Are you searching for a vibrant and energetic way to express yourself and get in shape? Look no further than the dynamic world of hip hop dance! Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some moves already, the Bay Area is brimming with incredible hip hop dance classes waiting for you to discover. If you’ve been typing “Hip Hop Dance Class Near Me” into your search bar, you’ve landed in the right place.
This guide is your passport to the hottest hip hop dance studios and classes across the Bay Area. Consider this your updated insider scoop, inspired by a deep dive into the Bay Area dance scene a few years back. Things have changed, studios have evolved, and the dance community is more alive than ever post-pandemic.
Now, let’s be real. Life gets busy. Even for someone who was once obsessed with hitting every hip hop class in the Bay Area, priorities shift. Think cozy evenings and early bedtimes! So, while this isn’t an exhaustive list of every single hip hop dance class available, it’s a curated selection of studios and instructors that are highly recommended and known for their quality, positive vibes, and ability to ignite your passion for dance.
The Bay Area dance scene is booming! New studios and talented teachers are constantly emerging, fueled by the energy of social media and a growing love for dance. While some studios have adapted and thrived, others have sadly closed their doors. This guide aims to navigate this ever-changing landscape and point you towards consistent quality and exciting new opportunities.
Think of this as your friendly, informed opinion – a collection of places and people that consistently deliver joy, community, and seriously awesome dance skills. Forget TikTok trends; these classes are about diving deeper into choreography, building foundational skills, and connecting with a real dance community. For a comprehensive listing, Bopsidy is an excellent resource to check out as well.
Huge thanks to the amazing network of friends who are out there exploring the latest classes and keeping the dance spirit alive. Their firsthand experiences and recommendations are invaluable in keeping this guide relevant and pointing you towards truly exceptional hip hop dance experiences.
San Francisco Hip Hop Dance Scene
San Francisco holds a special place as a hub for hip hop dance in the Bay Area. The city boasts established studios and exciting new spaces, offering a diverse range of classes for every level.
City Dance Studios: A San Francisco Institution
City Dance has long been a cornerstone of the San Francisco dance community. Moving from their original, beloved (if a bit cramped!) space to a stunning new location, City Dance offers a truly impressive dance environment. The main studio is cathedral-like, providing ample space to move and breathe, even in packed classes. Beyond the spacious studios, City Dance fosters a vibrant atmosphere with a fantastic roster of instructors.
City Dance boasts a diverse faculty of talented instructors. Some highly recommended teachers include:
- Emerson Aquino: A fantastic starting point, especially for beginners. Emerson creates a welcoming and positive environment, breaking down moves in a way that’s accessible yet still challenging for experienced dancers. His classes are known for their infectious energy and feel-good vibes.
- Andy Nguyen: Known for his K-Pop inspired hip hop, Andy brings a unique and fun style to his classes. Expect high energy and sharp choreography.
- JJ The Killah: Get ready to be challenged! JJ’s classes are dynamic and push you to your limits while building strength and style.
- Daniel Kang: Daniel’s classes blend groove and technique, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable learning experience.
- Jepoy Papas: Jepoy’s choreography is intricate and musical, focusing on rhythm and precision.
- Julia Pereira: For those seeking a powerful and feminine style, Julia’s classes are a must. Expect hairography and choreography that will make you feel empowered and confident.
- Lauren Benjamin: Lauren’s classes are known for their musicality and smooth, flowing movements.
- Robert Yu: Robert’s classes are high-energy and focus on performance and stage presence.
- Jay Chris Moore: Jay Chris brings a unique blend of styles to his hip hop classes, creating dynamic and engaging choreography.
- Dillion Nguyen: Dillion’s classes are known for their intricate footwork and challenging combinations.
- Jeric Peregrino: Jeric’s classes are energetic and focus on musicality and storytelling through movement.
- Georgie Cormack: Georgie’s classes offer a fusion of styles, often incorporating elements of contemporary and jazz into hip hop.
