If you’re bored of hitting the gym, dancing might be a fun way to shake up your fitness routine.
Dancing has been shown to provide many health benefits, such as reductions in stress levels and increases in motor skills. In fact, a study published in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine even showed that it may even help people with Parkinson’s disease.
For those who want to give it a try, Manhattan is one of the best places to do it. As one of the entertainment capitals of the world, it’s no surprise that the city houses an abundance of studios with a variety of dance styles. Here are some of downtown Manhattan’s best dance studios/companies to help you get started on this healthy routine. If you’ve never taken a dance class before, don’t worry; these studios offer beginner classes!
Battery Dance Studios
380 Broadway
5th Floor
New York, NY 10013
Liberated Movement is a non-profit company that offers donation-based classes to the public. They focus on making dancing accessible to everyone and pride themselves on their welcoming attitude. Classes generally run on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Their schedule includes many traditional classes, such as ballet and hip-hop, as well as some lesser-known ones, such as introduction to creative movement.
69 W 14th St
New York, NY 10011
This down-to-earth studio is a perfect for hip-hop enthusiasts. Here, you can learn breakdancing, locking, popping, and more from some of the city’s most accomplished dancers. They also have contemporary and jazz classes available if that isn’t your thing. On the weekends, they hold many open sessions where people practice, meet others, and have a great time.
126 E. 13th St.
New York, NY 10003
At Peridance Capezio Center, you can find people in all different kinds of dance gear streaming in and out of the doors. This is because the studio offers a staggeringly long list of different-style classes and attracts people of all levels. Because they offer so many classes each day, it’s easy to find one that you like that also fits your schedule.
-by Connie Lee
