15 Popular Types of Dance Classes in the USA to Explore Today
Dance is not just a set of motions—it’s a language of expression, a workout for your body and soul, and a way to sync your consciousness with others. But let’s not overcomplicate it. It can also be a fantastic stress reliever, a fun way to break a sweat, or simply a great mode of socializing. From the modern, energetic hip-hop to the elegant ballet—fast or slow—there is always a style for you to ignite your passion. So here we are with 15 popular types of dance classes that’ll help you add vibrancy to your life.
Why Dance Classes Are Trending in the USA
Here’s a brief list of why dance classes are becoming increasingly trendy in the USA:
Fitness with a Twist:
You don’t need to hit that boring treadmill anymore—dance classes provide a fun and engaging full-body workout.
Stress Relief:
Social Connection:
Dance is a magical way of losing yourself in the rhythm, blocking every stressful thought that may intrude on your peace.
Cultural Exploration:
For Everyone:
If you want to know more or learn how dance classes can help your emotional and physical well-being, reach Mandala Arts at 312-212-3422 or info@mandalaarts.org, and our experts will guide you.
15 Popular Types of Dance Classes in the USA
Ballet Dance Classes
Ballet is a highly formalized and stylized way of dancing that stemmed from the Italian Renaissance courts in the 15th century. Characterized by fluid and precise movements, this dance type integrates positions and specific techniques that evoke emotions and narratives. Using elaborate costumes and pointe shoes, ballet dancers dance on the tips of their toes and radiate elegance throughout the arena. If you want to lock in and be a professional dancer this 2025, ballet classes are the best way to learn disciplined, structured dancing that looks graceful and skillful.
Hip-Hop Dance Classes
If you have tons of energy and are looking for an outlet to express your enthusiasm, self-expression, and individuality, hip-hop classes can be a dynamic and exciting way to get moving. Stemming from street dance culture, hip-hop blends freestyle elements with high-energy, powerful choreography, allowing dancers to develop their individual style. With inspiration from popping, locking, and breaking, hip-hop dance classes emphasize creativity and confidence. So, if you are looking to develop intricate footwork or just want to let loose and have some fun, hip-hop is a versatile and ever-evolving dance form that welcomes all skill levels.
Jazz Dance Classes
Jazz dance emerged in the late 19th to early 20th century when dancers from African American cultures blended their traditional dance steps with European styles. Although jazz had its roots in intimate social and religious gatherings, it always carried a performative feel, making it a staple in pop culture and musical theater. High-energy kicks, leaps, and isolations offer individuals from all walks of life an engaging and vibrant way to build immense confidence, improve physical movements, and embrace joy.
Contemporary Dance Classes
Are you a free soul who wants to blend multiple dance forms and still look graceful doing it? Then contemporary dance classes should be your go-to entertainment for the weekends. According to MasterClass, “Contemporary dance is a style of interpretive dance that embraces innovation, blending techniques from various genres, including classical ballet, jazz, modern dance, and lyrical dance.” It relies on improvisation and versatility, promoting freedom of movement and fluidity while allowing learners to be graceful dancers with a focus on floor work over leg work and pointe. If you are an adult who wants to break free from a highly structured work life or a young student tired of a strict routine, this is your chance to embrace freedom and creativity.
Tap Dance Classes
Perfect for restless souls, tap dance is an age-old, exciting, yet highly skillful expression of dance that utilizes dancers’ ability to use and control their feet, helping them make quick, repetitive movements to generate rhythms and sounds that are enchanting for the viewers. Though it involves constant movement, tap dance can be a great way of learning body control.
Salsa Dance Classes
Are you a romantic looking to ignite a fire in your relationship with some lovely dancing? If yes, salsa is your best shot at building a sensual bond with your loved one while having loads of fun along the way.
But what if I don’t have a partner? you may ask. At Mandala Arts, we teach this fiery Latin dance to everyone alike. If you don’t have anyone to accompany you, we’ll pair you up with just the perfect match, allowing you and your partner to embrace the sensuality and get lost in the rhythm and lasting connection that forms with every movement and spin.
Ballroom Dance Classes
Again, a great option for couples and event-goers. Ballroom dance blends elegance and excitement, using a mix of styles like foxtrot, tango, and waltz into a harmonious flow of movement. It’s classy, picturesque, and simply majestic. Learn this, and you’ll be the star of every wedding or party.
