So, you’re on the hunt for Hip Hop Dance Classes Near Me in the Bay Area? Maybe you stumbled upon this page while searching for the best spots to learn to move, or perhaps you’re a returning visitor eager to see what’s new in the Bay Area dance scene. Either way, you’ve come to the right place for an insider’s look at where to find your rhythm and get your groove on.
Back in 2016 and 2017, I was in your shoes – a total newbie, completely obsessed with dance, and determined to explore every hip hop class the Bay Area had to offer. Finding the right teachers was crucial because, let’s be honest, when I’m passionate about something, I dive in headfirst.
Fast forward to today, and the dance landscape has evolved. Teachers have come and gone, and we’ve all navigated the ups and downs of recent years. Now, as we’re finding our footing again, you might be asking, “Where are the best hip hop dance classes now?”
It’s important to understand that I’m not currently hitting every single hip hop dance class in the Bay Area. Why? Well, let’s just say I’m embracing my cozy era. The pandemic shifted priorities, and sometimes the allure of my comfy bed and evening videos wins over an 8 PM class across town. It takes something truly special to get me out of my pajamas these days!
The other major reason I can’t provide an exhaustive list of every hip hop class is simple: the Bay Area dance scene is booming! There are even more classes now than there were six years ago. New studios, fresh faces teaching, and an incredible energy fueled by social media’s dance craze. Everyone wants to dance, and that’s sparked a wave of new businesses. Conversely, some studios have closed due to the ever-changing city and economy. Keeping track of who’s still around and who’s new is a task in itself.
So, as you read on, remember this isn’t the definitive, end-all-be-all guide to hip hop dance classes in the Bay Area. Honestly, no single source can claim that title. Bopsidy comes pretty close, and I highly recommend checking out their site for constantly updated information and class listings.
What I can offer is my well-informed opinion on classes and teachers I personally love or have heard amazing things about. These are the places and people I genuinely believe will bring joy and a fantastic community into your life. You’ll learn incredible choreography – the kind that will impress (or maybe slightly shock!) your family at the next gathering. We’re talking about real 60-minute to 2-hour choreography and foundational classes here, not just fleeting TikTok trends. TikTok dances are fun, but for those seeking depth and a richer dance experience, these studios are where it’s at.
Huge shoutout to my amazing friends who are out there hitting those 8 PM classes, exploring new studios, and keeping me in the loop. Thank you Ellen, Erica, Jennifer, Tanya, Jen, James, Kevin, and Josef! Your intel on pop-ups and must-try classes is invaluable.
San Francisco Hip Hop Hotspots
San Francisco is where my hip hop dance journey truly began, and thankfully, the studios that ignited my passion are still thriving, alongside exciting newcomers.
City Dance Studios: A San Francisco Institution
If you danced in the Bay Area around 2016, you remember the original City Dance studios. Three studios – two large, one cozy – on the second floor. They were full of character, maybe a little short on AC, and the bathrooms were always buzzing. The marley floors were ballet-perfect but could get a bit sticky for hip hop. Sandy and Jylly poured their hearts into City Dance, and if you visit their current location, you’re in for a treat. They’ve moved nearby, and the main studio is now cathedral-sized. Seriously, the ceilings are incredible.
The sheer space is a breath of fresh air. While I often wear a mask in crowded classes, here, the spaciousness puts my mind at ease. They also have two other lovely, smaller studios within the facility. Parking is SF street parking, so you know the drill – keep valuables out of sight.
And the teachers at City Dance? Top-tier. The instructors I’ve personally taken and wholeheartedly recommend include: 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. Looking at their class schedule, I see many new names, which isn’t a bad thing at all! From their Instagram stories, it’s clear they’re injecting fresh vitality and energy into the dance floor, which is always welcome. My advice? Try a double-header: take a class with a teacher I’ve recommended, then try one with someone completely new to you. That’s how you discover which instructors truly resonate with your style and personality. Some teachers will fit you perfectly, while others might feel like that itchy wool dress your mom made you wear – you never know until you try.
Explore City Dance’s schedule here and find hip hop dance classes near me.
Also at City Dance, you’ll find the incredible dance team from Daly City, The Company. They host weekly “CompanyFam Choreo” classes, and you absolutely should experience one. These classes are intense and not for the faint of heart – definitely not beginner level. Whoever is teaching in that slot, you’re guaranteed a challenging and rewarding workout. Teachers from The Company I’ve taken include Jolo Cabrera, Alfred Remulla, Jepoy , and Aggie Loyola. Check out Eddie Mina showcasing the class’s energy:
For those new to City Dance and seeking beginner hip hop dance classes near me, I always recommend Emerson Aquino as a starting point. He was my first teacher at City Dance and truly guided me into the hip hop world. His classes are perfect for beginners, introducing foundational moves in an accessible way, yet they also offer enough complexity to challenge more experienced dancers. Emerson’s energy is infectious – always positive and welcoming. You’re guaranteed a great time in his 90-minute class.