- Sila Poe Charukesnant: Sila Poe’s classes are known for their groove and emphasis on feeling the music.
- Andres Ley Fuentes & Dom Masotto: This dynamic duo brings incredible energy and fun to their collaborative classes. As NBA Warriors dancers, they bring professional-level expertise and infectious enthusiasm.
To truly discover your perfect fit, City Dance encourages trying classes with different instructors. Mix and match recommendations with teachers you’ve never heard of – you might just find your new favorite class!
Check out City Dance’s schedule here
The Company Fam Choreo at City Dance: For a more intense and challenging experience, don’t miss classes taught by members of The Company, a renowned Daly City-based dance team. These classes are not for beginners and will push your limits in the best way possible.
Alt: Energetic hip hop dance class at City Dance San Francisco led by The Company Fam, showcasing dynamic choreography and passionate dancers.
Emerson Aquino at City Dance: For newcomers to City Dance and hip hop in general, Emerson Aquino is an excellent first choice. His classes are welcoming to all levels, providing foundational moves that can be adapted for both beginners and experienced dancers.
Alt: Hip hop dance instructor Emerson Aquino teaching a class at City Dance San Francisco, demonstrating positive energy and inclusive teaching style.
Julia Pereira at City Dance: For a femme-empowering dance experience, Julia Pereira’s classes are highly recommended. Her choreography emphasizes hairography and confident, goddess-like movements.
Alt: Femme hip hop dance class at City Dance San Francisco with instructor Julia Pereira, highlighting expressive hair movements and powerful feminine energy.
Alan Frias Pop-Up Classes in SF
Alan Frias is a legend in the Bay Area dance scene. While he no longer resides in the area full-time, he regularly returns to teach pop-up classes at City Dance and Uforia Studios. Taking Alan’s class is an experience in itself. Be prepared for a challenging and intense class filled with passionate dancers. Alan’s teaching style is unique – hilarious, sometimes inappropriate, but always effective. He has a knack for creating complex choreography that somehow feels natural and rewarding to learn. Follow Alan on Instagram to stay updated on his pop-up class schedule.
Alt: Hip hop choreographer Alan Frias teaching a pop-up class at City Dance San Francisco, showcasing his dynamic and engaging teaching style.
Andres + Dom at City Dance
Andres Ley Fuentes and Dom Masotto, the dynamic duo from the Golden State Warriors dance team, bring their infectious energy to City Dance every Saturday morning. Their 11 am class is a guaranteed good time, filled with positive vibes and challenging choreography. Expect a great warm-up, complex steps broken down in a fun and accessible way, and a serious workout. Their style is often described as bouncy and “butch,” but with room for individual expression and “femme” energy. Check their Instagram stories for previews of the choreography they’ll be teaching each week.
Alt: Hip hop dance instructors Andres Ley Fuentes and Dom Masotto teaching a class at City Dance San Francisco, displaying their energetic and collaborative teaching style.
Follow Andres Ley Fuentes and Dom Masotto on Instagram.
Dance Mission: Mission District Gem
Dance Mission is a beloved studio in the Mission District, known for its unique atmosphere and exceptional dance instruction. The studio’s brick walls and large windows create a welcoming and inspiring space. Parking in the Mission can be tricky, but the quality of dance at Dance Mission is well worth the effort. Recently renovated, Dance Mission now boasts multiple studios and improved facilities.
Alt: Hip hop instructor Brandie Norris teaching a class at Dance Mission San Francisco, highlighting the studio’s inspiring atmosphere and dynamic choreography.
Highly recommended instructors at Dance Mission include:
- Brandie Norris: Brandie’s classes are known for their groove, musicality, and emphasis on personal style.
- Jocquese Whitfield: Jocquese brings a unique and theatrical flair to his hip hop classes, often incorporating storytelling and character work.
- David Schrag: David’s classes are challenging and focus on technique and precision.
- Kyle Limin: Kyle’s classes are known for their intricate choreography and musicality, often drawing inspiration from various hip hop styles.
