DM Studios on Millbank Street has built a strong name in Southampton, especially among adults looking for a broad choice of styles. Couples trying a ballroom and Latin taster describe a warm, well-communicated welcome that put them at ease from the start. Others praise the clean, comfortable premises and the rare offering of tap, ballet and contemporary for grown-ups. Across the board, teachers are described as supportive and inclusive.
This dance school serves both children and adults across an unusually wide spread of styles, from ballroom and Latin to acro, tap, ballet and contemporary. Instructors such as Hayley are singled out for making first-timers feel welcome and for catering to all abilities. The premises are noted as clean and pleasant, adding to the experience.
DM Studios offers some of the most varied dance classes in Southampton, covering many disciplines under one roof. Adults are particularly well served, with adult dance classes in Southampton spanning tap, ballet and contemporary alongside ballroom and Latin. Structured dance lessons in Southampton run for different ages and abilities, and the school's rhythmic, sociable side reaches into styles reminiscent of salsa classes in Southampton and line dancing in Southampton. Those seeking classical grounding will also find ballet classes in Southampton for adults, which are less common elsewhere.
For a first class or taster, wear comfortable clothing suited to the style and bring appropriate soft shoes plus water. Beginners are warmly welcomed, so there is no need to have danced before. Let the teacher know it is your first session and they will guide you.
Southampton has a diverse dance community, and a studio offering this range of styles fits well into it. Classes here can be a good way to explore different disciplines and meet fellow dancers.
Did a Ballroom/Latin trial with Hayley and her company last night with my wife, the experience was great from before the session, great communication, from start to finish on the night we were made to feel so welcome and despite it being our first session we laughed and smiled the whole time. Quick step and Rumba (the sexy dance). Great tuition and really professional setup.
Would highly recommend and cannot wait to return to learn more.
Thanks Hayley & Team DM
Dan Kewley— Dan Kewley
Daughter did a trial evening with Acro dance. She has enjoyed it thoroughly and would be excited to be joining on a regular basis. The place is clean and surprisingly no smell of sweat or cheesy feet unlike other dance or gymnastic Studios. Staff very accomodating and very helpful.— Alex Brown
This is the best dance studio in Southampton. It's amazing to find one studio which does Tap, Ballet and Contemporary for adults. The teachers are super supportive and cater for all abilities.— margaret burgess
The teachers here are amazing, I cannot praise them enough. I literally have no rhythm or coordination and if I can learn to dance, then anyone can. Definitely recommend them 100%— Mandi Cooper
The basic salsa step is easy to grasp, usually in a first lesson. The turns and timing that follow take more practice, which is part of the enjoyment.
Yes. Beginner classes assume no experience and build the steps gradually, so you can dance a simple routine before long.
Absolutely, and adult ballet is offered here specifically for grown-ups. Classes focus on gradual progress and enjoyment rather than early training.
There is no cut-off for recreational ballet. Adults of any age can learn the technique and enjoy its benefits.
Typical building blocks include the grapevine, the shuffle, the kick-ball-change, the pivot turn and the heel dig. Beginner routines combine several of these into a repeating sequence.
Routines made up of short, repeating sequences of well-known steps are easiest to learn. A teacher will usually start you on one of these before building complexity.