Are you searching for “Hip Hop Dance Studios Near Me” in the Bay Area? You’ve landed in the right place! Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of hip hop or you’re a seasoned dancer looking for new inspiration, the Bay Area’s vibrant dance scene has something for everyone. This guide, updated with the latest studios and classes, will help you discover incredible hip hop dance studios right in your neighborhood.
The Bay Area has always been a hotbed for dance, and the hip hop scene here is particularly dynamic. From San Francisco to Oakland, and across the Peninsula, you’ll find studios buzzing with energy, talented instructors, and welcoming communities. I remember back in 2016 and 2017, I was on a mission to try every hip hop class I could find in the Bay Area. As a complete newbie, I was eager to find teachers and styles that resonated with me. Dance became a passion, and I dove in headfirst!
Fast forward to today, and the dance landscape has evolved. We’ve seen teachers move on, new studios emerge, and the dance community adapt and rebuild after the pandemic. If you’re asking me for the definitive list of current hip hop classes, it’s important to know that I’m not hitting every class like I used to (let’s just say age and comfy evenings at home have changed my priorities!). However, what I can offer is my experienced perspective, shaped by years of dancing in the Bay Area and staying connected with the community.
The truth is, the Bay Area dance scene is HUGE. It’s even bigger now than it was years ago. Social media has fueled the desire to learn dance, leading to new studios and opportunities popping up everywhere. While some studios have sadly closed due to economic shifts, the overall energy is one of growth and excitement. No single person can have their finger on the pulse of every hip hop class, but resources like Bopsidy are incredibly helpful for finding up-to-date information.
Consider this guide as a curated list of studios and teachers that I, and my trusted dance friends, recommend. These are places where you’ll not only learn amazing choreography and foundational hip hop moves, but also find joy, build community, and maybe even learn some moves that will impress (or embarrass!) your family at the next gathering. These aren’t TikTok dance trend classes; we’re talking about immersive 60-minute to 2-hour choreography and technique classes that will truly develop your skills.
Huge shoutout to my amazing friends – Ellen, Erica, Jennifer, Tanya, Jen, James, Kevin, and Josef – who are still out there exploring the Bay Area dance scene, trying new classes, and keeping me in the loop about the best of the best. Their recommendations are invaluable!
Hip Hop Dance Studios in San Francisco (SF)
San Francisco was where my hip hop dance journey truly began, and thankfully, many of the foundational studios are still thriving, along with exciting new additions.
City Dance Studios
City Dance holds a special place for many Bay Area dancers. If you experienced the original City Dance, you remember the two large studios and the smaller one upstairs. It could get packed, lacked AC, and the bathrooms were always busy, but the dance floor was always full of energy. Sandy and Jylly, the heart of City Dance, have truly outdone themselves with their new location. The main studio is now enormous, with soaring ceilings that create an incredible sense of space.
Alt: Spacious dance studio interior at City Dance SF with high ceilings and ample dance floor.
The sheer size of the studios means even in a crowded class, you don’t feel cramped. They also have two other smaller studios in the same location, all well-maintained. Parking is typical SF street parking, so be mindful of your belongings.
But the real draw of City Dance is the incredible roster of teachers. I’ve personally loved 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. City Dance is also constantly bringing in new talent, adding fresh energy to their already vibrant program. My advice? Take a class with a teacher I’ve recommended and pair it with a class from a teacher you’ve never heard of. Finding the right teacher is like finding the perfect dance partner – some will fit you like a glove, others, maybe not so much. You won’t know until you try!
Check out the City Dance schedule here
The Company, a renowned dance team from Daly City, also holds weekly classes at City Dance under the name “CompanyFam Choreo.” These classes are not for beginners – expect to be challenged and to sweat! Teachers from The Company like Jolo Cabrera, Alfred Remulla, Jepoy, and Aggie Loyola bring intense and rewarding choreography.
For those new to City Dance and hip hop in general, I always recommend starting with Emerson Aquino. He was my first teacher at City Dance and truly guided me into the hip hop world. His classes are perfect for beginners, offering foundational moves that can also be embellished by more experienced dancers. Emerson’s positive and welcoming energy makes every class a joy.
