Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance

Dance Base, Scotland's National Centre for Dance — Dance Classes In Edinburgh

Dance Base is Scotland's National Centre for Dance, occupying a striking home on the Grassmarket in Edinburgh. It runs an unusually wide programme of classes for all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to seasoned movers. With hundreds of glowing reviews, it is one of the city's most respected places to dance.

About Dance Base, Scotland's National Centre for Dance

Visitors consistently highlight how welcomed they feel, with staff and volunteers ready to put newcomers at ease and studios described as beautiful, large and airy. It suits anyone who wants to try dance in a professional yet genuinely approachable national centre.

Classes & Dance Styles

The centre's dance classes in Edinburgh cover a remarkable spread of styles and levels, so you can dip into something playful or commit to a structured course. Adult dance classes in Edinburgh here are known for their variety and good humour, with instructors who keep sessions fresh and encourage you to work at your own comfort level. Whether you fancy salsa classes in Edinburgh, something more creative, or ballet, there is likely a class to match your mood and stage.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

A first visit is made deliberately easy, with a simple check-in and reassurance that you can join group activities at whatever level feels right. Wear comfortable clothing and suitable shoes for your chosen class, and the team will guide you the rest of the way.

Location & Contact

Dance Base sits in the Grassmarket area at the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, within easy reach of the city centre.

• Address: 14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU
• Phone: +44 131 225 5525
• Website: http://www.dancebase.co.uk/
• Opening hours:
  • Monday: 9:45 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:45 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:45 am-9 pm
  • Thursday: 9:45 am-9 pm
  • Friday: 9:45 am-9 pm
  • Saturday: 1-5 pm

What Dancers Say About Dance Base, Scotland's National Centre for Dance

4.9/5 from 300 Google reviews.

I felt welcomed, as did my husband Craig. I was put at ease immediately by being reassured that I would be able to participate in the group activities at my own level of comfort.. We were both approached by both staff and volunteers, ready to welcome us and invite us to join in. Having problems with quiet speech as a result of Parkinson's, I was delighted to be told that the option to sing was also on offer. i was delighted to hear that! I found the humour that prevailed throughout the class so very refreshing and the whole experience was uplifting .I also found that the accompanying music wa— Janice Duffield

Having traveled much of the world and attending numerous studios across the globe, I have to say that Dance Base in Edinburgh is one of my favorites so far. The check-in process is simple, the studios are beautiful and large and airy, and the instructors are absolutely amazing. Have been taking classes every day during my stay here in Edinburgh and haven't had a bad class yet. Whether you are a beginner or have been dancing for years, every class will teach you something new. Another plus is that everyone I've met here is friendly and just as excited to dance as everyone else, making the class— Valerie Taylor

I did about 3 weeks' worth of the online Retro Dance Party classes with Chris (wish I'd discovered them earlier!). I then signed up for the Musical Madness class on a Monday.

I LOVE Chris's classes! They are so much fun and always so varied. Chris has such an awesome style of teaching – he's so upbeat and fun, and makes his routines so easy to learn. The classes are so accessible.

Doing Retro Dance brightened up my day, every day. After once particularly horrible day at work (working from home), I was actually teary at the end of the day. I forced myself to do Chris's class as I knew it woul— Laurie Cameron-Back

Love this place and the opportunities it offers to everyone who might enjoy dance…from those with additional support needs and physical challenges through various styles and levels of ability more able-bodied and competent dancers. Having been away from dance classes from almost 40 years I was hesitant and nervous to return but have thoroughly enjoyed all classes I have attended, which include Golden (a fantastic taster course for those more mature individuals who want to sample different types of dance before deciding which to choose), and the Inclusive Hop hop and Party Playlist classes on— Julie Ross

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start ballroom dancing?

The simplest way is to join a beginners' class where a teacher introduces posture, the hold and a handful of basic steps. From there you build gradually into full routines at a comfortable pace.

What ballroom dance to learn first?

The waltz is a popular first choice thanks to its slow, even timing, though many beginners also enjoy starting with a livelier Latin dance. Either gives you a solid foundation.

How hard is it to learn salsa?

Salsa is approachable for beginners because its core step repeats and is easy to grasp. Refining your timing and flair takes longer, but the fun starts almost immediately.

Can a non-dancer learn salsa?

Yes, complete beginners are exactly who salsa classes are designed for. No experience is assumed, and you learn everything from the ground up.

Is it possible to learn ballet as an adult?

It is, and adult ballet is enjoyed widely for its benefits to strength, posture and poise. Classes for adults move at a pace that respects grown-up bodies and beginners.

What age is too late to start ballet?

There is no age that is too late. People begin ballet at every stage of life, and the trick is simply to find a class aimed at adult beginners.

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