For women looking for empowering and feminine hip hop experiences, Julia Pereira at City Dance is your go-to. Her classes are packed with hairography and moves that will make you feel like a total goddess. Julia’s classes are all about embracing your power and confidence through dance.
Alan Frias: A Bay Area Dance Icon
Alan Frias deserves his own spotlight. For those in the Bay Area dance community, Alan is a legend in the best way possible. Important note: he currently doesn’t live in the Bay Area full-time. When he initially announced his departure, it sent ripples through the dance scene. He’s been such a pillar of the community that the thought of him leaving was tough. However, thankfully, he commutes back to teach pop-up classes at City Dance and Uforia regularly. If you want to experience his class, follow his Instagram to catch his announcements.
My first time in Alan’s class was intimidating, to say the least. Everyone seemed to know the moves, executing them with precision, intensity, and passion. It was a lot to take in! But after about ten classes, I started to grasp his choreography and keep up with the pace. And trust me, you want to keep up because his class is an absolute blast. He’s hilarious, often inappropriate in the best way, and most importantly, an exceptional teacher. He crafts intricate moves that somehow feel incredibly natural on your body.
Lately, his pop-ups have been in SF at City Dance and Uforia.
Follow Alan Frias for class updates and find your next hip hop dance class near me.
Andres + Dom: Saturday Morning Vibes
Starting April 2024, Andres and Dom (Andres + Dom) launched a weekly Saturday 11 AM class at City Dance, and it’s pure good vibes and fun times. Both are NBA Warriors dancers, so you’re getting top-tier instruction and energy. Their warm-ups are excellent, and they break down complex steps in a way that’s fun and surprisingly easy to grasp. You will sweat, you will laugh, and you’ll definitely want to come back. They are hilarious and incredibly generous teachers. Their choreography is often bouncy and masculine-leaning, but they encourage you to add your own feminine flair.
Make sure to follow their Instagram accounts because they often post snippets of the choreography they plan to teach in their stories, giving you a sneak peek into the fun chaos ahead.
Dance Mission: Mission District Magic
Dance Mission is a studio I absolutely adore. The exposed brick walls, the large, open windows – it’s got a fantastic atmosphere. But the dance that happens in this space is truly exceptional. Teachers I’ve taken or have been highly recommended by trusted dancer friends include: Brandie Norris, Jocquese Whitfield, David Schrag, Kyle Limin, Trey Brice-Russell, Micaya, Tika Morgan.
Parking in the Mission can be tricky, but the dance experience at Dance Mission is worth the effort. They’ve recently renovated, boasting two large studios, one medium, and a small one. And the bathrooms are a dream compared to what they were back in 2016!
LINES Dance Center: Ballet Roots, Hip Hop Influence
Pre-pandemic, LINES Dance Center was a regular spot for me, offering a wide range of hip hop classes. Looking at their current schedule, their focus leans more towards ballet, modern, and contemporary. It’s a beautiful studio reminiscent of a classic NY studio with large mirrors and marley floors. I’ve taken Kathy Mata’s ballet class there, which was wonderful and eye-opening. If I ever pursue ballet seriously, her class is where I’d go. For hip hop at LINES, Dexandro Montalvo is the name to know. He significantly shaped my hip hop foundation for years, though he now focuses more on contemporary. I’ve braved his contemporary class – incredibly challenging but so rewarding when you nail those dramatic, beautiful lines.
Discover classes at LINES Dance Center and find diverse dance styles near me.
ODC Dance Commons: Variety and Welcoming Vibes
ODC was one of the first studios I explored when starting out. It’s where Shereen Prince taught me my first grapevine! I was awkward in those early classes, but over time, thanks to Shereen’s patient teaching, I started to find my groove. ODC offers a diverse range of classes, from Contemporary and Salsa to Hula, Tai Chi, Ballet, Tap, Reggaeton, Pilates, and more. They also have a fantastic class called Rhythm & Motion. I’ve taken it with Dudley Flores, who is not only a fantastic instructor but also a genuinely kind soul.
Explore the ODC schedule and find a variety of dance and movement classes near me.
