Are you searching for a dynamic and engaging way to express yourself, get fit, and join a vibrant community? Look no further than the thriving hip hop dance scene in the Bay Area. From bustling San Francisco studios to hidden gems in the Peninsula and Oakland, the Bay Area is a hotbed for hip hop dance, offering classes for every level, from absolute beginners to seasoned dancers. For years, I’ve explored countless studios and classes across this region, and I’m excited to share my insights to help you find the perfect Hip Hop Dance Studio to ignite your passion.
It’s true, back in 2016 and 2017, fueled by a newfound obsession with dance, I embarked on a mission to experience every hip hop class the Bay Area had to offer. This deep dive wasn’t just about learning moves; it was about discovering instructors and studios that resonated with my energy and learning style. Dance became an all-consuming passion, and finding the right environment was crucial.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted. Life, pandemics, and perhaps a touch of comfortable aging have changed my own dance habits. While the days of hitting every 8 PM class are behind me (cozy evenings at home are now a strong competitor!), my love for hip hop and the Bay Area dance community remains strong. That’s why, when friends and fellow dancers ask for recommendations, I realize the need for an updated guide to navigate the ever-evolving scene.
The Bay Area dance scene has exploded since my initial exploration. More studios have emerged, talented new teachers have arrived, and social media has amplified the desire to learn dance. Simultaneously, the economic shifts have led to some studio closures, making it a dynamic, ever-changing environment. Therefore, consider this guide not as a definitive, exhaustive list, but as a curated selection of hip hop dance studios and classes that I, along with my network of dedicated dancer friends, genuinely recommend.
Think of this as your insider’s perspective, highlighting studios and instructors known for their inspiring teaching, welcoming communities, and classes that go beyond just TikTok trends. We’re talking about choreography and foundation classes designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of hip hop dance. For a comprehensive directory, resources like Bopsidy are invaluable, but here, I aim to provide a more personal, experience-based guide to some exceptional hip hop dance studios in the Bay Area.
Huge thanks to my amazing dance community – Ellen, Erica, Jennifer, Tanya, Jen, James, Kevin, and Josef – who are still out there exploring the late-night classes and keeping me in the loop on the best spots. Their experiences and recommendations are integral to this updated guide.
Let’s dive into the heart of the Bay Area hip hop dance scene, starting with San Francisco.
San Francisco: City Vibes and Hip Hop Beats
San Francisco, the city where my hip hop dance journey truly began, continues to be a vibrant hub. Thankfully, many of the foundational studios are still thriving, alongside exciting new additions.
City Dance Studios: A San Francisco Dance Institution
City Dance has been a cornerstone of the San Francisco dance community for years. Those who remember their original studios might recall the bustling energy, sometimes cramped spaces, and the relentless dedication of Sandy and Jylly in keeping the dance spirit alive. Now, in their new, expanded location, City Dance is an absolute treat for dancers of all levels seeking a premier hip hop dance studio.
The main studio is breathtakingly spacious, with cathedral-high ceilings that offer a sense of freedom and airiness rarely found in city studios. Even when classes are packed, the expansive space provides a comfortable environment. Alongside the main studio, two additional, smaller studios are equally well-maintained and inviting. Located in San Francisco, street parking is the norm, so remember to be mindful of your belongings.
But the real draw of City Dance is its incredible roster of instructors. I’ve personally taken and wholeheartedly recommend classes with Emerson Aquino, Andy Nguyen, JJ The Killah, Daniel Kang, Jepoy Papas, Julia Pereira, Lauren Benjamin, Robert Yu, Jay Chris Moore, Dillion Nguyen, Jeric Peregrino, Georgie Cormack, Sila Poe Charukesnant, and Andres + Dom. The studio also constantly welcomes new talent, injecting fresh vitality into their already dynamic program. My advice? Pair a class with a recommended instructor with one from a teacher you haven’t tried before – you might just discover your new favorite hip hop dance studio experience.
