City Academy

City Academy — Dance Classes In London

City Academy is a large performing arts and dance school in the EC1R area of central London, offering courses across many disciplines including a broad dance programme. It is known for professional teaching and a huge range of classes, drawing adults from across the city. It suits everyone from curious beginners to those wanting to develop a specific style. The scale and central location make it a natural hub.

About City Academy

Students describe classes that transport them into a different culture and rhythm, with teachers who maintain rigour while keeping things enjoyable. The breadth of courses, from dance through to singing and acting, means people often return to try something new. Across the board the teaching earns praise for quality and for meeting students wherever they are on their journey.

Classes & Dance Styles

The dance classes in London here span a wide programme, from salsa classes in London and ballet classes in London to street styles and line dancing in London, depending on the schedule. These adult dance classes in London are structured by level, so beginners have a clear starting point and can progress as they improve. Because the range is so broad, it is worth browsing the current timetable to find the style and level that fits. Whatever you choose, the dance lessons in London here are taught with professional rigour.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

Newcomers can expect a well-organised setup with classes clearly pitched by level, so beginners are not thrown in with advanced dancers. Wear comfortable clothing suited to your chosen style and appropriate footwear, checking any specifics for that class. Most sessions welcome individuals, so there is no need to bring a partner for solo styles.

Location & Contact

The school sits in a central, well-connected part of London served by public transport. As always, it is worth confirming the exact location and best route before your first visit.

• Address: 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG
• Phone: +44 20 7042 8833
• Website: https://www.city-academy.com/
• Opening hours:
  • Monday: 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Thursday: 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Friday: 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am-2 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am-2 pm

What Dancers Say About City Academy

4.8/5 from 694 Google reviews.

I have been taking a number of dance classes and they are always great, transposing you to a different culture and rhythm. My recent classes, "Street Dance," taught by Pia Rauhalinna, was particularly outstanding. Pia is a fantastic teacher who maintains a sense of rigour whilst encouraging students to innovate – a great combination for teaching anything. Classes are structured but never dull. She would go over the simple steps again and again, to see that the room of people are feeling comfortable. She is great at "reading the room" as the repetition never feels tedious, but needed as a num— Anna Liu

I really enjoyed being part of the 5 day singing intensive and will definitely come back to take another course at city academy. I loved working with our lead teacher Michael Ojo, it was amazing how each one of us students was at a different part of their journey, but still we all had major takeaways and got an equal shot to learn! This course gave me great insight on the anatomy of singing, warming up properly and how to effectively learn and mimic singing styles. After this course I know much more, what I specifically want to work on in the future. All our teachers were also really personabl— Maia Onda

So after having done some acting, I wanted to upskill so booked onto the 5-Day Foundation Acting course. Before I started the course I was worried the course might be too basic but oh how I was wrong!!

This is probably the best course I've ever done, in any field. Honestly, this course was incredible!! Literally 100%!! I cannot stress this enough.

The tuition was so strong including the tutor that stepped in that you developed so quickly and the info felt invaluable. The teachers were so passionate and actually pushed you to understand and develop. I learned things I didn't even know I neede— Leon Allen

Updated review: I did receive an email from a different member of staff confirming that a refund for a cancelled class would be offered and it appears they have also reached out to me via phone although I was not able to answer. Overall, I have been happy with the actual instruction at the academy, but the experience of class cancellation + having to argue for a due refund wasn't pleasant and I feel the process should have been less stressful although I am grateful that it's been dealt with relatively promptly. I would say the classes are very enjoyable, but it would be better if students w— Marybeth Martin

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is it to learn salsa?

Salsa is quick to get going with because the basic step repeats on a simple count. Most people dance a basic pattern early on, with polish arriving over a few weeks.

Can a non-dancer learn salsa?

Yes, beginner classes are designed for people with no dance experience. Everyone starts from scratch.

Is it possible to learn ballet as an adult?

It absolutely is, and adult beginner ballet is widely taught. You can gain genuine technique, poise and strength whatever your age.

What age is too late to start ballet?

There is no age that is too late to take up ballet as a hobby. Adults begin at all stages of life, with classes adapted to suit them.

What are 5 basic steps in line dancing?

Common building blocks include the grapevine, kick-ball-change, pivot turn, shuffle and coaster step. Beginner dances combine a few of these in repeating sequences.

What is the easiest line dance to learn for beginners?

Short dances with simple repeating patterns are usually taught first because they are quick to learn. They provide an easy, confidence-building start.

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