Are you searching for “Dance Classes Near Me Hip Hop” and live in or around the Bay Area? You’ve come to the right place! The Bay Area is a vibrant hub for hip hop dance, boasting a diverse range of studios and incredibly talented instructors. Whether you’re a complete beginner eager to learn the basics or an experienced dancer looking to refine your skills and find your community, the Bay Area has something for everyone.
This guide is your insider look into the best hip hop dance classes the Bay Area has to offer. While the dance scene is constantly evolving with new studios and teachers emerging, this article provides a curated list of studios and instructors known for their quality, welcoming atmosphere, and ability to ignite your passion for dance. Think of this as your trusted friend sharing their personal recommendations, based on real experiences and the buzz within the Bay Area dance community.
Consider this your starting point, not the definitive last word. The beauty of dance is in personal discovery. While resources like Bopsidy offer comprehensive listings, this guide provides curated recommendations to help you find classes that resonate with your style and goals. We’re diving deep into studios and instructors that consistently deliver joy, skill development, and a strong sense of community – the kind of places where you’ll learn moves that will impress (or maybe playfully shock!) your family and friends. These aren’t just TikTok trends; these are foundational and choreography-focused classes designed to give you a well-rounded hip hop dance education.
A huge shoutout to the dedicated dancers in the Bay Area who are constantly exploring classes and sharing their insights! Thanks to Ellen, Erica, Jennifer, Tanya, Jen, James, Kevin, and Josef for their invaluable recommendations and for keeping the Bay Area dance scene alive and thriving.
San Francisco Hip Hop Dance Classes
San Francisco has long been a central location for hip hop dance in the Bay Area. Thankfully, many of the established studios are still going strong, alongside exciting new additions.
City Dance Studios: A San Francisco Dance Institution
City Dance Studios is a cornerstone of the San Francisco dance scene. Having upgraded to a significantly larger location, City Dance now boasts cathedral-sized studios with ample dance space. The spacious environment is a welcome change, making even packed classes feel comfortable. While street parking in SF can be challenging, the reward is access to a diverse roster of incredibly talented hip hop teachers.
City Dance is home to a wide array of hip hop instructors. Highly recommended teachers include:
- Emerson Aquino: A fantastic starting point, especially for beginners. Emerson’s classes are known for their positive energy and welcoming atmosphere. He expertly blends foundational moves with options for more advanced dancers, ensuring everyone feels challenged and supported.
- Andy Nguyen: If you are interested in K-Pop influenced hip hop, Andy is your go-to instructor. His classes are high energy and full of fun.
- JJ The Killah: Known for his dynamic and challenging choreography, JJ will push you to expand your dance vocabulary and performance quality.
- Daniel Kang: Daniel’s classes are characterized by their smooth grooves and intricate musicality. He creates a fun and encouraging learning environment.
- Jepoy Papas: Jepoy’s classes are high-energy and focus on sharp, impactful movements. He is also part of The Company, known for their challenging choreography.
- Julia Pereira: For those seeking empowering and feminine hip hop styles, Julia’s classes are a must. Expect hairography, fluid movements, and choreography that makes you feel confident and powerful.
- Lauren Benjamin: Lauren’s classes are known for their musicality and intricate choreography that blends different hip hop styles.
- Robert Yu: Robert’s classes are high energy and focus on performance and stage presence.
- Jay Chris Moore: Jay Chris brings a unique flavor to his classes, often incorporating elements of funk and other street styles into his hip hop choreography.
- Dillion Nguyen: Dillion’s classes are known for their intricate and detailed choreography, pushing dancers to focus on precision and musicality.
- Jeric Peregrino: Jeric’s classes are dynamic and full of energy, focusing on musicality and performance.
- Georgie Cormack: Georgie’s classes are known for their intricate musicality and fusion of hip hop with contemporary elements.
- Sila Poe Charukesnant: Sila Poe’s classes are dynamic and groove-focused, emphasizing rhythm and flow.
- Andres Ley Fuentes & Dominic Masotto: This dynamic duo, both dancers for the NBA Warriors, bring incredible energy and fun to their classes. Expect challenging choreography delivered in a supportive and hilarious environment.
City Dance consistently introduces new teachers, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the studio. Don’t hesitate to try classes with instructors you haven’t encountered before – you might discover a teaching style that perfectly matches your learning preferences. Experimenting with different teachers is key to personal growth in dance!
Explore the City Dance schedule here and find hip hop dance classes near you.
Alt text: Spacious dance studio interior at City Dance San Francisco, showcasing high ceilings and ample dance floor, perfect for hip hop dance classes.
The Company at City Dance: For a more intense hip hop experience, check out “CompanyFam Choreo” at City Dance, taught by members of The Company, a Daly City-based dance team. These classes are not for beginners; they are designed to challenge experienced dancers and provide a serious workout. Instructors from The Company, such as Jolo Cabrera, Alfred Remulla, Jepoy Papas, and Aggie Loyola, are known for their high-energy and demanding choreography.