Alt: Hip hop dance instructor, Emerson Aquino, demonstrating a move in a class setting, radiating positive energy.
If you’re seeking a femme-empowering dance experience, Julia Pereira at City Dance is your go-to. Her classes are full of hairography and dynamic moves that will make you feel powerful and confident.
Alt: Julia Pereira leading a high-energy, femme-style hip hop dance class with strong, expressive movements.
Alan Frias Pop-Up Classes in SF
Alan Frias deserves his own category. He’s a significant figure in the Bay Area dance scene. While he no longer lives in the Bay Area full-time, he regularly commutes back to teach pop-up classes at City Dance and Uforia. His departure initially shook the community, but his commitment to teaching pop-ups has been a huge relief for his many fans. Follow his Instagram to stay updated on his class schedule.
My first class with Alan was intimidating! Everyone seemed to know the moves and execute them with incredible intensity and passion. But after a few classes, I started to catch on and keep up. Alan’s classes are an absolute blast. He’s hilarious, says outrageous things, and creates a fun, energetic atmosphere. Most importantly, he’s an exceptional teacher. He breaks down complex choreography in a way that makes it learnable and rewarding.
Alt: Dynamic hip hop dance class led by Alan Frias, showcasing high energy and passionate dancers.
Follow Alan Frias for class updates
Andres + Dom at City Dance
Andres and Dom, both dancers for the NBA Warriors, started a weekly Saturday 11 am class at City Dance in April 2024, and it’s pure good vibes and fun. These guys bring “best quality heart” to their teaching. Their classes include excellent warm-ups and break down complex steps in an accessible and enjoyable way. Be prepared to sweat, laugh, and want to come back every week. Their choreography is typically bouncy and masculine, but with room to add your own feminine flair.
Alt: Andres and Dom, NBA Warriors dancers, teaching a partnered hip hop class with energetic and fun choreography.
Check their Instagram stories for previews of the choreography they’ll be teaching each week so you can mentally prepare for the fun chaos!
Alt: Andres Ley Fuentes posting a preview of hip hop choreography for an upcoming dance class on Instagram.
Dance Mission Theater
Dance Mission is a studio I truly adore. The brick walls, the large windows, and most importantly, the incredible dance energy within the space are captivating. Teachers I’ve personally taken classes with or have received strong recommendations for include Brandie Norris, Jocquese Whitfield, David Schrag, Kyle Limin, Trey Brice-Russell, Micaya, and Tika Morgan.
Alt: Brandie Norris leading a vibrant hip hop dance class at Dance Mission Theater, showcasing energetic movement and style.
Parking in the Mission District can be challenging, but the experience at Dance Mission is worth it. They’ve recently renovated, now boasting two large studios, one medium, and one small studio, along with significantly improved bathrooms compared to their older facilities.
LINES Dance Center
Pre-pandemic, LINES offered a wide range of hip hop classes. Currently, their focus leans more towards ballet, modern, and contemporary dance. It’s a beautiful studio reminiscent of a New York studio, with large mirrors and marley floors. I’ve taken Kathy Mata’s ballet class there, which was insightful and inspiring. For hip hop at LINES, Dexandro Montalvo is the standout recommendation. He significantly shaped my hip hop dance journey for years, though he now focuses more on contemporary. His contemporary classes are challenging but incredibly rewarding, emphasizing beautiful lines and dramatic movement.
Explore LINES Dance Center classes
Alt: Dexandro Montalvo in a dynamic contemporary dance pose, highlighting graceful lines and expressive movement.
ODC Dance Commons
ODC was one of the first studios I frequented when I started dancing. It’s where Shereen Prince taught me my first grapevine! While I felt awkward at first, after a year, I started to find my groove, thanks to Shereen’s guidance. ODC offers a wide variety of classes, including contemporary, salsa, hula, tai chi, ballet, tap, reggaeton, Pilates, and more. Their “Rhythm & Motion” class, especially with Dudley Flores, is fantastic. Dudley is a wonderful teacher with a great spirit.
Learn more about ODC and their schedule
Alt: Dudley Flores teaching a Rhythm & Motion dance class at ODC, blending hip hop, contemporary, and salsa elements.