- Trey Brice-Russell: Trey’s classes are high-energy and emphasize performance and stage presence.
- Micaya: Micaya’s classes are rooted in street dance styles and focus on foundational techniques and improvisation.
- Tika Morgan: Tika’s classes are known for their fusion of hip hop and contemporary styles, creating a unique and expressive movement vocabulary.
LINES Dance Center: Ballet Roots, Hip Hop Edge
LINES Dance Center is renowned for its strong ballet and contemporary programs, but it also offers excellent hip hop options. Reminiscent of a classic New York studio, LINES features spacious studios with mirrors and marley floors. While their hip hop offerings may be more focused on contemporary-infused styles now, Dexandro Montalvo is a standout instructor. Dexandro’s contemporary classes are incredibly challenging yet rewarding, emphasizing beautiful lines and dramatic movement.
Alt: Contemporary dance instructor Dexandro Montalvo teaching a class at LINES Dance Center San Francisco, showcasing elegant lines and expressive movement.
Explore classes at LINES Dance Center here
ODC: Diverse Dance Styles
ODC (Oberlin Dance Collective) offers a wide array of dance styles, including a variety of hip hop-influenced classes. This studio is a great place to explore different genres and find your niche. Rhythm & Motion with Dudley Flores is a particularly popular class, blending hip hop, contemporary, salsa, and more into a fun and energetic dance workout.
Alt: Rhythm & Motion dance class at ODC San Francisco led by Dudley Flores, demonstrating a mix of hip hop and contemporary dance styles in an energetic workout.
Learn more about ODC’s schedule here
Rae Studios: IG-Worthy and Femme-Focused
Rae Studios, founded by Jessica Rae, is a stylish and modern studio designed for the Instagram generation. After recent renovations, Rae Studios boasts beautiful spaces perfect for capturing your dance moments. While offering various styles, Rae Studios is particularly known for its femme-fabulous and empowering classes.
Alt: Interior of Rae Studios San Francisco, showcasing modern design, mood lighting, and a vibrant dance atmosphere perfect for social media.
Recommended instructors at Rae Studios include Jessica Rae herself, JJ Ghera (both known for their femme styles), and Ki “The Tiger.” Ki’s classes are highly praised for their energy and dynamic choreography.
Alt: Hip hop instructor Ki “The Tiger” teaching a class at Rae Studios San Francisco, displaying high energy and dynamic choreography.
Explore classes at Rae Studios here
Uforia Studios: Pink and Powerful
Uforia Studios, while sadly closed in Palo Alto, still thrives in its Nob Hill location in San Francisco. Known for its signature pink aesthetic, Uforia offers a fun and energetic environment. Beyond dance, Uforia also provides strength and cycling classes, creating a comprehensive fitness destination. For hip hop lovers, Josef is the must-take instructor at Uforia. Josef’s classes are known for their positive vibes, accessible choreography (perfect for both newbies and experienced dancers), and ability to make everyone feel like a dance queen.
Alt: Hip hop instructor Josef teaching a class at Uforia Studios San Francisco, highlighting the studio’s pink-themed interior and energetic atmosphere.
Alt: Hip hop instructor Josef leading a dance class at Uforia Studios, showcasing his positive teaching style and accessible choreography.
Check out Uforia Studios’ schedule here
Popstar Booty Camp: Learn Viral Dance Moves
Popstar Booty Camp offers a unique approach, focusing on teaching choreography from popular music videos and viral dance trends. Want to learn the moves from your favorite K-Pop or pop songs? Popstar Booty Camp is the place to go. Be prepared to work hard – these classes break down complex choreography step-by-step, but mastering these professional-level routines takes time and dedication.
Alt: K-Pop dance class at Popstar Booty Camp San Francisco, demonstrating energetic choreography inspired by popular music videos.
Explore Popstar Booty Camp classes here
Mood & Moves: Intimate Boutique Studio
Mood & Moves is a smaller, boutique studio near the SF Costco, offering a more intimate and mood-lit dance experience. Heels classes are particularly popular here, thanks to the studio’s clean wood floors, beautiful mirrors, and atmospheric lighting. While primarily focused on heels and sensual movement styles, Mood & Moves provides a unique and stylish dance environment.
