How many times have you emerged from the dance floor at a club covered in sweat, like you’d just finished a CrossFit workout? It doesn’t feel like you’re exercising at the time (probably thanks to the vodka sodas!), but the next day your legs ache like crazy! Yep, there’s a reason dancers like Julianne Hough are in such incredible shape: dancing is a seriously good workout. The good news is, you don’t have to wait until you’re on a night out (or in the privacy of your own home) to reap the physical benefits of getting your groove on.
From strengthening your core and improving your coordination to meeting cool new people, there are so many reasons to add a dance class to your workout regime. And the good news is, no matter where you live in Australia, there’s a class for you. So if you can’t wait to channel your inner Beyonce, here are some of the best drop-in dance classes in each of our capital cities:
SYDNEY: Dancehall at Dance Central
I can personally attest to the fact that this one hour class is the most fun you can have while exercising. In fact, you get so absorbed in perfecting your dutty wines and body rolls you don’t even realise you’ve broken a sweat until it’s over! Dancehall is a popular urban dance of Jamaica that originated on the streets of downtown Kingston. It’s fast, energetic, aggressive at times and so much fun. If you’re new to dance or have two left feet (like me) I would recommend first trying a Dancehall Basics class with Crystal. This will allow you to build your confidence before you graduate to the faster-paced open classes!
Click here for more info.
MELBOURNE: Twerkshop
Move over, Miley Cyrus. The girls at Twerkshop are serious booty-popping pros. This one hour class involves shaking what your mumma gave you while a live DJ blasts hip-hop beats. Warning: twerking is about 10 times harder than it looks! Your legs and butt will burn, you’ll drip with sweat, your inhibitions will fly out the window and most importantly, you’ll have the time of your life.
For more info, click here.
ADELAIDE: Hip-Hop at Hyperdance
Ever fantasise about being a back-up dancer for Rihanna or Nicki Minaj? If you’re nodding enthusiastically, this class is for you. In beginner’s hip-hop, you’ll master some of the basic moves like popping and locking in a fun, friendly atmosphere. You’ll also learn a choreographed dance routine, so you can impress your friends next time you hit Friday drinks. Can’t decide whether you’re more JLO or Jamiroquai? No worries: Hyperdance also offers a combined jazz and hip-hop class!
For more info, click here.
BRISBANE: TYGA Fitness at Dance Skool
Can’t choose between hip-hop, dancehall, and aerobics? You don’t have to, thanks to TYGA. Also known as The Jungle Body, this class combines all three dance styles for a fierce cardio workout. Think of it like Zumba, with an urban twist. One of the best things about TYGA is the variety of music: one minute you’re grooving to Justin Timberlake, the next you’re krumping to Kanye!
For more info, click here.
PERTH: Heels On at Elan Dance
It takes a pretty impressive woman to be able to be able to walk properly in high heels, let alone dance! But thanks to this energetic dance class, you’ll soon be one of them. It’s safe to say you’ll have calves of steel after a few sessions of dropping it low in your platforms or pumps. Better yet, you’ll be brimming with so much confidence that the club won’t be able to handle you next time you hit the dance floor!
For more info, click here.
HOBART: Jazzercise
It may sound like the type of class your mum would go to, but don’t knock Jazzercise until you try it! This high-intensity dance class combines moves from yoga, pilates, aerobic exercise, resistance training, kickboxing, hip-hop and, of course, jazz. You’ll burn boatloads of kilojoules as you shimmy and swivel to the beats of the latest hits. If you think this is the type of class you’ll only try once, think again. Research shows that the average person sticks to Jazzercise for a whopping 7 years!
For more info, click here.
DARWIN: AerialPOLE at Champagne Fitness
We recently wrote about the many benefits of taking a pole dance class and Darwin is home to this fantastic one. This class will get your heart pounding like a gym workout, but you’ll also learn how to swing around the pole like a pro! Not only will you get an epic full body workout, chances are your confidence levels will soon be off the charts. Win win!
For more info, click here.
CANBERRA: Burlesque at Kokoloco Dance Studio
If you ever secretly dreamed of becoming one of the Pussycat Dolls, you’ll love this glamorous dance style. Don’t worry, it’s not stripping. Instead, you’ll learn the art of subtle seduction. If it all sounds a bit awkward, fear not. Everyone else will be too preoccupied with unleashing their own inner vixen to pay any attention to what you’re doing!
