Piccadilly Ballroom is a dance school in Bournemouth built around one of the town's largest and best-kept dance floors. It welcomes dancers of all levels, teaching a spread of styles alongside a busy programme of social events and tea dances. Recently redecorated, the ballroom has a warm, inviting feel that reviewers clearly enjoy. It suits anyone who wants proper tuition and a lively calendar of dances to join.
The atmosphere is often described as warm and positive, with patient, friendly teachers who stay with you until you feel comfortable. The social side is a real draw, from tea dances with legendary cakes to events where you can show off what you have learned. It appeals to people who want both good teaching and a sociable community around it.
Tuition spans a range of levels, with choreography and instruction aimed at meeting each dancer where they are. Among adult dance classes Bournemouth has to offer, the generous floor here is a real advantage for practising ballroom and Latin styles with room to move. The school also connects to the wider dance classes in Bournemouth scene, whether your interest is social dancing, technique or simply keeping active. A typical class introduces the feel of a dance and its key steps before letting you try them across the floor.
Arrive in comfortable clothing and shoes that glide rather than grip, and expect patient guidance from the first step. Beginners are well catered for, and the tea dances offer a gentle, sociable way to ease in without pressure. If you are nervous, the friendly crowd tends to put people at ease quickly.
The ballroom sits centrally in Bournemouth, within easy reach of the town's transport links and on foot from the surrounding area. Its central location makes it convenient to combine a class or tea dance with other plans.
One of the largest dance floors in bournemouth which is extremely well kept.
The ballroom has recently been redecorated and gives a warm and positive vibe.
Tuition is fantastic with excellent choreography they really try to approach every level of dance.
All around a 5star I couldn't fault the service I received there.— Jason Edwards
Such a great place to learn to dance. A brilliant location, great atmosphere and perfect facilities. And, in addition, a great range of events to get stuck into and show off with.— Greg Hobbs
A lovely dance floor. The teachers are friendly and patient and will help you until you're happy. The tea dances are friendly and the cakes are fantastic. We'll be back again.— Stephen Vaughan
Lovely dance floor and social area. Great supportive teachers and really nice fellow pupils. Always made to feel welcome here.— Julia Page
Joining a beginners' class is the simplest way in, where the basic dances, holds and timing are taught in small steps. A school with a large floor and regular socials, like this one, gives you plenty of space to practise.
The waltz is a popular first choice because its slow, even rhythm is easy to feel, and the social foxtrot is another gentle option. Many dancers then branch into Latin styles such as the cha-cha-cha.
Salsa basics come fairly quickly, and most beginners are dancing simple patterns early on. Refining timing and partner work is where the longer-term practice comes in.
Yes, complete beginners are exactly who introductory classes are meant for. You start with the fundamentals and build up gradually.
Yes, adults regularly take up ballet for fitness, posture and enjoyment. Check with the school whether ballet is part of its current programme.
There is no upper age limit for enjoying ballet recreationally. Anyone willing to give it a try can benefit from it.