City Dance also hosts “CompanyFam Choreo” classes by The Company, a renowned Daly City-based dance team. These classes are not for the faint of heart; they are challenging, high-energy sessions guaranteed to leave you sweating and feeling accomplished. Instructors from The Company, such as Jolo Cabrera, Alfred Remulla, Jepoy, and Aggie Loyola, bring an unmatched intensity and skill level to City Dance.
For newcomers to City Dance and hip hop in general, I always suggest starting with Emerson Aquino. He was my own first instructor at City Dance and played a pivotal role in my hip hop journey. Emerson’s classes are perfect for beginners, offering foundational moves while also providing enough complexity to challenge more experienced dancers. His positive and welcoming energy creates an incredibly enjoyable learning environment.
For women seeking empowering and feminine movement, Julia Pereira at City Dance is a must-try. Her classes are filled with hairography and choreography that will make you feel powerful and confident.
Check out City Dance’s schedule here and find your perfect hip hop dance studio experience.
Alan Frias: A Bay Area Hip Hop Icon
Alan Frias deserves his own spotlight. A significant figure in the Bay Area dance community, Alan’s move away from the area initially sent ripples through the scene. However, thankfully for us, he continues to commute back to teach pop-up classes at City Dance and Uforia, making his unique style and expertise still accessible.
Alan’s classes are known for their intensity and high skill level. Stepping into his class for the first time can be intimidating, but the energy and passion are infectious. After a few classes, you’ll find yourself keeping pace and experiencing the incredible energy that defines his sessions. Beyond his exceptional teaching, Alan’s classes are filled with humor and a playful, sometimes inappropriate, but always entertaining atmosphere. He has a gift for breaking down complex moves and making them feel natural in your body.
Keep an eye on Alan’s Instagram for announcements about his pop-up classes at City Dance and Uforia – they are not to be missed for any serious hip hop dancer in the Bay Area.
Follow Alan Frias here for updates on his classes.
Andres + Dom: Saturday Morning Vibes
Andres and Dom, both dancers for the NBA Warriors, bring their exceptional talent and infectious energy to City Dance every Saturday morning. Their 11 AM class is a guaranteed dose of good vibes and high-quality hip hop. With their “best quality heart” (as they playfully reference), Andres and Dom deliver a class that’s both challenging and incredibly fun. Their warm-ups are excellent, and they have a knack for making complex choreography accessible and enjoyable. Be prepared to sweat, laugh, and leave wanting more. Their style leans towards bouncy and “butch” choreography, but they encourage dancers to personalize it with their own flair.
Follow Andres and Dom on Instagram to stay updated on their weekly choreo previews – a great way to mentally prepare for the fun chaos they bring to each class!
Follow Andres and Dom for class updates and choreography previews.
Dance Mission: Mission District Magic
Dance Mission, nestled in the vibrant Mission District, is a studio that truly captures my heart. The exposed brick walls and large, open windows create a unique and inspiring atmosphere. But beyond the aesthetics, it’s the exceptional dance instruction that makes Dance Mission a standout hip hop dance studio.
The studio boasts a stellar lineup of instructors, recommended by trusted dancers in the community, including Brandie Norris, Jocquese Whitfield, David Schrag, Kyle Limin, Trey Brice-Russell, Micaya, and Tika Morgan. Each instructor brings a unique style and expertise, ensuring a diverse and enriching dance experience.
Despite the Mission District’s parking challenges, Dance Mission is worth the effort. Recent renovations have transformed the studio, now featuring two large studios, one medium, and a smaller space, along with significantly upgraded bathrooms – a welcome improvement from its 2016 iteration!
Lines Dance Center: Ballet Roots, Hip Hop Heart
Lines Dance Center, reminiscent of a classic New York studio with its large mirrors and marley floors, was a frequent haunt of mine in pre-pandemic times for its diverse hip hop offerings. While their current schedule leans more towards ballet, modern, and contemporary, Lines still holds a special place in the Bay Area dance landscape. I highly recommend Kathy Mata’s ballet class for a foundational and eye-opening experience.
However, for hip hop enthusiasts, Dexandro Montalvo remains the standout instructor at Lines. Dexandro’s classes profoundly shaped my hip hop dancing for years. While he now focuses more on contemporary, his contemporary classes are incredibly challenging yet rewarding, emphasizing beautiful lines and dramatic movements.
