If you’re a bit behind on your New Year’s resolution to get fitter, perhaps a fun approach to fitness will help. Try a dance class – we’ve rounded up some of the good ones in London.
Patience GOP
Respected and admired by big names in the Afrobeats dance scene, Patience James has built up an astonishing following of fans crazy for her hyper-energetic dance style. An accomplished dancer, choreographer and teacher, she has graced several platforms including Wembley arena, Indigo O2, Apollo, Edinburgh’s Fringe and even X Factor. Patience worked on the choreography and movement directing for brands including Nike and Adidas. She’s widely regarded as one of the top Afrobeats choreographers in London. If you work with Patience, you’ll get one of the best in the business – she has worked for industry professionals such as; Mr Eazi, Emily Sande, David Guetta and Burna Boy.
https://patiencejchoreography.co.uk/
https://www.liftislington.org.uk/events/afrobeats-dance
X7eaven Dance
Professionally trained and talented instructors teach a wide range of exciting dance classes from Classical ballet and street fitness so you can perfect the latest dance moves, easy to follow Street Dance, Soca aerobics through to energetic Swing and Jive classes. Other classes include Tap Dance and Contemporary Dance.
Alongside classes, X7eaven run a Performing Arts Company that students are encouraged to audition for once they become a member.
https://www.x7performingarts.com/dance/
AkomaAsa Arts
Founded by Akosua Boakye, AkomaAsa Arts is a community arts education organisation that offers Western and African diaspora dance forms, music and performing arts training for children and young people aged 6 to 16+.
The academy offers two arts educational programmes: African Diaspora Dance & Music and Performing Arts.
Verona Patterson – Danceworks
Verona Patterson is an accomplished dance teacher experienced in Street, Contemporary, Afro- Caribbean, and Afro- Latin dance styles, with a strong focus on African and Caribbean dance styles, specifically Afrobeats, and Jamaican Female Dancehall. There is a minimum age of 16 for her Afrobeats class.
https://danceworks.com/london/classes/teachers/verona-patterson/
Colours of Praise Dance Ministry
Based in Edmonton, North London, Colours of Praise holds classes every Saturday for ages 7-16, training them in Afro-Street. With over 8 years in the ministry, Colours Of Praise have performed in several locations in the UK, blessing and changing the lives of those they dance for.
https://coloursofpraise.org.uk/
Storm on the Stage Academy of Arts
Storm on the Stage is a North London Arts Academy and a multi-award-winning dance school. They offer a range of dance genres from the age of 2.
“We strive to nurture and develop talent, celebrate the achievements of all students and inspire a love and appreciation of all styles of dance, the arts and personal growth.
We are committed to providing a safe and positive environment in which all students can feel empowered, comfortable and free to express themselves.”
https://www.stormthestagepaa.com/about-us
Turbelles Performing Arts
Ilford-based Turbelles Performing Arts provides dance classes from the age of 3 to 18. Classes offered include Street dance, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary dance and Afrobeats.
https://turbellesperformingarts.com/
Steppaz
Established in 2013 and currently based in north-west London, Steppaz offers dance classes for all ages from the age of 3. Classes include street dance classes and open styles classes, which draw on the foundations of Hip Hop including Lockin’, Poppin’ and Breakin’. They also teach Afrobeats and other dance styles.
Upside Down Dance Academy
Upside Down Dance Academy is a dance training centre for all ages and levels, offering a variety of physical and virtual dance classes. Learn from the best international dance teachers, from the UK, Cameroon, Ghana, Jamaica and beyond. Students learn the foundations, history and philosophy of each dance style from Hip Hop to Afro dances as well as Latin and Caribbean dances.
https://www.facebook.com/usddacademy/
Have we missed any good ones off this list? Let us know!
