Cindy MelcherI’m not the only one who gets sucked into dance videos, am I? There’s something weirdly satisfying about watching performers move in perfect sync.
But it’s the studio footage that really gets me—the missed counts, the do-overs, and the sweat. That’s when it stops being just impressive and starts feeling human. In fact, that’s what made me think I could actually do it too.
One casual search turned into hours of research, and before I knew it, I’d convinced my team to help me scout the best dance studios in Toronto.
Here’s what we found—the ones that actually deliver.
How much does a drop-in dance class in Toronto cost?
A single drop-in class in Toronto typically costs between $20 and $30. Several studios offer “New Student” specials, such as three lessons at a discounted price, so you can try different teachers and styles before fully committing.
1. The Underground Dance Centre
Address: 220 Richmond St W
Contact details:
- +1 647-931-0516
- [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday: 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM to 11 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday: 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM to 8 PM
The Underground Dance Centre was established in 2014, organizing over 200 classes a week for both beginners and advanced dancers.
The studio teaches a diverse range of styles, from Hip-hop and Jazz Funk to Salsa and Reggaeton.
What’s great is that they offer multiple learning formats, including drop-in, private, and virtual lessons, enabling them to cater to students with various learning preferences. However, their drop-in classes are more expensive than those of their competitors.
All their clients love the seven-day trial discount, which provides four lessons for the price of a single class. We find this a perfect opportunity to assess the studio’s atmosphere and instructor style before committing to regular lessons.
Choreography is amazing across all styles, and I feel challenged yet comfortable
“I’m a complete beginner to dance and each class that I take at Underground becomes my new favourite! Choreography is amazing across all styles and I feel challenged yet comfortable in every beginner class. This has revolutionized my life as I finally enjoy physical activity again. I particularly seek Brianne, Fernando, and Kahvontay as instructors based on my first two weeks here. They have amazing energy and they’re very kind, exceptional dancers and talented teachers! I would take a class from each of them any day.”
– Ines Gomes, Google Review
I absolutely love the variety of classes and incredible instructors
“I have been dancing at UDC for a few years, and I’m lucky to have found an amazing dance community. I absolutely love the variety of classes and incredible instructors! Highly recommend for anyone earnestly looking to learn and improve their dance skills. Go check out Mickeey’s classes!”
– Juju N, Google Review
2. DanceLife X Centre
Address: 619 Yonge St
Contact details:
- +1 647-725-9658
- [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 4 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM to 7 PM
DanceLife X Centre was born when Latin dance-focused DanceLife and hip-hop troupe OIP Dance Centre merged.
Their partnership resulted in not just a more spacious studio but also an extensive range of genres, including K-pop, Bollywood, Hip-hop, Dancehall, and Heels.
They have a specialized K-pop boy group training program, a 12-week dance journey designed for those who want to refine their skills to a professional level.
What amazed us most, though, is how they combine yoga with some of their classes. They blend yoga poses with music and free-form movements to promote creative expression while improving your wellness.
Some students, however, reported that the studio cancels classes without prior notice.
The whole class was peaceful, and the students encouraged each other
“From the first Jazzy Funk, I was shocked! The teacher’s teaching speed is 0.5 times that of the Beijing dance club, and he is very patient and does not feel superior. Explain the degree of detail, for fear that you will not learn the kind of 😂 students can also ask questions, if you do not understand the words… The whole class was peaceful and love🎈 and the students encouraged each other 🙈”
– feifei liu, Google Review
The teachers are always nice and are willing to answer any questions you want
“I’ve taken different classes, mostly K-pop but it’s honestly so fun. It’s best to go early if you want space in the front. Usually the K-pop classes are a bit crowded but never too much. The teachers are always nice and are willing to answer any questions you want. They go at a good speed while teaching and repeat it again and again so that you’re able to do it but again, if you don’t get a move you can always ask a teacher or someone beside you. I definitely recommend going her whether it’s for just a drop in class or taking multiple classes. You can pre-book the classes on their app or you can sign in at the actual place until 10 minutes before the class. You can also request songs!!”
– Aamtullah Noor, Google Review
3. Studio North Toronto
Address: 374A Dupont St
Contact details:
- +1 416-413-0440
- [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: 4 PM to 10:30 PM
- Wednesday: 3 PM to 10:30 PM
- Thursday and Friday: 4 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM to 6 PM
- Sunday: 1 PM to 5 PM
Studio North initially started in Vancouver before expanding to Toronto, where they now operate a five-studio, 10,000-square-foot complex.
