Dance has been a means and ways for centuries for people (and even animals) to express themselves in both a physical and emotional manner and movement is one of the most powerful stimulators of energy for the entire body. With all the feelings of wellbeing that dance brings, Leora Hart highlights some of the best studios in Joburg for you to find the beat and style of movement that suits you.
MOVING FEET DANCE AND WELLNESS STUDIO
Moving Feet’s aim is to enhance a student’s development neurologically and musically by teaching artistry, creativity and discipline through dance. Moving Feet promotes the studies and relationship between music and intelligence and how students naturally respond to music largely due to the rhythmic melody of their mother’s voice whilst they are babies in the womb. Classes focus on spatial-temporal reasoning and teach the student a physical response to musical stimulation in both structured and creative sessions. The studio hosts an annual showcase, this year’s which will be held on the 13th of June in Blue Hills in Kyalami. They compete in the SACOPA, Dance Stars and Dance World Championships and offer ballet, contemporary, modern/jazz and tap classes as well as take part in internationally recognised exams by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing which is a London based association with accreditation towards certain university studies.
Where: St Stevens Anglican Church Hall, 67 Nanyuki road, Sunninghill
When: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm – please enquire for your specific classes and times
Tel: 076 276 5616 | Email: leanne@movingfeet.co.za
Facebook: @movingfeetdance | Website: www.movingfeet.co.za
ROSENBERG DANCE
East of Johannesburg lies Rosenberg Dance, a studio that has become family to many a member. Owned and run by mother and daughter duo Sandra and Megan Rosenberg this school of dance focuses on tap, modern, musical theatre and contemporary dance classes from ages three to adulthood. Whether you are looking for a fun extra mural for yourself or your little one, or you are a creative who is studying towards becoming a dance teacher, Rosenberg Dance has the knowledge and years of experience to help you reach your goal. Sandra has dedicated her life and school to the art of movement and is a recognised leader in the arts and culture industry in South Africa. Megan too gives dance lectures and classes at Oakfields College and Tshwane University of Technology weekly. If you’re looking for professional teaching in a family environment then this is the studio for you.
Where: Cyrildene/Bruma Johannesburg
When: Varying classes Monday – Sunday – please enquire for your specific class and times
Tel: 082 442 9822 | Email: rosenberg@vodamail.co.za
STRICTLY BALLROOM DANCE STUDIO – FOURWAYS
If you fancy yourself a set of dance skills fit for Hollywood then Strictly Ballroom Dance Studio in Fourways takes centre stage. Specialising in American Style Ballroom and Latin American Dancing for a social level this studio franchise prides itself on its sixty years of experience in the world of dance. The Strictly Ballroom Dance Studio in Fourways is just one of three. When joining Strictly Ballroom you become part of a family tree of individual creatives rooted throughout Fourways, Pretoria and Benoni. A complimentary private lesson with your own instructor is offered to get you on your feet and assess your level of dance to give you a level of learning and expertise that is individually suited to your needs and you have a choice of taking classes alone or with a partner. Strictly Ballroom Fourways is registered with the SADTA Social Faculty which thus also gives students the opportunity to compete in annual dance competitions.
Where: Office 3-1 (above the Garden Shop) Broadacres Lifestyle Shopping Centre, Cnr Cedar and Valley Road, Broadacres
When: Varying classes Monday – Friday – please enquire for your specific class and times
Tel: 011 706 7557 | Email: fourways@strictlyballroom.co.za
Facebook: @strictlyballroom.fourways1| Website: www.strictlyballroom.co.za
MINISTRY OF DANCE
Ministry of Dance in Johannesburg North boasts four dance spaces in one location offering a multitude of dance styles from Jazz and Modern to Acrobatics, Bollywood, Hip Hop and Ballet, to name but a few. Blair Willson and her team of teachers pride themselves on bringing quality and affordable dance instruction to anyone who sets foot in the studios. Ministry of Dance participates in SADTA and SABOD accredited yearly dance exams for each style offered which ensures a quality of standard and learning that is fruitful in the entertainment world. Children love coming here because of the high-energy feel and vibrant atmosphere and adults find it a good place to work up a sweat.