Bollywood Dance Classes
A dance style popular among almost 2 billion people in the Indian subcontinent and beyond, Bollywood dancing ranges from fast-paced modern dancing styles to old, slower traditional Indian dances. Heavy on costumes, well-rehearsed, and fun-packed, Bollywood dance is perfect for culture explorers and those who live for vivid choreography. Mandala Art’s Bollywood dance classes will set you up for pulling out the perfect Katrina or Hrithik at your cousin’s wedding this summer.
Zumba Dance Classes
Are you someone who doesn’t care much about technique or mastery but wants to shed some pounds sweating in a fun way? Then Zumba is all you need. A party disguised as a workout, Zumba combines cardio and Latin dance movements, helping you lose fat while socializing and enjoying the process. So all the moms out there looking for a fun way to lose that stubborn belly fat, get Zumba-ing now!
Swing Dance Classes
Swing Central defines swing dance as, “Swing dance is a group of dances that developed with the swing style of jazz music in the 1920s-1940s, with the most popular being the Lindy Hop.” Regardless of its vintage popularity, swing dance is still enjoyed by many around the globe, especially fans of retro culture. With multiple dance types like Charleston, Lindy Hop, or Jitterbug, it is versatile, fast, playful, and a great tool to socialize. Learn this, and you’ll be having a blast the next time you step on a dance floor.
Belly Dance Classes
Popular among professional performers, belly dance is an extremely fluid, smooth, and mesmerizing dance form that focuses immensely on the movement of the torso and hips, creating enchanting, eye-catching body movements and a flow that hypnotizes every onlooker. If you are big on charming costumes and captivating an audience, this is perfect.
African Dance Classes
Just like the African people, African dance is vivacious and pure energy! It’s hard to look at someone performing this beauty and staying still. The energy is contagious, it allows you to express yourself with creativity, and it is highly unstructured (in a good way)—letting you lose yourself. Mandala Arts guarantees that you’ll smile, sweat, and leave feeling alive and joyous.
Pole Dance Classes
For those who want to make a career out of dancing or just enjoy an exotic dance for themselves, pole dancing is everything you need. Pole dance combines the grace of dance with the benefits of aerobatics and fitness exercises, adding a fusion of grace, strength, and sass to your life. It’s more than just swinging around a pole—this dance helps individuals build serious muscle, confidence, and balance, making them feel strong and empowered.
Flamenco Dance Classes
With clapping, expressive hand movements, and footwork, flamenco is not just dance—it’s passion and drama enveloped in rhythmic motions and expressed as a harmonious art form that’s loved all over the world. Famous among many cultural explorers and passionate dance lovers, this Spanish dance allows individuals and groups to tell stories without saying a word. Flamenco is your gateway to feeling more electric while developing a better mind-body connection.
Line Dance Classes
A simple, fun, and amazing way to socialize is line dancing. No partner is required; all you need to do is follow a set of steps, move with a group, and enjoy the company of beautiful people around you. Music or no music, you can dance anywhere, anyway. Just follow a rhythm and have a great time with your friends or family.
How to Choose the Right Dance Class for You
Assess Your Skill Level:
Set Goals:
Try Before You Commit:
Or better, call us at Mandala Arts at 312-212-3422 or email info@mandalaarts.org, and we’ll guide you.
Where to Find Dance Classes in the USA?
New York City:
Los Angeles:
Chicago:
Online:
If you are in Chicago, Mandala Arts invites you to visit our studio and see what we have to offer. With various dance types, quality studios, and professional trainers, we have over 10+ years of experience in teaching both beginners and experienced dancers to become better at their craft, all with prices that won’t break the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dance Classes
Ballet, jazz, or line dancing are great starting points.
Absolutely! Many classes cater specifically to adults.
Prices vary based on dance type and whether you opt for an individual or group class. Expect to pay between $15-$30 for a group class on average. Contact Mandala Arts to learn more.
Yes, most styles offer classes for children and teens.
Conclusion
Dance is not just an art form; it is a universal language that transcends race, culture, age, and skill. It is a language that speaks to the souls of people around the globe. No matter the dance type you choose, you are sure to enjoy it while making progress after every class. So why wait? Find a local studio or hop online, and let the rhythm move you.
Serious about learning? If you are in Chicago, visit Mandala Arts at 410 S Michigan Ave Suite 528, Chicago, Illinois 60605, or contact us at 312-212-3422 or info@mandalaarts.org and get started today! You are sure to be inspired and excited by what we have to offer.