Explore Lines Dance Center’s classes here and discover their unique blend of styles.
ODC: Diverse Styles, Welcoming Space
ODC (Oberlin Dance Collective) was one of the first studios I explored when starting my dance journey. It’s where Shereen Prince introduced me to the grapevine and helped me overcome my initial awkwardness on the dance floor. ODC offers an incredibly diverse range of classes, including contemporary, salsa, hula, tai chi, ballet, tap, reggaeton, Pilates, and more.
Their “Rhythm & Motion” class, particularly with Dudley Flores, is a standout. Dudley is a fantastic instructor with a warm and encouraging spirit. Rhythm & Motion is a dance workout class that blends hip hop, contemporary, salsa, and other styles. It can feel overwhelming at first, but with a few classes, you’ll find yourself gliding across the floor with newfound confidence and dramatic flair.
Learn more about ODC and their diverse offerings here.
Rae Studios: IG-Ready and Femme-Focused
Rae Studios, founded by the inspiring Jessica Rae, is more than just a hip hop dance studio; it’s a thriving hub for dancers and entertainment professionals. Jessica has created a space that not only teaches dance but also empowers dancers to build careers in the industry. In its early days, Rae Studios was a charming boutique space with big aspirations. Now, after extensive renovations, it’s transformed into an impressive studio designed for the Instagram era, with stunning aesthetics and a vibrant atmosphere.
Rae Studios features two studios, one medium and one small, packed with a diverse range of classes. While I’ve personally taken classes with Jessica and JJ Ghera (both fabulously femme!), the instructor lineup is full of talent. Ki “The Tiger” is another highly recommended instructor whose energy and skill are undeniable.
Explore the Instagrammable Rae Studios and their classes here.
Uforia Studios: Pink Paradise and Energetic Classes
Uforia Studios in Nob Hill is a burst of pink energy. While the closure of their Palo Alto location was a loss for Peninsula dancers, the San Francisco studio continues to thrive, offering a unique and vibrant hip hop dance studio experience. Uforia is more than just dance; they also offer strength and cycling classes, but their dance program remains a central draw.
The studio features a large dance space and a separate spinning studio, all bathed in Uforia’s signature pink hues. My personal favorite instructor at Uforia is Josef. Having known Josef for years and witnessed his talent firsthand, it was no surprise when he became a beloved instructor. Josef’s classes are welcoming to all levels, especially beginners. He has a gift for taking familiar club moves and refining them, making you feel confident and empowered. His classes are pure positivity and guaranteed to leave you feeling like a “goddamn queen.”
Uforia is also known for hosting exciting pop-up classes, offering opportunities to experience new instructors and styles in a comfortable environment. Follow their Instagram to stay updated on their latest offerings.
Explore Uforia Studios’ schedule and pop-up events here.
Popstar Booty Camp: Dance Like Your Idols
Popstar Booty Camp, led by Carol Jay, offers a unique and fun approach to hip hop dance. This program focuses on teaching choreography inspired by popular music videos and iconic dance routines. Want to learn moves from Jungkook, Jungle, or Blackpink? Popstar Booty Camp has you covered.
While mastering complex music video choreography takes time and dedication (remember, those videos feature professional dancers with extensive rehearsal time!), Popstar Booty Camp provides a fantastic introduction to these styles. You’ll learn the essence of the moves and gain inspiration to further your dance journey.
Find your inner pop star and explore Popstar Booty Camp here.
Mood & Moves: Boutique Studio with a Vibe
Mood & Moves is a charming boutique studio located near the San Francisco Costco. This intimate space, with its clean wood floors, beautiful mirrors, and mood lighting, offers a variety of classes, with heels classes being particularly popular. While heels dance isn’t my personal style, I appreciate the artistry and recognize Mood & Moves as a favorite for many dancers in the Bay Area heels scene. Be prepared for stairs to access the studio and street parking.
Discover the vibe at Mood & Moves here.