Rhythm & Motion is a dance workout class that blends hip hop, contemporary, salsa, and other styles. It can feel overwhelming initially, but after a few classes, you’ll get the hang of it and feel like you’re soaring across the floor.
Rae Studios
Jessica Rae, the owner and creator of Rae Studios, is truly impressive. She’s not only a phenomenal dancer and incredibly strong, but she’s also built a thriving business that empowers dancers to learn, perform, and even make a living in the dance and entertainment industry. In its early days, Rae Studios was a small boutique space with big potential, and Jessica has made that potential a reality. After extensive renovations, it’s now a stunning studio designed for capturing those perfect Instagram dance moments.
Alt: Stylish studio interior at Rae Studios SF, designed with modern aesthetics and ideal lighting for dance and content creation.
Rae Studios has two studios, one medium and one small, packed with great classes. I’ve taken classes with Jessica and JJ Ghera, both incredibly fun and femme-focused. While I haven’t taken Ki’s class, I’ve seen him in action, and he’s exceptionally talented.
Alt: Ki “The Tiger” leading a dynamic hip hop class at Rae Studios, showcasing his powerful and engaging teaching style.
Uforia Studios (Nob Hill)
While I’m still sad about the closure of their Palo Alto location, Uforia’s Nob Hill studio in SF is still going strong. This studio is a pink explosion of fun and energy!
Alt: Vibrant pink interior of Uforia Studios, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere for dance and fitness classes.
Uforia has a large dance studio and a separate studio for spinning classes. Beyond dance, they offer strength and cycling classes, creating a comprehensive fitness experience. But their dance classes are truly where my heart lies.
Josef is the teacher at Uforia who has completely won me over. Having known him as a friend and fellow Allan Frias class participant, I knew he was amazing. His classes at Uforia are perfect for both newbies and experienced dancers. He takes familiar club moves and elevates them, making you look and feel fantastic. Positivity is central to his classes, and you’ll leave feeling like a queen.
Alt: Josef, hip hop instructor at Uforia Studios, teaching a class with a focus on positivity and empowering movements.
Uforia also hosts fantastic pop-up classes throughout the year, offering a chance to try new instructors in a comfortable environment. Follow their Instagram to stay updated on their schedule.
Explore Uforia Studios Nob Hill
Popstar Booty Camp
Popstar Booty Camp, led by Carol Jay, is a unique program that teaches you the choreography from popular music videos. Want to learn Jeon Jungkook’s “Standing Next to You” moves? Obsessed with Jungle’s dance in “Back on 74”? Want to master the fierce moves from Blackpink’s “Pink Venom”? Popstar Booty Camp has you covered.
Alt: Popstar Booty Camp class learning K-Pop choreography, focusing on precise movements and iconic dance styles.
It’s important to remember that music video choreography is performed by professional dancers with years of training and extensive rehearsal. You might not nail Jungle’s “Back on 74” choreography in your first class (or even your tenth!), but you’ll learn the moves, capture the essence of the videos you love, and potentially be inspired to deepen your dance journey.
Learn more about Popstar Booty Camp
Mood & Moves Studio
Mood & Moves is a charming boutique studio near the SF Costco. It’s a single studio space that hosts a variety of fun classes, with heels classes being particularly popular. The studio features clean wood floors, beautiful mirrors, and mood lighting, creating an ideal atmosphere for dance.
Alt: Elegant interior of Mood & Moves Studio, featuring wood floors, mirrors, and soft mood lighting, perfect for heels dance classes.
While heels classes aren’t my personal preference these days, I appreciate the artistry, and many dancer friends love Mood & Moves for their heels offerings. Street parking is available, but be prepared for stairs to reach the studio.
Hip Hop Dance Studios in the Peninsula & San Jose Area
As someone originally from LA, I appreciate the suburban vibe of the Peninsula. Living here is convenient for work and close to, yes, two Costcos! For a long time, finding hip hop dance studios in the Peninsula was challenging. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case.
Peninsula Lively Arts
Located across from Trader Joe’s in a building that used to be a Circuit City, Peninsula Lively Arts is a surprising find. Ballet is their primary focus, but they offer a fantastic Wednesday night hip hop class with Angela Barrera. While I haven’t taken her class personally, many dancer friends rave about her, and from what I’ve seen, she’s excellent.
