Pé Descalço London teaches Forró, the sociable Brazilian partner dance, from a base in Spitalfields in east London. As the UK branch of a well-respected school, it draws people keen to learn an accessible yet richly progressive style. It suits absolute beginners and committed dancers alike, particularly those who enjoy a close, connected partner dance.
Dancers praise the professional, thoughtfully planned classes and the warm, inclusive atmosphere the teaching team creates. Forró is often likened to a Cuban-style salsa but with a closer embrace, and the scene here is described as especially friendly. It appeals to people who want depth of learning alongside a genuinely welcoming community.
The specialism is Forró, taught from the very first steps through to more advanced connection and musicality, with clear structured progression. While the school sits within the wider world of dance classes in London and Latin dance classes in London, its focus is Forró rather than salsa, ballet or line dancing. Adult dance classes in London of this kind pair well with the many social nights around the city, giving learners real chances to practise.
Newcomers can expect a friendly welcome and teaching that breaks the dance into manageable pieces, so no experience is required. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that let you pivot easily, and come ready to dance with a rotation of partners.
The east London location is well connected and close to a thriving social-dance scene, making it easy to reach and easy to keep practising nearby.
I have attended many dance classes over the years but this school is the best of them all. The classes are incredibly professionally run ,planned and organised. Cesar, Sofia and their whole teaching team are so friendly and inclusive – they always manage to create an atmosphere of warmth and fun. After dancing Forró for years I am finally learning how to do it properly- and making wonderful new friends along the way. Highly recommended!— Karin Haugeneder
A great and friendly dance School for the Brazilian style of Forró. This is a bit like Cuban salsa but with a closer embrace and a very friendly and welcoming scene. The progression at this school is very deep; PD London is the UK branch of the famous and well respected Pé Descalço school system in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The first class is free for newcomers I think. Check their facebook for current info.— Kabir Bhasin
Fantastic! Super fun, friendly and skilled teaching and classes. Forró is a gorgeous dance to learn – very accessible, easy to start but loads to progress with as well. There are tons of social nights in london too so lots of opportunities to put what you’ve learnt into practice. Cesar is simply the best teacher there is, and the whole team is brilliant. Thank you all!— Naomi
The best Forro (dance) school in London. Professional and highly skilled teachers who would stop at nothing to teach the correct ways of dancing. Forro is the best form of partner dancing and no one does it better than Pe Descalco.— kashyap raja
Salsa's basics are quick to learn, though this school specialises in Forró rather than salsa. Forró is similarly accessible and easy to begin.
Yes, complete beginners can learn partner dances from scratch through step-by-step teaching. Here the focus is Forró, which is very beginner-friendly.
Adults can certainly learn ballet, but this school teaches Forró rather than ballet. For ballet you would need a dedicated ballet school.
There is no age limit for taking up dance recreationally. That said, this school specialises in Forró, not ballet.
Line dancing typically features moves such as the grapevine, shuffle and pivot turn. This school, however, focuses on the partner dance Forró.
Short, repetitive routines suit line-dancing beginners best. For that style you would need a line-dancing class, as this school teaches Forró.