Rhythm & Motion is a dance workout class that blends hip hop, contemporary, salsa, and other styles. It can feel overwhelming at first, but after a couple of classes, you’ll get the hang of it and find yourself confidently moving across the floor. It can get a little dramatic, but that’s part of the fun!
Rae Studios: IG-Ready and Femme-Focused
Meeting Jessica Rae, the owner and creator of Rae Studios, was inspiring. She’s a phenomenal dancer, incredibly strong, and has built a thriving business that empowers dancers to learn, perform, and even make a living in the dance and entertainment industry. She’s a force! I visited her original studio in its early days – a charming boutique space with big dreams. And she made those dreams a reality. After extensive renovations, she’s created an impressive studio that is built for Instagram moments.
Find your spotlight at Rae Studios and discover empowering dance classes near me.
They have two studios – one medium and one small – but they pack in a ton of great classes. Looking at their teacher lineup, I’ve personally taken classes with Jessica and JJ Ghera, both offering incredibly fun and femme-fabulous experiences. I haven’t taken Ki’s class yet, but I’ve been in the same class with him, and wow – he’s seriously talented.
Uforia Studios: Pink Paradise in Nob Hill
I’m still sad about the closure of their Palo Alto studio, but for those in SF, you’re lucky to still have their Nob Hill location. Uforia is a pink explosion – a vibrant and energetic space.
They have a large dance studio and a separate studio for spinning. Uforia is more than just dance; they offer strength and cycling classes alongside their dance schedule. I’ve tried their various offerings, and they’re all great, but their dance classes hold a special place in my heart.
The teacher at Uforia who has completely won me over is Josef.
Josef is a friend, so I already knew he was amazing from taking Alan Frias’ classes together. When he started teaching at Uforia, it felt like a perfect fit. He’s getting paid to be amazing, and SF dancers get to enjoy his talent weekly. For beginners, his classes aren’t intimidating at all. He takes familiar club moves and elevates them, embellishes them, making you look and feel fantastic. Positivity is the core of his class. Take his class and tell me how it makes you feel – I always leave feeling like a queen.
Important note: Uforia has fantastic pop-ups planned throughout the year, so follow their Instagram to stay updated. Pop-ups are a great way to try new instructors in a familiar and comfortable environment.
Explore Uforia’s Nob Hill schedule and find your next favorite hip hop dance class near me.
Popstar Booty Camp: Dance Like Your Idols
I’ve known Carol Jay and Popstar Booty Camp for a long time. Carol hires talented dance teachers who specialize in teaching choreography from popular music videos. Want to learn Jungkook’s “Standing Next To You” moves? Obsessed with Jungle’s dance opus and want to emulate “that girl in that tiny vest?” Want to bring the power of Blackpink’s “Pink Venom?” Popstar Booty Camp has you covered.
Big disclaimer: those incredible dance videos are performed by professional dancers with years of training and countless hours of rehearsal. Will you nail Jungle’s “Back on 74” choreography in your first class? No. Probably not even in your tenth class. Don’t be discouraged! You will learn the moves and capture the essence of those videos you admire, and sometimes, that’s enough. And sometimes, it will inspire you to take even more classes to achieve that level of intensity and power you admire.
Join Popstar Booty Camp and learn iconic dance moves in hip hop dance classes near me.
Mood & Moves: Boutique Studio Vibes
I visited Mood & Moves shortly after studios started reopening post-pandemic. It’s a charming boutique studio very close to the SF Costco (yes, I’m an Asian lady who loves Costco – no surprise!). It’s a single studio space, but they host many fun classes there. Heels classes are particularly popular in this space, and you’ll see why. Clean wood floors, beautiful mirrors, and mood lighting create a great atmosphere.
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Heels aren’t my thing anymore – 50 and heels don’t always mix! But I appreciate the artistry, and many of my dancer friends love Mood & Moves for heels classes. Street parking is available, but be prepared for stairs to reach the studio – all part of the charm.
Find your mood at Mood & Moves and explore unique dance experiences near me.
Hip Hop in the Peninsula + San Jose
Being from LA, I appreciate the suburban vibe. I live in the Peninsula because it feels like home, it’s close to work, and I have two Costcos nearby (again, 50-year-old Asian lady!). For a long time, finding dance studios in this area was a challenge. Maybe it was the rent, or maybe Zumba had a monopoly, but hip hop classes were scarce. Thankfully, that’s changing.
