choice between dance schools, conservatories or associations. The latter generally being the most accessible while offering all types of dance and levels.

These courses can be lessons for teens, adults, private dance lessons, group dance classes, children's dance...

Classes are often composed of improvisation exercises, stretching, free dance, dance steps ...

But dance schools are not the only ones who can teach you the best dance steps. At-home and neighbourhood dance classes are also very effective at learning all styles of dance.

Tap, hip hop, kizomba, merengue, mambo, Indian, Argentine tango, capoeira, dancehall, Cuban salsa, traditional dances, Puerto Rican salsa... many dance styles are at your fingertips! You just have to choose!

The best places in Glasgow to dance

If you are on the lookout for places to get your groove on and dance the night away, then Glasgow has tonnes of options for you. Take, for example, La Cheetah Club on Queen Street, Club Tropicana & Venga on Renfield Street and Sub Club on Jamaica Street - all of these are great places to go and boogie!

If it's a piece of Latin America you're after, then a trip to Mango will certainly be your flavour! Also offering dedicated Reggae nights are King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, The Berkeley Suite and The Classic Grand (which coincidentally is also located on Jamaica Street).

Buff Club also embraces Reggae soul but also throws in a bit of funk and other cool types of music!

How much does a dance class cost in Glasgow?

Hobby activities are most often the most expensive, and there is no lack of dance options available. And dancing is no different as any type of class will come at a cost. The type of classes you sign up for will often determine the price. But wouldn't you rather pay for someone to offer you advice and tips and lead you in the right direction rather than second-guessing your every (dance) move?

In many large UK cities, apprentice dancers have the choice between taking classes at lesser-known places such as associations, or larger professional institutions such as conservatories. These are very well-known and are the most expensive.

Here are some prices to give you an idea:

• Price of dance lessons in an association: 300 pounds per year for an hour and a half of weekly classes,
• School dance prices: 600 pounds per year for one hour of weekly classes,
• Price of conservatory dance classes with regional influence: from 100 to 500 pounds for a first course,
• Price of conservatory dance class with national influence: from 100 to 1000 pounds for a first class,

Besides these options, it is also possible to choose to take private lessons.

Prices also vary according to the discipline and dance style. The most popular dance styles such as hip hop, modern jazz, salsa or classical dance are among the cheapest.

On the other hand, more specialized dances such as ballroom dancing (waltz, rumba, cha-cha, paso doble, ...) are sometimes more expensive. These types of dances require advanced technique and dancer experience. This means you'll need to pay the cost to have a skilled teacher.

Price Breakdown

Here is an overview of the prices of private dance classes according to style:

• Choreography course: £ 31,50,
• Latin dance lessons: £ 34,79,
• Contemporary dance classes: £ 29,11
• Hip Hop class: £ 29,
• Classical dance lessons: £ 33,41,
• Ballroom classes: £ 38,24,
• Modern dance classes: £ 28,74,
• Rock n roll course: £ 35,13,
• Oriental dance classes: £ 32,74,
• Salsa lesson: £ 34,45,
• Waltz lesson: £ 37,42,
• African Dance course: £ 31.08,
• Breakdance course: £ 27,72,
• Tango lesson: £ 42,33,

Between private lessons, group lessons, private dance teachers, dance academy courses, or conservatory courses, there are options for whatever you are looking for.

It is important to remember, that in order to learn the basics of any style of dance, it is still almost essential to seek advice and some lessons from a skilled teacher.