Dancia International

Dancia International — Dance Classes In London

Dancia International is a specialist dancewear shop in the heart of Covent Garden, central London, stocking shoes and kit for everything from ballet to Latin and social styles. It is the sort of place you visit for a proper fitting rather than a lesson, whether you need your first pair of pointe shoes or salsa shoes for a night out. Beginners and returning dancers alike tend to find the setting approachable, and its location makes it an easy stop before or after class.

About Dancia International

Several visitors mention feeling genuinely looked after here, particularly adult beginners who worried about feeling out of place. One shopper getting fitted for pointe shoes praised how patient and encouraging the staff were, and the shop's central position means it rarely feels overwhelming to reach. As with any busy retailer experiences can vary, but the tone people describe most often is helpful and unpretentious.

Classes & Dance Styles

Although Dancia is a shop rather than a school, it kits out dancers heading to all kinds of sessions, from adult dance classes in London to ballet, tap and Latin dance classes across London. Staff can talk you through the differences between shoe types and fitting for your chosen style, which is handy if you are just starting out and unsure what a class actually requires. If you are searching for dance classes in London, or further afield towards places like Londonderry, the right footwear is a sensible first purchase before you begin.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

For a first visit it helps to know roughly what style you will be dancing, as shoes for ballet, salsa and tap differ considerably. Wear or bring comfortable socks or tights so anything can be tried on properly, and allow a little time for a fitting rather than rushing. There is no need to feel self-conscious about being new to it all.

Location & Contact

The shop sits within Covent Garden in central London, an area well served by the wider public transport network and easy to combine with other errands in town.

• Address: 168 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5QA
• Phone: +44 20 7831 9483
• Website: http://www.dancia.co.uk/dance-shop/london/
• Opening hours:
  • Monday: 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am-7 pm
  • Friday: 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday: 11 am-4 pm

What Dancers Say About Dancia International

4.4/5 from 197 Google reviews.

Lovely shop sitting right in the middle of Londons Covent Garden . Not too hard to find either which was good and not that busy which was awesome ! I got my first pointe shoes fitted there and the lady was very helpful ! I like to be sure what I'm buying is comfy before we leave and she was very patient with me whist waiting for me to decide. I really want to go back and have another fitting !!! Got Merlet N2 first time round and would love to get maybe a different brand , I'm sure they'd be able to help me again as they seemed lovely !! Definitely reccomend 🙂

Edit:
since my first visit I've— M M

I visited the store to find new pointe shoes. I'm an adult beginner, and find a lot of dance shops can be rather judgemental and elitist if you're not professional/in formal training.

Both advisors in the store were fantastic – welcoming, encouraging, knowledgeable, and didn't pressure me into one particular brand, or to make a purchase. I would recommend considering Dancia, especially if you're an adult beginner like me. They stock a range of makes and styles.

Thank you, Dancia, I will be back!— Grace Pictures

I came here to buy a new pair of dancing shoes for my Salsa Class. One lady was busy selling some Ballet shoes to a family of a young girl. The other one was not very talkative or helped in any way. So I pretty much helped out myself. Asked for 3 pairs in my size, one wasn't available. Tried the other two pairs of shoes. In the end I found a pair which fitted perfectly. The shop itself has really everything and anything you may need as a dancer. From Ballet to Salsa to all other styles.— Isabell Drees

Came here with daughter for pointe shoe fitting. You can't book an appointment but we got there just before 11am and there were 3 people in front of us. There were 2 girls doing the fitting and they took their time with everyone. We only waited 30mins and the girls with long blonde hair and glasses served us. She was fantastic and my daughter was very pleased with her fitting. She didn't pressure her to buy a certain style and left the choice to her. Really great service— Rod Pat

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Latin dance for beginners?

Salsa and bachata are the usual starting points, as both have straightforward basic steps and plenty of social nights where you can practise. Bachata in particular is often described as gentle to pick up early on.

Is Latin dance good for beginners?

Yes, Latin styles are among the most beginner-friendly because the fundamentals are simple to grasp and forgiving of mistakes. Most classes assume no experience and build up gradually.

Can you learn to dance without a partner?

Absolutely, and plenty of people start alone. Many classes rotate partners through the room so you never need to bring your own, and solo styles need no partner at all.

What should I wear to a beginner dance class?

Comfortable clothes you can move freely in and shoes suited to the style are all you really need. Staff at a specialist shop can advise on footwear if you are unsure what your class expects.

How much does a dance class usually cost?

Prices vary widely by teacher, style and city, so it is best to check directly with the class provider. Group classes are generally far cheaper than private lessons.

Which dance is best for beginners?

That depends on what appeals to you, but salsa, ballroom basics and beginner ballet are all popular first choices. Pick the style whose music and feel you enjoy, as you will stick with it longer.

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