Peninsula Lively Arts: Ballet and Wednesday Night Hip Hop
Across from Trader Joe’s in the old Circuit City building, you’ll find Peninsula Lively Arts. It still surprises me every time I walk in, remembering buying headphones and computer gear in that space back in the day. Ballet is the primary focus here, but there’s a Wednesday night hip hop class you should add to your calendar: Angela Barrera. I haven’t taken her class personally, but many dancer friends rave about her, and from what I’ve seen, she’s fantastic.
Register for classes at Peninsula Lively Arts and discover hidden hip hop gems near me.
Folau House: San Mateo Grooves
I’ve known George Folau for a while and know he has incredible musicality and style. So, when he started teaching regular classes in San Mateo, I was immediately intrigued. It’s a shorter class, but he packs a lot into that hour. Definitely check him out – he’s a blast.
Follow Folau House for class updates and find unique hip hop styles near me.
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Groovitude: Daytime Delight in Palo Alto
If daytime classes are your preference, Groovitude is the place for you. Located in Palo Alto with easy parking, it’s run by Mandy and Lisa, two incredibly hardworking and talented women who consistently deliver great choreography week after week. The dancers here are loyal, many having been with the studio for years, a testament to the strong and welcoming community. Most importantly, the dancing is lively and joyful.
Find your groove at Groovitude and enjoy daytime hip hop dance classes near me.
Yuko Lee: GROOV3 and Community
I’ve taken many classes with Yuko Lee, and she’s such a sweet and generous teacher. Her GROOV3 classes are always packed with people who are absolutely killing it. And if you’re like me – slightly older – it’s nice to be around dancers of a similar age. Many studios tend to skew younger (35 and under), which is fine, but sometimes I prefer being around women in their 60s doing the dougie and twerking – and you’ll often find that in Yuko’s classes! Follow her Instagram as she teaches at various locations.
Motion Arts Center: San Mateo Gem
I recently discovered Motion Arts Center in San Mateo, and it’s a gem. Easy parking, clean, open space, and a great overall vibe. I took Francesca’s intermediate hip hop class, and she was positive and welcoming to both beginners and more experienced dancers. Her technique is excellent, and there were many groovy moments I enjoyed dancing alongside her.
Explore Motion Arts Center and find welcoming hip hop dance classes near me.
Can’t Stop The Drop: Palo Alto Outdoor Grooves
Palo Alto residents, you don’t have to travel far to get your groove on. Devi has created Can’t Stop The Drop, an outdoor dance experience where you can unleash your fiercest moves. Outdoor classes with groovy vibes and powerful beats. They offer regular classes and workshops that often involve specific costumes and culminate in a final video you’ll want to share with everyone.
Check out Can’t Stop The Drop for unique outdoor hip hop dance experiences near me.
Enjoy Dance Studio: Cupertino’s Dancer’s Dream
Cupertino, are you aware you have the most incredible dance studio in your city? Enjoy Dance Studio is unlike anything I’ve seen. They’ve invested in everything a dancer dreams of in a studio. Large mirrors front and back, huge displays near the ceiling showing a live camera feed of the teacher (so even in packed classes, you can see the footwork), dramatic lighting for concept videos, and AC! And the best part: they film group performances in 4K and offer a free video download within 6 hours. It’s a student dancer’s dream studio.
Teachers I adore there include: CZ, Mo, Nate, Leon, Brandon, and Ray.
The registration system for Enjoy can be a bit confusing, especially since it’s partly in Chinese. But power through with Google Translate – it’s worth it.
Discover the dream at Enjoy Dance Studio and find high-tech hip hop dance classes near me.
I’ll be taking more classes at Enjoy because the quality is exceptional. Yes, classes are slightly pricier than other places, but the technology they’ve invested in is insane. It’s worth it. Parking is easy, and boba is just a 6-minute drive away!
Montage Dance Productions: Cool Vibes in the South Bay
I love Montage Dance Productions’ space, and even though it’s been a while since I visited, I’m constantly stalking their Instagram and seeing posts about their cool dance classes. Teachers I’ve enjoyed there include Lauren, Jaylen Pea, Chris Alcanices, and LQ. Easy, free parking and a cool vibe make it a great overall place to dance.
Explore Montage Dance Productions and find cool hip hop dance classes near me in the South Bay.
On One Dance Studio: Fremont’s Dance Destination
Remember Monday Night Workshop back in 2015? It was the insane late-night dance class at this studio. After renovations and new leadership, it’s now On One Dance Studio, and they’ve established themselves as one of the most popular studios in the area. I love the leadership, the community, the easy parking, and its proximity to Target for a cheap Gatorade. One large studio, one medium, and one small, with great wood-ish floors perfect for gliding. Plenty of space. Teachers I love or know are fabulous include: Monica Chan, Nate Souryasack, Tad Racca, Rhoville, Alyssa, Sila Poe, Jay Chris Moore, Kate Dimalanta, Jonathan Pham, Lauren Benjamin, Deziree Del Rosario, Eddie Mina, Darius Sparks.