Alt: Angela Barrera demonstrating hip hop choreography, showcasing her dynamic and engaging dance style.
Register for classes at Peninsula Lively Arts
Folau House (San Mateo)
George Folau is known for his incredible musicality and style. His regular classes in San Mateo, though shorter in duration, are packed with content and energy. He’s a fun and engaging teacher worth checking out.
Follow George Folau for class updates
Alt: George Folau showcasing his unique hip hop groove and style in a dance clip.
Groovitude (Palo Alto)
If daytime classes are your preference, Groovitude in Palo Alto is perfect. Parking is always easy, and the studio is run by Mandy and Lisa, two incredibly talented and hardworking women who consistently deliver great choreography. Groovitude has a loyal and welcoming community, fostered by the joyful and lively dance atmosphere.
Alt: Groovitude daytime hip hop dance class, featuring a group of dancers enjoying energetic and joyful choreography.
Yuko Lee GROOV3 Classes
Yuko Lee is a sweet and generous teacher whose GROOV3 classes are always packed. If you’re a slightly more mature dancer, like myself, it’s nice to be in a class with people your own age. While many studios are predominantly filled with dancers under 35, Yuko’s classes often attract a diverse age range, including women in their 60s grooving and having fun! Yuko teaches at various locations, so follow her Instagram for her schedule.
Follow Yuko Lee for class locations and times
Alt: Yuko Lee leading a GROOV3 dance class with a diverse group of participants, focusing on energetic and inclusive dance fitness.
Motion Arts Center (San Mateo)
Motion Arts Center in San Mateo is a cute studio with easy parking and a clean, open space. The overall vibe is welcoming and positive. I took Francesca’s intermediate hip hop class there, and she was fantastic, catering to both beginners and more experienced dancers. Her technique is excellent, and the class had many enjoyable, groovy moments.
Alt: Hip hop dance class at Motion Arts Center, featuring a positive and inclusive environment with a focus on technique and groove.
Explore classes at Motion Arts Center
Can’t Stop The Drop (Palo Alto)
Palo Alto residents don’t have to travel far to find their groove with Can’t Stop The Drop. Devi has created a space for fierce moves and expressive dance through outdoor classes, workshops, and even costume-themed events culminating in dance videos.
Alt: Can’t Stop The Drop outdoor silent disco dance class, showcasing a unique and energetic dance experience.
Enjoy Dance Studio (Cupertino)
Cupertino is home to an absolutely incredible dance studio: Enjoy Dance Studio (EDS). It’s unlike anything I’ve seen. They’ve invested in everything a dancer could dream of. Large mirrors at the front and back, huge displays showing live camera feeds of the teacher (essential in packed classes!), dramatic lighting for concept videos, and AC! Plus, they film group performances in 4K and provide a free download of the video within hours. It’s a dream studio for student dancers.
Teachers I adore at Enjoy include CZ, Mo, Nate, Leon, Brandon, and Ray.
Navigating their registration system, which is partly in Chinese, can be a little confusing (Google Translate is your friend!), but it’s worth the effort.
Explore Enjoy Dance Studio (EDS)
Alt: Enjoy Dance Studio showcasing its high-tech features, including large screens and professional video recording for dance classes.
While Enjoy’s classes are slightly pricier than others, the technology and quality they offer are unmatched. Parking is easy, and boba is just a short drive away!
Montage Dance Productions
I love the space at Montage Dance Productions, and although it’s been a while since I’ve visited, their Instagram always showcases cool dance classes. Teachers I’ve enjoyed there include Lauren, Jaylen Pea, Chris Alcanices, and LQ. Parking is easy and free, and the overall vibe is great.
Learn more about Montage Dance Productions
On One Dance Studio
Remember Monday Night Workshop from 2015? That was at the studio that is now On One Dance Studio. After renovations and new leadership, On One has become one of the most popular studios in the area. I love the leadership, the community, the easy parking (next to a Target for cheap Gatorade!), and the studio spaces. They have one large, one medium, and one small studio, all with great wood-ish floors for gliding.