Where: Northlands Deco Park, Shop 22, New Market Road, Hoogland, Northriding
When: Varying classes Monday – Saturday – please enquire for your specific class and times
Tel: 082 941 7278 | Email: info@ministryofdance.co.za
Facebook: @ministryofdancestudionorthriding | Website: www.ministryofdance.co.za
BAILA AFRIKA
A key factor about Baila Afrika’s dance classes is that they aim to teach both the dance style and its history, promoting cultural appreciation and a new respect for dance as a whole. Classes held here are rich in love and diversity as they focus more on the understanding of the movements and how they can be expressed with the music. Whilst all styles of Afro Latin social dances are embraced, Baila Afrika specialises in Kizomba and Semba from Angola and Salsa from Cuba. They are a mobile studio that also organises cultural dance exchange holidays with the next one travelling to Angola (Luanda and Benguela) in May. Private and social classes are on offer to suit your individual preference and Baila Afrika supports the community and other studios by engaging in social classes in different areas of greater JHB and encouraging their students to do the same.
Where: Group classes: Carpe Diem restaurant and bar, City Lodge Sandton, Cnr Katherine Street and Grayston Drive, Sandton, JHB.
When: Mondays from 6.30pm – Kizomba | Wednesday from 6.30pm – Salsa – Please enquire directly for exact info and times
Tel: 079 638 7970 | Email: info@baila-afrika.co.za
Facebook: @bailaafrika | Website: www.bailaafrika.co.za
FIVE6SEVEN8 DANCE
Five6Seven8 aims to offer a versatile and all-inclusive dance experience for everyone who walks through their doors. From the Middle-Eastern mysticism of Belly Dancing to the sexy sways of Burlesque, fiery Flamenco to beautiful ballet, high energy Zumba to the razzle-dazzle of the musical theatre stage, there’s something for all ages and levels of experience here. Classes are suited to both groups and individuals and the instructors come with more than ten years experience. The studio is hosting a relaunch party on the 7th of March with a swinging 20’s theme from 6.30pm. This is a fantastic time to come view the studio and meet the instructors to see if it’s the right place for you.
Where: Shop u12A, Ferndale on Republic, Republic road, Ferndale, Randburg
When: Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 9pm | Friday – 12pm – 8pm/10pm | Saturday – 9am – 3pm – please enquire for exact info and class times
Tel: 011 791 5997 | 084 842 9295 | Email: randburg@five6seven8dance.co.za
Facebook: @five6seven8ds | Website: www.five6seven8.co.za
DANCE JUNXION
The Dance Junxion specialises in social and competitive Latin and Ballroom dancing as well as the latest popular dances like Bachata, Kizomba, Salsa and Argentine Tango. For those with a liking for the spicier side of life, this is the place to be. Owned and run by Tony and Marda Vasconcellos, they proudly provide a home of dance for those exploring the art form recreationally as well as those who dance to perfect their art. The Dance Junxion also host events for up to sixty pax at a time as well as venue hire of their studio space. The boutique studio is well situated and air-conditioned with a beautiful wooden floor with ambience and outside area which makes it versatile for both dance events and corporate functions or conferences. The Dance Junxion is also available to help you prepare for that important opening dance on your wedding day. The studio is affiliated with the South African Dance Federation (SADF) as well as the South African Dance Teachers Association (SADTA), ensuring expert knowledge in their field given with each style offered, including Ballet for all ages and levels.
Where: 23 Nancy Drive, Klevehill Park, Bryanston
When: Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 10pm | Friday 1pm – 8pm – please enquire for exact info and class times
Tel: 083 627 5142 | Email: info@dancejunxion.co.za
Facebook: @TheDanceJunXion | Website: www.dancejunxion.co.za
Discussion3 Comments
So impressive and and inspiring
Dance is amazing 😍😍😍
Wonderful article. So informative and full of diverse forms of dance.