Thanks to popular television shows like So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars and World of Dance, dance as an art and activity is making a national comeback. Orlando’s diversity and thriving arts scene make for a lively dance community across all styles of dance. If you’re looking for a date night of laughter, sweat and learning, then grab your dance partner and head out to a dance class in Orlando. If you’ve got two left feet, you can still support the local dance culture by taking your date to a live dance performance or heading to a local nightclub for a fun-filled night of dancing in Orlando.
Local Dance Classes
Hip Hop
Perhaps the most approachable of dance genres to the newcomer is this street style of dance—Hip Hop. Hip Hop is an urban dance that involves isolated movements and dancer improvisation. If you’re looking to get into the style, check out Orlando’s adult classes held at DG Bek Studios or Motiv Dance. These studios are community-oriented, and all levels are welcome. Follow them on Facebook to receive updates about class times.
Swing
Swing dance is a high-energy social dance style that originated from the swing music of the 1920’s-1940’s. Orlando has a thriving swing dance scene, which can be experienced at the recurring swing socials hosted by Orlando Area Swing Dancers and Vintage Dance Company at South Orlando Jazzercise. OTown West Coast Swing also hosts swing classes every Thursday at Dance It Studio, with a beginner class at 6:45pm, a social class at 7:30pm, and social dancing at 8:30pm. Dress in casual attire that you can move in and wear comfortable, flat shoes. Come with a ready-to-learn attitude and enjoy the Orlando swing scene.
Square
Square dancing offers low-impact exercise and team dancing in groups of eight. The dance steps are called “calls”; traditional square dancing has about 25 calls, and modern square dancing sometimes has more than 500 calls. Whirl and Twirl Square Dance Club in Oviedo hosts Adventures in Square Dancing classes most Saturdays with lessons at 3pm, dances at 4pm, and late rounds at 5:30pm. Classes are for ages 12 and up, and there's no partner required to dance. Dress in casual attire that you can move in, and wear comfortable, indoor shoes. The dance club also hosts round dancing, which is considered “ballroom dancing with a twist,” and a companion to square dancing.
Also try:
Arthur Murray Dance Studios
With five locations throughout the Orlando area, you can learn ballroom dancing at one of the most popular names in the game. Arthur Murray Dance Studios pride themselves on the history behind its studios, which also translates into their teaching style. They teach all ballroom and Latin styles of dance at all paces for every type of dancer. The goal at Arthur Murray studios is to make individuals become comfortable, whether you want to become a social dancer or a competitor.
Arthur Murray also offers lessons in the Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, Hustle, Merengue, Mumbo, Rumba, Salsa, Samba, Bachata, Bolero, Milonga, Zouk, Swing, Quickstep, Lindy Hop, Tango, Waltz, Nightclub 2-Step, Country Western Shuffle, Country Western Three-Step, and more dance styles.
Ballet
Ballet is a historic dance genre that originated in the Renaissance. It has long been considered the foundation of all dance. Ballet is also considered one of the hardest physical activities, and if you don’t believe me, just ask the professional sports athletes who take ballet as part of their cross-training. If you’d like to give this rigorous art a try, pop into an adult ballet class at Orlando Ballet or Central Florida Ballet.
If you’d rather appreciate the athleticism from the comfort and safety of a seated position, support these local ballet companies by attending their performances. You can check out Orlando Ballet's season here. At Christmastime, Central Florida Ballet produces the best production of The Nutcracker in Central Florida.
Salsa
Orlando is home to a rich, lively and beautiful Latin American culture. If you’re a fan of styles like Salsa, Bachata and Cha-Cha, then head over to Salsa Heat. With three locations across Orlando, there’s sure to be a class nearby. For a truly authentic Latin American experience, attend one of their socials held every Friday. This is where the Orlando community is brought together by dance. All levels are welcome.
Jazz
Today, jazz dance encompasses a variety of movements. It holds under its umbrella genres like Musical Theater, Lyrical, Contemporary and Funk. If you’re a fan of today’s popular reality dance TV shows, then this is the genre for you. If you’re looking to learn this style, you can find jazz classes for adults at Orlando Dance Conservatory, Underground Movement and Marshall Ellis Dance School.
For details on where to learn ballroom dance, Latin dance, and more, check out our list of 10 places to learn to dance in Orlando.
Where to go Dancing in Orlando
Check out the Orlando Meetups to mingle with fellow dance lovers and try out even more styles like line dance, belly dance, hula dance and tango.
Or, if you're just looking to get your groove on, swing into one of these clubs and let your moves loose on the dance floor:
- Cowboys Orlando: Country bar with free line dancing lessons on Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30pm – 9:30pm, $5 cover charge for 21+, 18+ are welcome with valid ID
- The Edison: Adults-only Cabaret at 10pm, including live performances and a dance floor; $15 cover charge after 10pm, Thursday-Saturday
- Attic Orlando: EDM music and live DJs; no cover before midnight
- Southern Nights: LGBTQ+ bar with themed nights and shows; no cover before 11pm
- The Beacham: weekend nightclub housed inside an old theater; no cover Fridays and Saturdays before 11pm
- Mango's Tropical Cafe: dinner and a show venue with a main bar for dancing all night; cover charge of $15-$30 after 10pm