The Peninsula + San Jose: Suburban Grooves
As a Los Angeles native who appreciates suburban living, the Peninsula feels like home. For a long time, finding quality hip hop dance studios in this area was a challenge. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case.
Peninsula Lively Arts: Ballet Studio with Hip Hop Flair
Peninsula Lively Arts, located across from Trader Joe’s in a building with a past as a Circuit City, is primarily a ballet studio. However, they offer a standout Wednesday night hip hop class with Angela Barrera. While I haven’t personally taken Angela’s class, numerous dancer friends rave about her teaching, and her videos showcase her talent and skill.
Register for Angela Barrera’s class and explore Peninsula Lively Arts here.
Folau House: San Mateo Style
George Folau, known for his exceptional musicality and style, teaches regular hip hop classes in San Mateo. These hour-long classes are packed with content and energy. George’s classes are a great option for those seeking a dynamic and engaging hip hop dance studio experience in the Peninsula.
Follow George Folau for class updates here.
Groovitude: Daytime Delights in Palo Alto
Groovitude, located in Palo Alto, is perfect for daytime dancers. Run by Mandy and Lisa, this studio offers consistently great choreography and a welcoming community. The dancers at Groovitude are known for their loyalty and the joyful, lively atmosphere of the studio. Parking is always easy, making it a convenient option.
Experience the joyful community at Groovitude here.
Yuko Lee: GROOV3 and Community Vibes
Yuko Lee is a generous and sweet instructor whose GROOV3 classes are consistently packed. Her classes are particularly welcoming to older dancers, creating a comfortable space for those who may feel out of place in studios dominated by younger age groups. Yuko’s classes offer a sense of community and fun, with dancers of all ages grooving together. Follow Yuko’s Instagram for her teaching schedule at various locations.
Follow Yuko Lee for class locations and updates here.
Motion Arts Center: San Mateo Gem
Motion Arts Center in San Mateo is a charming studio with easy parking, a clean and spacious environment, and a positive vibe. Francesca’s intermediate hip hop class is welcoming to both beginners and intermediate dancers, with a focus on technique and groovy choreography.
Explore Motion Arts Center’s classes and offerings here.
Can’t Stop The Drop: Outdoor Grooves in Palo Alto
Can’t Stop The Drop in Palo Alto offers a unique outdoor dance experience. Devi has created a space for dancers to explore fierce moves in open-air classes and workshops. These classes often involve themed costumes and culminate in shareable dance videos, adding a fun and creative element to the hip hop dance studio experience.
Check out Can’t Stop The Drop and their outdoor dance events here.
Enjoy Dance Studio: Cupertino’s Tech-Forward Studio
Enjoy Dance Studio (EDS) in Cupertino is unlike any other hip hop dance studio I’ve encountered. The studio has invested heavily in technology and amenities to create a dream environment for dancers. Features include large mirrors at the front and back, ceiling-mounted displays showing live camera feeds of the instructor, dramatic lighting for concept videos, and air conditioning. They also film group performances in 4K and provide free video downloads within hours – a dream for student dancers!
Instructors I highly recommend at Enjoy Dance Studio include CZ, Mo, Nate, Leon, Brandon, and Ray. While the registration system can be a bit confusing (especially with Chinese language options), Google Translate is your friend, and the effort is well worth it. Classes are slightly pricier than other studios, but the technology and overall quality justify the cost. Parking is easy, and boba is just a short drive away!
Explore the tech-enhanced experience at Enjoy Dance Studio here.
Montage Dance Productions: Cool Vibes in the South Bay
Montage Dance Productions offers a cool and inviting space with easy, free parking. While it’s been a while since my last visit, their Instagram feed constantly showcases exciting dance classes. Instructors I’ve enjoyed at Montage include Lauren, Jaylen Pea, Chris Alcanices, and LQ.
Discover the cool vibe and classes at Montage Dance Productions here.
On One Dance Studio: A South Bay Staple
On One Dance Studio, evolving from the popular Monday Night Workshop, has established itself as a leading hip hop dance studio in the South Bay. With excellent leadership, a strong community, easy parking, and proximity to Target, On One offers a convenient and welcoming dance environment. The studio features one large, one medium, and one small studio with great wood-like floors perfect for gliding.