Consider starting with Emerson Aquino’s classes if you are new to City Dance. His welcoming approach and ability to cater to different levels make him an ideal first teacher in this studio. For dancers seeking a more feminine and empowering style, Julia Pereira’s classes are highly recommended, focusing on hairography and confident movement.
Alan Frias Pop-Up Classes in San Francisco
Alan Frias is a significant figure in the Bay Area dance community. While he no longer resides in the Bay Area full-time, he regularly returns to teach pop-up classes at City Dance and Uforia Studios. Alan’s classes are known for their intensity, passion, and challenging choreography. Initially, his classes can feel intimidating due to the high skill level of the regular attendees. However, the rewarding experience and the infectious energy of his classes are well worth the effort. Alan is not only an excellent teacher but also a hilarious and engaging personality, making his classes both educational and incredibly fun. To catch his classes, follow his Instagram account for announcements.
Alt text: Energetic hip hop dance class led by Alan Frias, showcasing dynamic movements and passionate dancers in a San Francisco studio.
Andres + Dom Weekly Class at City Dance
Andres Ley Fuentes and Dominic Masotto have teamed up to offer a Saturday 11 am class at City Dance. This class is all about good vibes and positive energy. As NBA Warriors dancers, Andres and Dom bring a high level of expertise and professionalism, combined with a generous and humorous teaching style. Their classes include excellent warm-ups and break down complex choreography in an accessible way. Expect to sweat, laugh, and leave feeling invigorated. Follow their Instagram accounts for weekly choreography previews.
Alt text: Dynamic duo Andres and Dom teaching a high-energy hip hop dance class at City Dance in San Francisco, filled with enthusiastic participants.
Dance Mission: Mission District Vibe
Dance Mission in the Mission District offers a unique and authentic dance experience. The studio space itself, with its brick walls and large windows, is inspiring. Dance Mission is known for its high-caliber instructors in various styles, including hip hop. Recommended hip hop teachers include:
- Brandie Norris: Brandie’s classes are known for their groove and soulful style of hip hop.
- Jocquese Whitfield: Jocquese’s classes are full of energy and focus on performance and dynamic movement.
- David Schrag: David’s classes often blend hip hop with contemporary and theatrical elements, creating a unique and expressive style.
- Kyle Limin: Kyle’s classes are known for their intricate choreography and musicality, often incorporating elements of street jazz and funk.
- Trey Brice-Russell: Trey’s classes are high energy and focus on powerful, dynamic movements and performance.
- Micaya: Micaya, the founder of Dance Mission, brings a wealth of experience and a community-focused approach to her classes, often blending hip hop with global dance influences.
- Tika Morgan: Tika’s classes are known for their feminine energy and focus on empowering movement and self-expression through hip hop.
Despite the parking challenges in the Mission, Dance Mission is worth visiting for the quality of instruction and the vibrant atmosphere. Recent renovations have improved the facilities, making the studio even more appealing.
Alt text: Brandie Norris leading a high-energy hip hop dance class at Dance Mission in San Francisco, showcasing dynamic movements and a passionate atmosphere.
Lines Dance Center: Ballet Roots, Hip Hop Influence
Lines Dance Center is traditionally known for its strong ballet and contemporary programs. While their hip hop offerings have shifted somewhat since pre-pandemic times, they still host exceptional instructors. The studio itself has a classic New York studio feel, with large mirrors and marley floors. While primarily focused on other genres now, Dexandro Montalvo remains a standout hip hop-influenced instructor at Lines. Although his current focus is more contemporary, his classes retain a strong hip hop foundation and are incredibly rewarding for dancers seeking technical and artistic growth.
Alt text: Dexandro Montalvo teaching a contemporary dance class at Lines Dance Center in San Francisco, demonstrating fluid and expressive movements.
ODC: Diverse Dance Styles
ODC (Oberlin Dance Collective) offers a wide variety of dance styles, including hip hop. ODC is a welcoming space for dancers of all levels. Dudley Flores teaches the “Rhythm & Motion” class, a dynamic workout that blends hip hop, contemporary, salsa, and other styles. Dudley is known for his positive energy and encouraging teaching style.
Alt text: Dudley Flores leading a “Rhythm & Motion” dance class at ODC in San Francisco, showcasing a mix of hip hop and contemporary dance styles.
Rae Studios: Femme and Fabulous
Rae Studios is a studio built for capturing stunning dance moments. Founded by Jessica Rae, Rae Studios focuses on creating a supportive and empowering environment, particularly for female dancers. The studio is beautifully designed, perfect for creating Instagram-worthy content. Recommended instructors include Jessica Rae herself and JJ Ghera, both known for their “femme fabulous fun” classes. Ki “The Tiger” is another highly praised instructor at Rae Studios, known for his dynamic and engaging classes.
