Which dance classes in Birmingham are right for me?

If you’ve got the dancing bug, chances are you’ve been thinking about taking dance classes. Most major cities have a wide variety of classes you can take and it can be difficult to decide which one would best suit you. Here are some of the most popular classes, with suggestions where you can go for further information.

1. Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing classes are available for all levels in most areas. In Birmingham there are private dancing schools which offer lessons, as well as Birmingham Adult Education services www.birmingham.gov.uk, who offer beginner, intermediate and advanced classes in several locations across the city. Ballroom dancing classes will teach you several dances but if there is a particular one you want to learn, it may be worth contacting the school to check it is covered in your course. Ballroom dancing is suitable for men, women and children, and there are classes for all levels of fitness. It is not usually necessary to go with a dance partner.

2. Salsa

Salsa has become hugely popular recently and specialised salsa classes are available at bars, clubs, fitness centres, colleges and dance schools. One company offering a number of classes is www.latinmotion.co.uk, who offer classes in different levels at various locations, including several in Birmingham. You can check on their site to see which ones are nearest to you. There are also many other salsa lessons available, look online or in your local press to find out more. Salsa can be quite energetic and is a great way to lose weight.

3. Jive and Ceroc

Jive classes can cover jive, ceroc, swing and lindy-hop. These dance classes can be very energetic and although you don’t need to be super fit, particularly for beginners’ lessons, a moderate level of activity in your life will help. They are a fun way to improve your fitness and meet new people. Many people dress up for these classes but it isn’t compulsory. www.uk-jive.co.uk has a list of jive classes across the country.

4. Tango

The sultry Argentine Tango is becoming a very popular dance and Tango classes are becoming easier to find. The pace of this dance is slower than many others, and it is more about attitude and technique than energy and fitness. A good starting point to investigate this dance would be TangoInBrum.co.uk. You don’t need to take a partner with you, so don’t be put off going on your own.

5. Pole Dancing and Burlesque

These might not be ‘traditional’ dances, but there are a lot of classes around. They are for women of all ages, shapes and sizes. Participants can usually wear whatever they feel comfortable in, from gym clothes to basques. Burlesque dance classes or pole dance classes don’t usually need a great level of fitness and can be great fun for a regular girls’ night out.

There are also dance schools and centres which offer classes in ballet, tap, jazz, street dance, Bollywood, belly dancing and modern dance to all ages and all levels. Check with your local adult education centre, as they may well be cheaper than lessons at private dance schools. Whichever class you decide to take, the most important thing is to have fun doing it.

Paula is a qualified EFL teacher who has taught in the UK and abroad. She has also taught adult literacy and numeracy in prisons and is now combining a small amount of private teaching with writing.