The 5 Best Dance Classes in Melbourne Worth Showing Up For
Sometimes a dance journey starts with curiosity and just enough confidence to think, “I can probably do that.” That’s what happened to me after a salsa clip of a guy dancing appeared on my FYP. So, I signed up.
A few dance classes later (and a couple of precautionary check-ins with my ankle doctor), I can confidently say I’ve picked up more than just a few steps.
It’s not really about being able to tick off a new skill, though that’s a nice bonus. It’s also that uplifting feeling you get when the music takes over, and you stop overthinking everything—the magic of dancing.
So if you’ve been slightly tempted to try a class yourself, consider this your sign. We’ve put together a list of the best dance classes in Melbourne to help you take that first step!
How much do dance classes cost in Melbourne?
Dance classes in Melbourne typically cost $15–$50 per class for group/drop-in sessions. For private lessons, it can range from $60 to $120+ per hour.
1. The Salsa Foundation
Address: 600 Little Collins St
Phone: +61 400 933 285
Business hours:
- Monday: 6 PM – 10 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5:30 PM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 2 PM – 6 PM
The Salsa Foundation teaches salsa in a very lively way, and that’s what makes them stand out.
From what we’ve gathered, this school does the fundamentals properly. Instructors slow things down and break steps apart clearly. Students mentioned muscle memory as a big part of the process. Once everything is drilled in, they proceed to level it up.
We actually find this structure well thought out. They even offer free beginner salsa and bachata sessions, which is a nice way to test your coordination.
Partner rotation is also part of the setup. It’s great for learning and meeting people, but introverts must take note.
And it doesn’t stop at social dancing! They’ve got tracks for performance, musicality, and even technical transitions like switching from on1 to on2.
Being right in the CBD makes it an easy add-on after work. However, that convenience is also a reason why classes can get crowded sometimes.
Tried a salsa class and had such a good time!
“Tried a salsa class and had such a good time! 💃 The instructor made it super easy to follow, even for a beginner like me, and the vibe was really fun and relaxed. Rotating partners made it feel social (and way less awkward than I expected). Great music, lots of laughs, and definitely a fun way to get a workout in. I’m already looking forward to the next class!”
Laura Gonzalez Prentt, Google review
The Salsa Foundation classes are the best I’ve attended in Melbourne
“The Salsa Foundation classes are the best I’ve attended in Melbourne. The instructors ensure you learn the correct foundational steps, then drill them and gradually build on them. You can always tell at socials who’s learned with The Salsa Foundation, and I was really impressed when I did classes there myself – I’m looking forward to the next level!”
Andi Chatterton, Google review
2. Passion Studio
Address: Level 1/594 Elizabeth St
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
For those who want to go hard into real street dance culture, Passion Studio might be the one you’re looking for. They do hip hop, house, breaking, locking, and even commercial choreography.
We found that the dance studio itself helps sell the experience. With high ceilings, mirrored walls, and a spring floor, everyone can really tap into their dancer fantasy.
But where they really shine is how they build a community during classes. When you sign up here, you’re more than just a part of a drop-in class.
There are showcases and performance opportunities, sometimes during a mid-year event. It has helped students in having something to look forward to and actually being motivated to do great.
However, we’ve heard some feedback saying the beginner classes don’t always feel beginner-friendly. If you’ve never danced before, that can be overwhelming.
On the flip side, private sessions have glowing comments. Most people mentioned Lowell being patient and adaptable. They loved how he makes the classes super fun!
Highly recommend the studio and experience
“Lowell made the experience so much fun! He was patient with our lack of ability and made everyone feel comfortable to have a go. The dance lesson was the most fun I have had in ages! Lowell taught us in a way we could understand and made everyone feel confident to step outside of their comfort zone and give it a go. He tailored the dance moves to suit us and created a really fun video at the end. Highly recommend the studio and experience.”
Krystal Hide, Google review
I would highly recommend booking a session with Passion Studio
“We booked a group hip hop class with Lowell as a birthday gift for a friend and we had an absolute blast. Lowell organised the music and choreography and recorded it all for us to remember the day. Lowell made the whole experience really positive and fun and we enjoyed every minute of it. I would highly recommend booking a session with Passion Studio.”
Lee Cowan, Google review
3. You Can Dance Studio
Address: FIRST FLOOR, 1/130 Gladstone St, South Melbourne
Phone: +61 405 130 646
Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 5 PM – 6 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday: Closed
There are dance classes known for their big community, and there are ones known for their intimate sessions. From what we’ve gathered, You Can Dance Studio shines with couples who only have a month left before their wedding first dance.
We’ve talked to a couple who crammed five sessions. Despite picking a routine they later realised was harder than expected, they still pulled off a performance that impressed their guests.