They offer comprehensive lessons for all levels, from those with no dance experience all the way up to professional performers who want to reach their full potential.
The studio’s teachers are knowledgeable in teaching multiple styles, including Hip-hop, Contemporary, Afro, and Popping.
Even better, they offer structured progression programs that are ideal for strengthening the fundamentals and focusing on body awareness and techniques. It’s because of this that we see them as a very beginner-friendly studio.
However, some people said that the centre’s classes are sometimes overcrowded.
Most of the teachers have been there for a long time
“Studio North is my dance home. I absolutely love this place and the people who pour their soul in it. Most of the teachers have been there for a long time – and this kind of consistency is rare in the dance world. It really gives you an opportunity to learn, grow and build relationships with people who come there every week. The school also often invites big industry names to teach and gives the floor to young choreographers, which is absolutely amazing. If you want to explore dance and fall in love with it, this is THE place.”
– Anna, Google Review
The choreographies here hit different
“I’ve been coming to the studio for over a year and I love the faculty and staff here. The choreographies here hit different. I personally Shane’s, Carl’s, Jess’s and Marianne’s classes. They are all so much fun. The students here are also inclusive and enthusiastic about cheering for one another. The best dance space in Toronto!!”
– Yiwei Bian, Google Review
4. Run The Flex
Address: 893 Yonge St 2nd Floor
Contact details:
- +1 416-960-1783
- [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: 4:15 PM to 10 PM
- Wednesday: 5 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday: 4:15 PM to 10:30 PM
- Friday: 12 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday: 10 PM to 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM to 6:30 PM
Run The Flex began as a passion project by co-founders Aaron and Nicole. Together, they’ve taught hundreds of people before teaming up with longtime student Lisa to open their physical studio.
The team mainly teaches Hip-hop, offering in-studio classes for kids, teens, and adults.
We like that they created six-week progression programs to ensure students actually learn. This strategy helps beginners build on Hip-hop foundations through rhythmic connection and core techniques.
We also appreciate their 15% discount for high school and post-secondary students. However, according to people we spoke to, their classes fill up fast.
The instructors are amazing, talented, and super funny
“RTF is an amazing program if you’re looking for a good time, learning some cool moves and meeting new people! The instructors, Nicole and Aaron, are amazing, talented and super funny and make sure everyone feels comfortable and are having a good time, while learning some cool moves to use on the dance floor! I would highly recommend signing up for some classes, especially with your friends!!”
– Harneet Birgi, Google Review
It is a place where you get out of your own head and just have fun
“Run The Flex is not just your regular dance class. It is a place where you learn to let loose, let go of any judgement, get out of your own head and just to have fun. RTF has been the highlight of my week for the past few years, thank you Nic and Aaron for creating a safe space for us to dance and move.”
– Iris M, Google Review
5. Access Ballroom
Address: 909 Queen St E
Contact details:
- +1 416-690-3900
- [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 1 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 11 AM to 7 PM
Access Ballroom was founded in 2018, specializing in partner dance styles like salsa, tango, waltz, and swing. They also offer multiple wedding dance classes, from first and parent dances to bridal party choreography.
Some students thanked the instructors who trained them for pro-am (professional-amateur) dance competitions. Through this dedicated partnership, they built their confidence and rapidly developed their skills.
What caught our attention is their $5 Fridays, where you can experience their Salsa de Rueda class for only $5 on the last Friday of each month.
However, they don’t teach urban dance styles, so if you want to learn Hip-hop or K-pop, you’ll need to find another studio.
Learning the basics was difficult for me, but they made it an incredible experience
“Learning the basics were extremely difficult for me, but Gil and the Access team made it an incredibly experience. He was patient and enthusiastic, and has gotten my partner and I to the point where we are going to deliver a really fun first dance at our wedding. We look forward to each class, and really enjoy every moment. I would HIGHLY recommend Access to anyone looking to learn, or improve their dance skills!”
– Dave Spindler, Google Review
Excellent spot for introductory ballroom dance lessons
“Excellent spot for introductory ballroom dance lessons! My partner and I have had a great experience at Access Ballroom, and have highly enjoyed both the private and group lessons. All of our instructors (Gil, Elsa and Igor) have been fantastic, and foster a comfortable and welcoming learning environment, and a good sense of community. I highly recommend Access Ballroom for anyone interested in learning new dance styles, improving their dance technique, or seeking out a new hobby!”
– Amanda Loder, Google Review