Teachers I love or know are fabulous at On One 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, and Darius Sparks.
Teachers that particularly stand out for me:
Monica Chan’s choreography is incredibly smart and satisfying.
Alt: Monica Chan demonstrating intricate hip hop choreography, highlighting her innovative and engaging style.
Tad Racca’s grooves are FIRE, and his footwork is lightning fast.
Alt: Tad Racca showcasing fast and intricate footwork in a dynamic hip hop dance routine.
Rho’s classes are always fun and full of hairography moments that give you life!
Alt: Rho leading a hip hop class with expressive hairography, creating dynamic and visually engaging movements.
Nate’s flow is just pure joy to dance to.
Alt: Nate Souryasack demonstrating smooth and joyful hip hop flow in a dance class setting.
Alyssa Corpuz loves a pony move (and so do I!), making her classes always a favorite. Plus, she has the best smile and is a fantastic teacher.
Alt: Alyssa Corpuz performing a pony move in a hip hop dance class, radiating energy and a welcoming smile.
On One also hosts pop-up classes with dancers from around the world. Attending these pop-ups is a fantastic way to experience diverse styles without the expense of traveling to LA or elsewhere.
Susan & Kerry Fitness Classes (Funky Bees Fitness)
While they call them fitness classes, Susan & Kerry Fitness Classes (Funky Bees Fitness) offer GROOV3 and Hip Hop cardio, which are high-energy dance workouts. If you’re new to hip hop and feeling intimidated, these ladies are perfect. They teach basic, easy-to-learn moves and build upon them, helping you become a groove master. Even as someone who takes more advanced classes now, I still return to their classes because they are simply fun, foundational, and the community is incredibly welcoming and joyful.
Learn more about Funky Bees Fitness
Alt: Susan & Kerry teaching a Funky Bees Fitness class, focusing on fun, foundational hip hop and welcoming community.
Hip Hop Dance Studios in Oakland
For me to travel to Oakland, a class needs to be exceptional. With bridge tolls and gas prices, it has to be worthwhile to make the trip. Two studios in Oakland consistently make that drive worth it.
In the Groove Studios
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 a personal favorite. Her choreography is always inspiring and challenging.
Alt: Leslie Pantichpakdi demonstrating intricate and stylish hip hop choreography, showcasing her signature dance style.
Daniel Kang brings pure groovy joy to his classes. His vibe is chill, but his choreography is challenging and incredibly fun. In the Groove has several dance teams, which contributes to the high quality of instruction. They also frequently host pop-up classes with leading figures in the hip hop dance community.
Teachers I highly recommend at In the Groove include Leslie, Daniel, and Julia Pereira.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT IN THE GROOVE: They are expanding to create an even more beautiful dance space and are seeking community support. Donating to their GoFundMe will help them build a fantastic studio for the Bay Area dance community.
Support In the Groove Studios’ expansion
Alt: In the Groove Studios announcing their expansion project and fundraising campaign for a new dance space.
Full Out Studios
I’ve left a lot of sweat on the floors of Full Out Studios, and I happily continue to do so! They have three studios, two medium and one large, with concrete floors (good for gliding, but consider knee support if needed). Teachers I love at Full Out include Emerson Aquino, Alli Fritz, Rocko Luciano, and Georgie Carmack. The 401K dance team also hosts open classes there, bringing in amazing guest choreographers.
Learn more about Full Out Studios
Hip Hop Dance Studios in Hayward
re.DEFINE Dance Studio
re.DEFINE is the standout studio in Hayward. Led by Michael “Mappy” Mappala and Margela Cruz, they’ve cultivated a welcoming community that creates beautiful dance for all levels. Teachers I love at re.DEFINE include Mappy, Margela, Cole, and Anthony. Anthony’s choreography, in particular, is incredibly inspiring.
Alt: Anthony (Tony Shiro) from re.DEFINE Dance Studio demonstrating expressive and heart-soaring hip hop choreography.
Explore classes at re.DEFINE Dance Studio
This guide is designed to help you find the best “hip hop dance studios near me” in the Bay Area. Start exploring these studios, try out different classes and teachers, and discover the joy of hip hop dance in this incredible dance community!