On One boasts an impressive roster of instructors, many of whom I highly recommend: Monica Chan, Nate Souryasack, Tad Racca, Rhoville, Alyssa Corpuz, Sila Poe, Jay Chris Moore, Kate Dimalanta, Jonathan Pham, Lauren Benjamin, Deziree Del Rosario, Eddie Mina, and Darius Sparks.
Instructors that particularly resonate with me at On One include:
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Monica Chan: Her choreography is incredibly innovative and engaging.
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Tad Racca: His grooves are fire, and his footwork is lightning fast.
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Rho: Guaranteed fun with plenty of hairography moments.
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Nate: His flow is incredibly joyful and infectious.
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Alyssa Corpuz: Her infectious smile and love for pony moves make her classes a delight.
On One also frequently hosts pop-up classes with renowned dancers from around the world, offering incredible learning opportunities without the need to travel to LA or elsewhere.
Susan & Kerry Fitness Classes: Foundations and Fun
Susan & Kerry Fitness Classes, while labeled as fitness classes, offer GROOV3 and hip hop cardio that are packed with high-energy dance. These classes are perfect for beginners or anyone intimidated by hip hop. Susan and Kerry excel at teaching basic moves and building a strong foundation in a welcoming and joyful community. Even as a more experienced dancer, I still enjoy returning to their classes for the fun and foundational practice.
Find your groove with Susan & Kerry Fitness Classes here.
Oakland: East Bay Hip Hop Hotspots
For me, venturing to Oakland requires a truly compelling reason – bridge tolls and gas prices are a factor! However, two Oakland studios consistently make the trip worthwhile, offering exceptional hip hop dance studio experiences.
In the Groove Studios: Oakland’s Choreography Hub
In the Groove Studios, founded by Leslie Pantichpakdi and Daniel Kang, is truly exceptional. The choreography at In the Groove is consistently outstanding. Having taken Leslie’s classes for over 10 years, she remains a personal favorite. Her choreography is captivating and always pushes me to improve. Daniel Kang brings groovy joy and a chill vibe to his challenging and fun classes.
In the Groove fosters a strong dance team culture, contributing to the high quality of instruction. They frequently host pop-up classes with leading figures in the hip hop dance community. In the Groove is a must-visit hip hop dance studio in Oakland.
Instructors I highly recommend at In the Groove include Leslie, Daniel, and Julia Pereira.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT IN THE GROOVE: In the Groove is expanding to a new, larger space! Support their growth and contribute to creating an even better dance environment by donating to their GoFundMe campaign.
Learn more about In The Groove Studios and support their expansion here and donate to their GoFundMe.
Full Out Studios: Sweat Equity in Oakland
Full Out Studios is where I’ve happily left a lot of sweat on the dance floor. With three studios, including a large one, and concrete floors ideal for gliding, Full Out is a favorite for many Oakland dancers. Instructors I love at Full Out include Emerson Aquino, Alli Fritz, Rocko Luciano, and Georgie Carmack. The 401K dance team also hosts open classes at Full Out, bringing in amazing guest choreographers.
Explore Full Out Studios and their classes here.
re.DEFINE: Hayward’s Hip Hop Hub
re.DEFINE in Hayward stands out as the best, and perhaps only, dedicated hip hop dance studio in the area. Led by Michael “Mappy” Mappala and Margela Cruz, re.DEFINE has cultivated a welcoming community and consistently produces beautiful dance. Instructors I highly recommend at re.DEFINE include Mappy, Margela, Cole, and Anthony. Anthony’s choreography, in particular, is known for being heart-soaringly beautiful.
Discover the community and classes at re.DEFINE here.
Find Your Studio, Find Your Community
The Bay Area is overflowing with incredible hip hop dance studios, each with its own unique vibe, instructors, and community. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced dancer, there’s a perfect studio waiting for you to discover your rhythm and join the dance. Explore these recommendations, try out different classes, and find the studio that makes you feel inspired, energized, and part of the vibrant Bay Area dance scene. Happy dancing!