Alt text: Stylish interior of Rae Studios in San Francisco, featuring mood lighting and a modern dance space designed for visual appeal.
Alt text: Ki “The Tiger” teaching a dynamic hip hop dance class at Rae Studios, showcasing energetic choreography and engaged students.
Uforia Studios: Pink and Energetic
Uforia Studios in Nob Hill is known for its vibrant, pink-themed aesthetic and energetic atmosphere. Uforia offers a range of fitness classes, but their dance classes, especially hip hop, are a major draw. Josef is a standout hip hop instructor at Uforia. His classes are welcoming to all levels, focusing on building confidence and making you feel like a “goddamn queen.” Josef’s classes take familiar club moves and elevate them, adding polish and style. Uforia also hosts frequent pop-up classes, bringing in diverse instructors and styles.
Alt text: Josef teaching a high-energy hip hop dance class at Uforia Studios in San Francisco, with pink lighting and enthusiastic dancers.
Alt text: Close-up of Josef demonstrating hip hop dance moves during a class at Uforia Studios, emphasizing technique and style.
Popstar Booty Camp: K-Pop and Viral Dances
Popstar Booty Camp is unique in its focus on teaching choreography inspired by popular music videos, including K-Pop and viral dance trends. If you dream of learning dances from artists like Jeon Jungkook or moves seen in viral videos, Popstar Booty Camp is the place to go. While mastering these complex routines takes time and practice, these classes offer a fun and accessible way to learn the essence of those iconic dances.
Alt text: Popstar Booty Camp class learning K-Pop choreography, showcasing energetic students and a focus on popular dance trends.
Mood & Moves: Heels and Boutique Vibes
Mood & Moves is a boutique studio with a stylish and intimate atmosphere. Heels classes are particularly popular here, thanks to the studio’s clean wood floors, beautiful mirrors, and mood lighting. While not exclusively hip hop, Mood & Moves offers classes that incorporate hip hop elements, especially within their heels and contemporary offerings.
Alt text: Stylish studio interior at Mood & Moves in San Francisco, featuring wood floors, mirrors, and mood lighting, ideal for heels dance classes.
Peninsula & San Jose Hip Hop Dance Classes
Finding hip hop dance classes on the Peninsula and in San Jose has become much easier in recent years. Here are some standout studios in the South Bay:
Peninsula Lively Arts: Hip Hop in Redwood City
Peninsula Lively Arts in Redwood City is primarily a ballet studio, but they offer a popular Wednesday night hip hop class with Angela Barrera. Angela is highly recommended by Peninsula dancers for her fantastic teaching style and energetic choreography.
Alt text: Angela Barrera teaching a hip hop dance class at Peninsula Lively Arts in Redwood City, demonstrating energetic and engaging choreography.
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 duration, are packed with content and energy.
Alt text: George Folau leading a hip hop dance class in San Mateo, showcasing his musicality and unique dance style.
Groovitude: Daytime Dance in Palo Alto
Groovitude in Palo Alto is perfect for daytime dancers. Run by Mandy and Lisa, Groovitude offers consistently joyful and lively classes. The studio has a strong and welcoming community of loyal dancers, creating a supportive learning environment.
Alt text: Daytime hip hop dance class at Groovitude in Palo Alto, featuring energetic dancers and a joyful atmosphere.
Yuko Lee GROOV3: Various Peninsula Locations
Yuko Lee teaches GROOV3 classes at various locations across the Peninsula. Her classes are always packed and attract a diverse age range, including many dancers in their mature years. Yuko is a sweet and generous teacher, creating a fun and inclusive environment. Follow her Instagram for her class schedule and locations.
Alt text: Yuko Lee teaching a packed GROOV3 dance class, demonstrating energetic moves and a diverse group of participants.
Motion Arts Center: San Mateo Gem
Motion Arts Center in San Mateo is a charming studio with easy parking and a welcoming vibe. Francesca teaches an intermediate hip hop class that is positive and inclusive, catering to both beginners and more experienced dancers.
Alt text: Francesca leading an intermediate hip hop dance class at Motion Arts Center in San Mateo, showcasing positive energy and inclusive teaching.
Can’t Stop The Drop: Outdoor Palo Alto Grooves
Can’t Stop The Drop offers outdoor hip hop classes and workshops in Palo Alto. Devi, the creator, has built a unique concept with groovy vibes, powerful choreography, and costume-themed events culminating in dance videos.
Alt text: Outdoor hip hop dance class by Can’t Stop The Drop in Palo Alto, featuring dancers in costumes and a vibrant, energetic atmosphere.