It shows the studio doesn’t really strive for perfection. It’s about getting you to a point where you can confidently just go for it.
Instructors here are easygoing, patient, and good at balancing detail with a light atmosphere. That doesn’t mean it’s all casual here, though.
On one hand, they use an internationally accredited syllabus for ballroom and Latin, so technically, you’re learning properly. It’s just that it’s delivered in a way that doesn’t feel like a competitive dance bootcamp.
That said, if you’re aiming for high-level competitive dancing, this probably isn’t your spot.
A great studio!
“A great studio! Classes for all levels with flexible times for private lessons. Loved dancing with Paul and preparing for the ballroom and Latin medals. It was a wonderful experience to get feedback from Jenny each year to mark my progress.”
Lauren Ritchie, Google review
Thank you for making our lessons so fun
“Thank you Paul who taught us our wedding dance and making the whole process so enjoyable! My husband was super skeptical about it all but Paul just knew how to talk him through the nerves and the steps! Thank you for making our lessons so fun and making our day so special!! Thank you for the most perfect and moving mother and son dance moves too!”
Jane P, Google review
4. L.A. Dance Studio Melbourne
Address: Level 1/16 Station St, Moorabbin
Phone: +61 424 411 690
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 5 PM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 6 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Sometimes, technicality isn’t what other dancers want to improve on, but it’s the confidence. L.A Dance Studio Melbourne can definitely cater to that audience.
They teach a lot of feminine urban expressive styles, like heels, twerk, vogue femme, and floor play. The emphasis here is on how you feel, as it is on how you move.
For us, the environment plays a huge role. The lighting and the atmosphere are designed to make students feel confident (and yes, a little sexy).
We also noticed how intentional the progression is here. For example, beginners in Twerk don’t just jump into choreography. They’ll spend weeks building core strength and control first.
People consistently mentioned how supportive and encouraging the instructors are too. A lot of them talked about personal growth alongside dance improvement. After multiple sessions, they feel more confident and more comfortable in their bodies.
There are a couple of downsides, though. Their cancellation policy is quite strict, especially for private lessons. If you cancel close to the session, you still pay the full fee.
Her technical knowledge is as great as her caring spirit
“I started doing private lessons a few months ago. Kris has been so tuned in with what I like and what I want to learn in dance. Her technical knowledge is as great as her caring spirit and I get so much out of private classes- fun, exercise, empowerment, learning cool moves and solidarity.”
Emma Dawson, Google review
The best looking studio I’ve ever danced at
“I started at L.A. Dance Studio 9 weeks ago and haven’t looked back since! Completing multiple classes weekly, you can’t get me out of the studio! Basically my second home and second family! Kris and Alex are so inspirational as my instructors and have so much talent to offer and share! The best looking studio I’ve ever danced at and by far the best work out you can do if you are looking for a fun way to get fit!! I highly recommend to everyone!!”
Bianca Deany, Google review
5. La Encantada Collective
Address: 69 Abbotsford St, West Melbourne
Phone: +61 483 946 535
Business hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 AM – 11 PM
If you’re someone who’s flirted with Latin dance before but never quite committed, La Encantada Collective is a place that can make you stay. This is a dance school covering the full Latin spectrum!
There’s salsa, bachata, and even tango. What’s great is that they run everything from beginner sessions to advanced classes. There are even private lessons if you want more focused attention.
Students loved how the vibe of each session feels more like a community than a classroom. The difference seems to be in how the teaching is approached. It’s less pressuring with more encouragement.
People also built confidence over time here. They didn’t just improve technique, but genuinely felt more comfortable dancing with others.
To keep it real, it’s not flawless. Some classes require advanced booking with no walk-ins. If you’re someone who prefers flexibility, this could feel restrictive.
The teachers are so encouraging and they really believe in you
“Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have found La Encantada! I’ve taken salsa classes here and there over the years, but it never really stuck. I’ve always dreamed of being able to dance salsa, and honestly I never thought I’d get there. But at La Encantada I’m actually improving. I still can’t believe it. The teachers are so encouraging and they really believe in you so you start to believe in yourself . Each teacher has their own style and I learn something different from all of them. Daniel and Vanessa helped me so much when I first started, and I’m really grateful for them.”
Joara Hyun, Google review
La Encantada have some of the best teachers in Melbourne
“La Encantada have some of the best teachers in Melbourne. The beginners salsa classes with Connie and Daniel are super welcoming and fun. Likewise, the foundations classes with Daniel, Vanessa, Carlos and Elysia are very informative and teach you the groundwork on how to advance in your salsa moves. Highly recommend this dance studio”
Teresa V, Google review