Drop-in for a spin: Dance classes in Montréal

Tangente

This article was updated on May 12, 2023.

Learning how to dance is a notion as intimidating as it is seductive. When investigating what lies beyond our horizons, the most basic question can be difficult to tackle: How to begin? A few Montréal dance studios have the answer, offering drop-in, trial classes to unlock your inner hip-shaking dynamo. Whether you're looking for a novel vacation activity or ready to embark on a new local adventure, check out our list and give a class a whirl!

Cat’s Corner

3451 Saint-Laurent, 3rd Floor

Cat’s Corner has been a lower Saint-Laurent Boulevard mainstay for 20 years. The swing dance studio is well-known for its Friday night drop-in classes, which cater to both beginner and intermediate levels. Stick around after the class and employ what you've learned on the floor with a social dance sock hop that lasts into the night.

Les Studios Accento

6889 Saint-Laurent Boulevard, 2nd Floor

Les Studios Accento offer classes in a range of different styles, including vibrant favourites such as salsa, hip-hop, afrobeat, and Zumba, to name a few. Check their online schedule to see the selection of classes and beginner rates offered. Make it a date with a plus one (or two!) and benefit from a reduced group fare.

Urban-Element Zone

7577 Saint-Hubert Street

Urban-Element Zone has a host of different affordable drop-in classes that boast a more contemporary and urban vibe. Take a two-hour intensive house course, try dancehall on for size, or check out the weekly voguing community class. For the cost of a movie ticket, you could spend you evening bolstering your catwalk skills; you never know when those will come in handy!

Studio 303

372 Sainte-Catherine Street West, 3rd Floor

Studio 303 has a mission focused on inclusivity, culture, and creativity, with classes such as Physical Theatre, Yoga dance, and the all-ages, all-levels Gaga/People, a course that takes a more holistic approach to dance education. Check their schedule for drop-ins, events, and available workshops!

Studio 88 Swing

7243 Saint-Hubert Street

Studio 88 Swing presently offers free drop-in trial classes on Tuesdays for their Medley Simple Malt, or Saturdays for their Hot Jazz night. Be sure to also check its website for upcoming events and workshops for opportunities to twist and shout along with this energetic and evolving dance style.

Latin Groove

1184 Sainte-Catherine Street West, 4th Floor

Latin Groove is a dance school that—as its name suggests—offers a range of Latin-centric dance styles from the popular salsa to the Angolan dance kizomba (a word which means "party" in the Angolan language of Kimbundu)! Choose between a 60-minute drop-in class, an all-day studio pass, or a set weekly rate. Imagine the looks on your friends' faces when you bust out some bachata moves at the next big gathering.

École de danse contemporaine de Montréal

1435 Bleury Street, Suite 600

École de danse contemporaine de Montréal is a contemporary and interpretive dance academy known for the quality of its training. The school offers courses at all levels, with the first class of each term available as a no-risk trial drop-in; take a deep breath and take the first step in unlocking your passion.

Milan Pole Dance Studio

50 Saint-Jacques Street

Milan Pole Dance Studio offers by-the-class sessions at three different levels, from pole dance/pole gym basic, to advanced technical movements and strength training. A frequent favourite for events such as birthday and bachelorette parties, this whole-body workout dance style focuses on empowerment and flow. Build your confidence with a cheeky new skill.

Danse Mode-Action

7507 Saint-Laurent Boulevard, suite 3000

Founded in 1994, Danse Mode-Action is a renowned resource for dance in Montreal, where many professional dancers, including Sunny St-Hillien Boisvert and Carol-Anne Vézina, have been trained. It offers multidisciplinary dance at all levels from the age of 3, including hip-hop, k-pop, street-jazz, ballet, contemporary, Latin dance and more.

Alexandra Gauthier

Alexandra Gauthier is a young Montrealer who loves to eat, drink and be merry with friends in neighbourhoods all over the city.

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