Hips Don’t Lie
Belly Dancing
location_on Tenleytown
language Website
Channel your inner Shakira during belly-dance classes at Sahara Dance in Tenleytown. The studio offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced, with each level containing three courses for easy progression. Instructors also provide cultural context for traditional Middle Eastern styles. You’ll see dancers of all ages, so don’t be intimidated if you’re coming to this later in life. Sessions typically last eight to 16 weeks and cost $220 to $425. For those who crave the stage, even beginners can join one of the performance troupes.
Point Your Toes
Ballet
location_on Silver Spring
language Website
Maryland Youth Ballet in Silver Spring may have “youth” in the name, but it’s also a space for adults looking to return to their balletic roots or try the classical style for the first time. Enroll in drop-in classes ($20 each) seven days a week to master everything from basic technique to fouettés and arabesques. Tights and leotards aren’t required—instead, you can opt for form-fitting clothes you feel comfortable in.
Dance Like an Idol
K-Pop
location_on Vienna and Arlington
language Website
Born 2 Dance in Arlington and Vienna (and soon Chantilly) offers an array of international styles, from bachata and zouk to Bollywood and Afrobeats. It also teaches K-pop, a hip-hop riff that echoes the choreography of legendary groups such as Blackpink and BTS. Depending on the class, students learn original choreography or a routine from a music video. Enroll in 12-week sessions for $255 or drop in for $25.
Vertical Motion
Pole Dancing
location_on Logan Circle
language Website
If you’re looking to feel stronger and sexier, head to Pole Pressure on 14th Street and learn the athletic art of pole dancing. Classes are capped at nine people for focused instruction, and the space is body-positive, with students leveling up at their own pace. Beginner classes start with basic spins and strength building. The studio also offers flexibility training and aerial hoop. All lessons are drop-in; $37 per class or $165 to $185 for a monthly membership.
It Takes Two
Salsa
location_on Union Market District
language Website
Salsa group Baila DC breaks down basic footwork and turns during six-week sessions ($150) at La Cosecha. Partners rotate throughout, so no need to BYO. The organization also hosts beginner footwork tutorials followed by a salsa social dance in the same location, so you can take your moves from classroom to dance floor.
Strut Your Stuff
Jazz
location_on Friendship Heights
language Website
Practice Broadway moves in a musical-theater jazz course at CityDance. A class for all levels is offered in eight-week sessions ($160) and one-off lessons ($22.50). If you’ve got some background, opt for the advanced beginner class ($144 for eight weeks, $20 drop-in). The Friendship Heights studio is also committed to showing the less intense side of dance: “Sippin’ With CityDance” is a monthly class ($30) that starts with a glass of wine before you learn choreography to a music video.
Learn How Now
Do a Dip
Debra Huston, assistant dance director of Hollywood Ballroom in Silver Spring, shares how to achieve the perfect finale to your partner dance.
The leader places their left hand between the follower’s shoulder blades and their right hand on the follower’s waist. The follower wraps their arms around their partner’s neck. The position should look like a hug.
The leader slides their left foot out to the side, bending the left knee and shifting their weight onto it. Staying upright, they lower the follower over their knee.
The lead then straightens their left leg and brings it back toward their body, lifting the follower up.
Illustrations by Claire McCracken.
This article appears in the December 2024 issue of Washingtonian.