Alt: Interior of Mood & Moves dance studio San Francisco, showcasing mood lighting, clean wood floors, and a boutique atmosphere.
Learn more about Mood & Moves here
Peninsula & San Jose Hip Hop Dance Classes
For those in the Peninsula and South Bay, finding quality hip hop dance classes has become significantly easier in recent years. Here are some top studios in the area:
Peninsula Lively Arts: Hip Hop in Redwood City
Peninsula Lively Arts, located in Redwood City, is primarily a ballet studio, but it offers a fantastic Wednesday night hip hop class with Angela Barrera. Angela is highly recommended by dancers in the area for her dynamic choreography and engaging teaching style.
Alt: Hip hop instructor Angela Barrera teaching a class at Peninsula Lively Arts Redwood City, showcasing her dynamic and engaging teaching style.
Register for classes at Peninsula Lively Arts here
Folau House: San Mateo Grooves
Folau House, led by George Folau, offers hip hop classes in San Mateo. George is known for his incredible musicality and unique style. His classes, while shorter in length, are packed with content and energy.
Alt: Hip hop instructor George Folau teaching a class in San Mateo, demonstrating his musicality and unique style.
Groovitude: Daytime Dance in Palo Alto
Groovitude, located in Palo Alto, is perfect for daytime dancers. Run by Mandy and Lisa, Groovitude fosters a welcoming and supportive community with consistently joyful and energetic choreography.
Alt: Daytime hip hop dance class at Groovitude Palo Alto, highlighting the studio’s joyful atmosphere and energetic choreography.
Learn more about Groovitude here
Yuko Lee GROOV3: Multiple Locations
Yuko Lee teaches GROOV3 classes at various locations across the Peninsula. Her classes are always packed and cater to a diverse age range, making them a great option for those seeking a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Alt: GROOV3 dance class led by Yuko Lee, showcasing a diverse group of dancers enjoying a high-energy and inclusive class.
Follow Yuko Lee for class locations
Motion Arts Center: San Mateo Gem
Motion Arts Center in San Mateo is a newly discovered gem, offering a clean, spacious studio with a positive vibe. Francesca’s intermediate hip hop class is highly recommended, known for its positive atmosphere and focus on technique.
Alt: Hip hop instructor Francesca teaching an intermediate class at Motion Arts Center San Mateo, demonstrating technique and positive energy.
Learn more about Motion Arts Center here
Can’t Stop The Drop: Outdoor Dance in Palo Alto
Can’t Stop The Drop offers a unique outdoor dance experience in Palo Alto. Devi’s classes and workshops are known for their fierce choreography, costume themes, and professionally filmed final videos.
Alt: Outdoor hip hop dance class by Can’t Stop The Drop in Palo Alto, showcasing energetic choreography and a unique outdoor dance environment.
Check out Can’t Stop The Drop here
Enjoy Dance Studio (EDS): Cupertino’s Tech-Forward Studio
Enjoy Dance Studio (EDS) in Cupertino is a truly exceptional studio, boasting state-of-the-art technology and facilities. Features include large mirrors, ceiling-mounted displays for optimal viewing, dramatic lighting, AC, and 4K video recording with free downloads for students. While registration can be slightly complex due to its Chinese interface, the quality of instruction and studio amenities make EDS well worth it. Highly recommended instructors include CZ, Mo, Nate, Leon, Brandon, and Ray.
Alt: Interior of Enjoy Dance Studio Cupertino, showcasing state-of-the-art technology, mirrors, and a spacious dance environment.
Learn more about Enjoy Dance Studio here
Montage Dance Productions: Sunnyvale Vibes
Montage Dance Productions in Sunnyvale offers a cool vibe and a variety of hip hop classes. Recommended instructors include Lauren, Jaylen Pea, Chris Alcanices, and LQ.