Enjoy Dance Studio (EDS): Cupertino’s High-Tech Studio
Enjoy Dance Studio (EDS) in Cupertino is an exceptional, high-tech dance studio. EDS boasts features like large mirrors on all sides, ceiling-mounted displays showing live camera feeds of the instructor, dramatic lighting, AC, and 4K video recording with free downloads for students. Instructors like CZ, Mo, Nate, Leon, Brandon, and Ray are highly recommended. Despite a slightly higher price point and a registration system that may require Google Translate, the quality and technology at EDS make it worth the effort.
Alt text: High-tech dance studio interior at Enjoy Dance Studio in Cupertino, featuring advanced lighting, mirrors, and video displays for an immersive dance experience.
Montage Dance Productions: Sunnyvale’s Cool Vibe
Montage Dance Productions in Sunnyvale has a great space and a cool vibe. Instructors like Lauren, Jaylen Pea, Chris Alcanices, and LQ are known for their engaging classes.
On One Dance Studio: Newark’s Popular Hub
On One Dance Studio in Newark has become one of the most popular dance studios in the area. With multiple studios, great floors, and a strong community, On One is a thriving dance hub. Highly recommended teachers 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. Standout instructors include Monica Chan for her unique choreography, Tad Racca for his grooves and footwork, Rho for fun and hairography, Nate for his flow, and Alyssa Corpuz for her infectious energy and smile. On One also hosts pop-up classes with renowned choreographers.
Alt text: Monica Chan teaching a hip hop dance class at On One Studios in Newark, showcasing her unique and engaging choreography style.
Alt text: Tad Racca leading a hip hop dance class at On One Studios, demonstrating fast footwork and dynamic grooves.
Alt text: Rho teaching a hip hop dance class at On One Studios, featuring hairography and fun, energetic movements.
Alt text: Nate Souryasack leading a hip hop dance class at On One Studios, demonstrating smooth flow and joyful movements.
Alt text: Alyssa Corpuz teaching a hip hop dance class at On One Studios, showcasing her signature pony moves and infectious smile.
Susan & Kerry Fitness Classes: Foundations and Fun
Susan & Kerry Fitness Classes (Funky Bees Fitness) offer “fitness classes” that are actually high-energy dance classes, including GROOV3 and hip hop cardio. These classes are perfect for beginners who are new to hip hop and want to learn foundational moves in a welcoming and joyful environment. Susan & Kerry’s classes focus on building confidence and grooving to the music.
Alt text: Susan & Kerry leading a fitness-style hip hop dance class, demonstrating basic steps and a fun, welcoming atmosphere for beginners.
Oakland Hip Hop Dance Classes
While Oakland may require a bridge toll for some, the quality of hip hop dance studios in Oakland makes the trip worthwhile.
In the Groove Studios: Oakland’s Best
In the Groove Studios is truly one of the best hip hop dance studios in the Bay Area. Founded by Leslie Pantichpakdi and Daniel Kang, In the Groove is known for its exceptional choreography and strong dance teams. Leslie Pantichpakdi has been teaching for over 10 years and is highly praised for her intricate and musical choreography. Daniel Kang brings groovy joy and challenging but fun choreography to his classes. Julia Pereira also teaches at In the Groove, bringing her empowering feminine style to Oakland. In the Groove frequently hosts pop-up classes with leading figures in the hip hop dance community. Important Note: In the Groove is expanding to a new, larger space. Support their growth by contributing to their GoFundMe campaign and help them create an even better dance space for the community.
Alt text: Leslie Pantichpakdi teaching a hip hop dance class at In the Groove Studios in Oakland, showcasing her intricate and musical choreography.
Alt text: Dancers in a hip hop class at In the Groove Studios in Oakland, demonstrating high energy and a strong sense of community.
Full Out Studios: Oakland’s Sweaty Sanctuary
Full Out Studios in Oakland is known for its intense, sweat-inducing classes. With three studios, including a large one, Full Out provides ample space to move. 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 guest choreographers.
re.DEFINE: Hayward’s Hip Hop Hub
re.DEFINE in Hayward is a standout studio led by Michael “Mappy” Mappala and Margela Cruz. re.DEFINE has cultivated a welcoming community and is known for its beautiful and expressive dance style. Recommended instructors include Mappy, Margela, Cole, and Anthony. Anthony’s choreography is particularly praised for its heart and artistry.
Alt text: Anthony teaching a hip hop dance class at re.DEFINE in Hayward, showcasing expressive and artistic choreography.
Find Your Hip Hop Groove in the Bay Area
The Bay Area is brimming with incredible opportunities to explore hip hop dance. No matter your level or location, “dance classes near me hip hop” are readily available. From the bustling studios of San Francisco to the vibrant communities in the Peninsula, South Bay, and East Bay, you’re sure to find a studio and instructors that inspire you. Take the leap, try out a few classes, and discover the joy of hip hop dance in the Bay Area! Start your dance journey today and find your rhythm!
