Where to Dance: Best Adult Dance Classes in Seattle for Adults
Don't leave dance classes to the kids – get back on the floor with these fantastic studios in Seattle that will help you get your groove back.
With a thriving arts scene, Seattle offers some of the best dance studios around for those eager to learn new moves or rekindle old ones. Whether you're looking for beginner dance classes in Seattle or advanced ballet classes for adults, the city has something for everyone.
Imagine – Carnation satin against light rose nylon glides across marley while Beethoven or Tchaikovsky plays in the background. As you step into the studio, you’re six years old again, running around with other tutu-adorned kiddos, discovering the joy of movement.
Ballet and other adult dance classes have gained popularity in the past decade. This has resulted in more and more studios offering classes for all experience levels. Seattle has long been a dance hub, so should you be an Emerald City resident looking for a new way to be active or a visitor who wants to try a fun class out, you’re in luck. Some of the best spots in and around the city are below, curated by me, a ballet-dancing Seattleite!
Helping you find
the best dance studios in Seattle for your skill level & more!
Seattle’s dance scene is as vibrant as the city itself, with many studios offering classes in a range of styles for every level of dancer. Experienced dancers and beginners can find options. Here’s a guide to some of Seattle’s best dance studios, perfect for locals and visitors alike.
Exit Space Dance: Inclusive Dance Classes in Seattle for Multiple Styles
Exit Space Dance offers a variety of adult dance classes in Seattle, including ballet, jazz, and modern dance for all experience levels. This Seattle dance studio is ideal for beginners looking to start their journey or experienced dancers who want flexible, drop-in options. Founded in 2006 as a single studio in Greenlake, Exit Space has deep roots in Seattle. In the nearly 2 decades since, it has expanded into a multi-location school, performance powerhouse, and creative space. Students can choose from a variety of styles; ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hip-hop, and even burlesque and contact improv. The school offers classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced. All classes are held in an extremely open environment with encouraging and friendly instructors.
The school also frequently runs 6-week “absolute beginner” workshops for those with little to no dance experience. These classes are also great for experienced dancers who have never tried a particular style before. That beginner sequences are even taught reflects the current dance culture. Not so long ago, particularly in ballet, it was difficult to find classes if you didn’t have previous training.
All adult classes are drop-in, except the 6-week absolute beginner workshops. Punch cards are available for 5, 10, and 20 classes and expire after 6 months. It is recommended to book classes online to guarantee your spot.
Exit Space operates three studios:
– Studio Sea: Located in Greenlake, the original space.
– NEST Studios A and B: Also in Greenlake, off 1st Avenue.
– NOD Theater: In Capitol Hill, ideal for creative performance events.
Quick Tip: For beginners, Exit Space Dance offers six-week “absolute beginner” workshops—a great option for those new to dance or looking for beginner dance classes in Seattle.
Performance Opportunity: The annual TakePAUSE show welcomes students of all skill levels to perform.
Eastside Dance: Flexible and Fun in Redmond
On the other side of Lake Washington, is Eastside Dance in Redmond. This studio also offers an array of styles and levels. You can enroll in all courses on a drop-in basis, including “true beginner” options (no need to sign up for a multi-week course here), which makes it a great location for those who want full flexibility.
In addition to ballet and jazz, Eastside teaches Bollywood, tap, and K-Pop, so there’s something for everyone! Every new student can take one free trial class. Commitment-free scheduling means you can register for the same class every week, purchase a 5-week punch card (which allows you to take any class a week), or pay for a single drop in if you only want to attend sporadically. Just mind the 30-day expiration on the latter.
Quick Tip: Drop-in classes are convenient, but punch cards offer a cost-effective way to try multiple styles.
Westlake Dance Center: A Community Staple for All Levels
Another studio with deep roots in the city, Westlake Dance Center, is named for the studio’s original location Downtown Seattle’s Westlake Center. That was back in the early 90s when the studio was unique for its openness of all levels of experience, which has only recently become the norm in the dance community.
In the past few decades, Westlake has called a few different neighborhoods home. The studio resided for several years in a beloved Northgate warehouse, before landing in their current home in Shoreline off the Bothell-Everett Highway.
Westlake is popular amongst recreational dancers, as well as professionals who come to Seattle to train, perform, and teach Masterclasses. You’ll frequently see choreographers and industry favorites teaching workshops throughout the year.
Numerous dance styles are taught throughout the week, from ballet and contemporary to hip hop and jazz, as well as fun, newer styles like heels, jazz funk, popping, and belly dance. Classes range in level from I (Westlake’s label for beginner) to I/II, II, II/III, IV, and V (pre-professional/professional). However, don’t worry if you’re not sure where you fit. The instructors are very welcoming and if you try a class and realize it’s not quite for you, you’ll be warmly welcomed in another one!
Quick Tip: If you’re unsure of your skill level, instructors are welcoming and encourage you to try a class and adjust as needed.
Performance Opportunity: The annual Sign of the Times show allows all students to showcase their skills on stage.
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Dance Fremont: Serious Training in a Creative Space
In the upper section of a historic brick building off Greenwood Avenue is Dance Fremont. The spacious light-filled studio offers intermediate/advanced ballet and modern classes multiple times a week for more experienced dancers. You’ll see many professional and pre-professional dancers in class, although that’s not a requirement. You just need to have some background in either ballet or modern. The studio is a great place for habitual dancers or those who trained seriously at some point.
All classes are drop-in.
If you’re new to dance, don’t worry, during the school year, September through June they offer beginner classes. These are paid via monthly or yearly tuition.
Discover Your New Favorite Seattle Dance Studio
Seattle’s vibrant dance scene makes it easy to find a studio that fits your needs. Whether you're interested in ballet, hip-hop, or contemporary, Seattle dance studios offer options for all levels. Try out some of the best dance studios in Seattle and discover your new favorite way to stay active!