On One Dance Studio: Newark’s Popular Hub
On One Dance Studio in Newark has become a major player in the Bay Area dance scene. Evolving from the popular Monday Night Workshop, On One boasts a strong community, excellent instructors, and convenient facilities. The studio features multiple studios with great flooring and ample space. Highly recommended instructors include 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.
Alt: Hip hop instructor Monica Chan teaching a class at On One Studios Newark, showcasing her unique and engaging choreography style.
Alt: Hip hop instructor Tad Racca leading a class at On One Studios Newark, demonstrating his fiery grooves and fast footwork.
Alt: Hip hop instructor Rho teaching a class at On One Studios Newark, showcasing fun choreography with hairography moments.
Alt: Hip hop instructor Nate teaching a class at On One Studios Newark, highlighting his smooth flow and joyful teaching style.
Alt: Hip hop instructor Alyssa Corpuz teaching a class at On One Studios Newark, showcasing her signature pony moves and positive teaching energy.
Susan & Kerry Fitness Classes: Beginner-Friendly Grooves
Susan & Kerry Fitness Classes offer a welcoming and beginner-friendly approach to hip hop. While labeled as “fitness classes,” they incorporate GROOV3 and hip hop cardio, providing a high-energy dance workout. Perfect for those new to hip hop or looking to build foundational skills in a supportive environment.
Alt: GROOV3 dance fitness class by Susan & Kerry Fitness, showcasing a welcoming and beginner-friendly environment with energetic dance moves.
Learn more about Susan & Kerry Fitness Classes here
Oakland Hip Hop Dance Scene
While often requiring a bridge toll, Oakland offers two exceptional studios that are worth the trip for serious hip hop dancers.
In the Groove Studios: Oakland’s Hip Hop Hotspot
In the Groove Studios, created by Leslie Pantichpakdi and Daniel Kang, is a top-tier hip hop studio in Oakland. Known for its consistently excellent choreography and talented instructors, In the Groove is a must-visit for any hip hop enthusiast. Leslie Pantichpakdi and Daniel Kang themselves are highly recommended instructors, along with Julia Pereira.
Alt: Hip hop choreographer Leslie Pantichpakdi demonstrating her dynamic and intricate choreography style at In the Groove Studios Oakland.
Alt: Energetic hip hop dance class at In The Groove Studios Oakland, showcasing the studio’s vibrant community and high-quality instruction.
Learn more about In the Groove Studios here and support their studio expansion!
Full Out Studios: Sweaty and Satisfying
Full Out Studios in Oakland is known for its intense and rewarding classes. With multiple studios and concrete floors perfect for gliding, Full Out offers a challenging and satisfying dance experience. Recommended instructors include Emerson Aquino, Alli Fritz, Rocko Luciano, and Georgie Carmack. The 401K dance team also hosts open classes at Full Out, bringing in top choreographers for workshops and classes.
Learn more about Full Out Studios here
Hayward Hip Hop Dance: re.DEFINE
re.DEFINE: Hayward’s Best
re.DEFINE in Hayward stands out as the premier dance studio in the area. Led by Michael “Mappy” Mappala and Margela Cruz, re.DEFINE cultivates a welcoming community and offers exceptional hip hop instruction. Highly recommended instructors include Mappy, Margela, Cole, and Anthony. Anthony’s choreography is particularly praised for its creativity and emotional depth.
Alt: Hip hop choreographer Anthony demonstrating his expressive and emotionally resonant choreography style at re.DEFINE dance studio Hayward.
Learn more about re.DEFINE here
Find Your Hip Hop Home
The Bay Area is a treasure trove of hip hop dance classes, offering something for everyone, regardless of experience level or location. Whether you are searching for “hip hop dance class near me” in San Francisco, the Peninsula, South Bay, or East Bay, this guide provides a starting point to discover incredible studios and instructors. Explore the options, try different classes, and most importantly, find the hip hop dance community that resonates with you and helps you unleash your inner dancer!