Teachers who hold a special place in my heart at On One:
Monica Chan – her choreography just clicks with my brain.
Tad Racca – fire grooves and incredibly fast footwork.
Rho – guaranteed fun and life-giving hairography moments.
Nate – his flow brings pure joy.
Alyssa Corpuz – queen of the pony move and all-around amazing teacher with the best smile.
On One also hosts pop-ups with dancers from around the world. If a pop-up is happening, go! It’s much cheaper than flying to LA, renting a car, and taking a class in NoHo.
Susan & Kerry Fitness Classes: Beginner-Friendly Fun
They call them fitness classes, and they do offer fitness classes, but they also teach GROOV3 and Hip Hop cardio, which is high-energy dance. If you’re new to dance, intimidated by hip hop, or just looking for beginner hip hop dance classes near me, seek out Susan & Kerry. They teach basic, easy-to-learn moves and build upon them until you’re grooving like a pro. Even as someone who’s moved on to more challenging classes, I still return to their classes because they’re simply fun. Foundations are fun, and their community is incredibly welcoming and joyful.
Find beginner-friendly hip hop at Susan & Kerry Fitness Classes and start your dance journey near me.
Oakland Hip Hop Scene
For me to drive to Oakland, a class has to be good. Bridge tolls, gas prices – it has to be worth the trip. And there are two studios in Oakland that absolutely make the 80-mile round trip worthwhile.
In the Groove Studios: Oakland’s Hip Hop Heart
Leslie Pantichpakdi and Daniel Kang have created something truly special at In the Groove Studios. The choreography here is consistently excellent. I’ve been taking Leslie’s classes for over 10 years, and she’s my absolute favorite. If you look at my dance videos, you’ll see me working out her choreography more than anyone else’s.
Just look at Leslie’s choreography – how can you not love it?
Daniel Kang is pure groovy joy. His vibe is chill, but then he unleashes the choreography, and it’s like, “holy moly, that’s a lot!” But it’s fun – you might be dying, but you’re having fun. They have several dance teams based out of this studio, which speaks to the high quality of instruction. They also regularly host pop-ups with leading choreographers in the hip hop dance community. In the Groove is a top-tier studio, and you’re guaranteed a good time.
Teachers I’ve adored at In the Groove are, of course, Leslie, Daniel, and Julia Pereira.
Experience Oakland’s hip hop heart at In the Groove Studios and find exceptional hip hop dance classes near me.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT IN THE GROOVE: They’re expanding and need our support to create an even more beautiful dance space. Seriously, they’re building an incredible facility, and if you can contribute even a small donation, you’ll be helping create a fantastic place to dance for years to come. Support their expansion here.
Full Out Studios: Oakland Sweat Sessions
I’ve left a lot of sweat on the floors of Full Out Studios, and I happily do it every time. They have three studios – two medium, one huge. Concrete floors, so keep that in mind if you have sensitive knees, but they’re a dream for gliding. Teachers I love there include Emerson Aquino, Alli Fritz, Rocko Luciano, Georgie Carmack. The 401K dance team also hosts open classes there, and yes, you should absolutely attend those – they bring in amazing guest choreographers.
Go Full Out at Full Out Studios and find high-energy hip hop dance classes near me in Oakland.
re.DEFINE Dance Studio: Hayward’s Best Kept Secret
re.DEFINE is the only studio I know of in Hayward, and it happens to be fantastic. Led by Michael “Mappy” Mappala and Margela Cruz, they’ve cultivated a community that creates beautiful dance while being incredibly welcoming to everyone, regardless of experience level. Teachers I love there are Mappy, Margela, Cole, and Anthony.
Anthony’s choreography makes my heart soar.
ReDefine your dance journey at re.DEFINE Dance Studio and find welcoming hip hop dance classes near me in Hayward.
Find Your Hip Hop Dance Community Today
Finding the right hip hop dance classes near me is about more than just learning steps; it’s about finding your community, discovering inspiring teachers, and experiencing the joy of movement. The Bay Area is brimming with incredible studios and talented instructors, each offering unique styles and vibes. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned dancer, there’s a class and a studio waiting for you to find your groove. So, put on your dance shoes, explore these recommendations, and get ready to move! The Bay Area dance floor is calling your name.
