Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, is as grand as it sounds, offering public courses covering over 100 classes in over 40 different forms of dance. You’re likely to find a style that suits you or your kid’s interest, whether you’re a total beginner or more experienced. 

We love that all of these classes are housed in purpose-built studios equipped with proper flooring, mirrors, and ventilation, giving students the best environment for dance training. 

It’s also smart how classes are organised into structured terms with timetables. This helps you plan your attendance, track your progress, and simply avoid getting your ballet classes mixed up with a random hip-hop session. 

But you can’t have it all. And by that, we mean there are more chances that you’ll have to share your lessons with a large group, rather than an intimate session with individualised instruction.

That said, you can opt for single drop-in classes instead of full-term courses or 10-class passes to give you more room in scheduling and commitment—you might even get to choose which classes have fewer students. 

Patient and very supportive

“Marina from Ballroom is amazing! She is so knowledgeable and patient and very very supportive. She checks on you always and goes over things again if you didn’t understand something. Can’t wait for my next practice”

Ferggy Salvador Cruz, Google Review

Drop ins are amazing 

“Best inclusive dance space out there. Drop ins are amazing. Such good energy from staff, good for beginners and the pros were making the choreo their own.”

Emma Thomas, Google Review

What’s nice about Simon Says Dance is that they provide classes for all age groups, from toddlers to adults. They also have a decent lineup of dance styles; think ballet, acro, commercial, jazz, and musical theatre, which means students can explore and choose the one they most like.

On that note, if your kid hasn’t decided on what they really want yet, then they can join different trial classes to test the waters. This helps families or parents to gauge fit and comfort level, avoiding wasting money on something your kid doesn’t like.

We also have to give their dance HQ a nod. Their location features six studios with mirrors, proper flooring, LED lighting, and sound systems, providing safety, comfort, and a better overall experience. 

Another handy feature we like is the Class4Kids portal they use for bookings, which also allows people to choose from multiple payment methods and manage schedules. You’ll probably need to decide fast, though, since popular classes fill up quickly. 

Love everything about SSD

“My 10 year old daughter has been dancing at SSD since she was 3. It’s safe to say we love everything about SSD and their emphasis on inclusion and the kids having fun and growing in their confidence. Highly recommend!”

Gemma Gilmour, Google Review

Most caring and fun environment for kids

“The most caring and fun environment for kids of all abilities and ages. It’s an incredible community of kids and teachers, led by an incredible human being who just breathes live and positivity into everyone around them. Would highly recommend for any child to increase confidence, ability and embrace their true self.”

Ashley Nichol, Google Review

Right off the bat, you could tell what type of dance classes Latin Roots offers. You can start your journey with Latin dance styles like Salsa, Bachata, Lady Styling, Salsa On2, and workshops. 

We also appreciate that all instructors are certified by the world masters in Latin dance. In other words, they’ll have the know-how and technical expertise to properly guide you and provide a deeper understanding of techniques. 

And contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to stress about bringing in a partner for your class—though, you could if you want to. We noticed how this has encouraged more people to sign up for class.

Speaking of class, we believe their structured four-week beginner course in Salsa and Bachata is incredibly effective, based on what students shared. 

On the flipside, there are no drop-in options for beginner courses, making it difficult if you have irregular schedules. Still, the structured course is designed to make it easier for you to grasp the basics and build confidence.

Classes are very well structured

“I started at Latin Roots about three months ago, and it has been an amazing experience so far. The classes are very well structured, breaking the steps into smaller pieces that make them easier to understand. The environment is warm and friendly, and you really feel part of a community. If you want to step outside your comfort zone and try a new hobby, I highly recommend Latin Roots as the perfect place to start!”

Regiane Lopes, Google Review

Had a great time learning 

“Really amazing classes that help you get the foundations of salsa and bachata, to set you up to enjoy social dancing. I have had a great time learning at Latin Roots.”

Manaba Myeni, Google Review

One of the things about DN Dance that caught our attention is how their students have the chance to participate in performances, like the prestigious Dance World Cup. Their team even qualified to represent Team Scotland in 2024, which says a lot about their credentials.

We also believe that their participation and qualification weren’t from sheer luck; it was from effective training, and the fact that they follow a structured syllabus-based approach. It helps build a strong foundation and progression in dance technique. 

Their strict booking conditions are quite the drawback, though. You see, bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable, so it could inconvenience students who need to cancel or reschedule due to unexpected circumstances.

Now, there’s no reason to be disheartened, especially if you’re a beginner. They actually have family-friendly pricing and discounts, and welcome students as young as one year old all the way to adults, offering dance styles like jazz, acro, lyrical, contemporary, modern theatre, street, hip-hop, and more.

Really great with little kids 

“My son attended classes here when from 18 months old until just after his 2nd birthday. He absolutely loved the Wee Waddlers class with Miss Alex and we have only stopped due to a change in our schedule. Miss Alex is a fantastic teacher and really great with little kids. She is so kind, patient and engaging. We will definitely be back in the future!”

Hanah Mack, Google Review

Help children gain more confidence 

“Great efforts for helping children gain more confidence and skill through music and dance. I would highly recommend it to parents!”

sherry panchal, Google Review

The Dance House covers a variety of dance styles, catering to all sorts of student interests and skill levels. So, you can pour your energy into dancing, especially if you’re interested in hip-hop, breaking, musical theatre, and even K-pop.

Their booking system is also one of our favourites. You can access it through their website and easily navigate what you want to book (it even has photos attached). You can choose the age group you want to join, from as young as one year old up to adults of all ages. 

Well, almost all classes are up for all ages, since certain ones have age restrictions, like the Heels class being open only to ages 16 and above. 

But hey, as for building your confidence and stage presence, we have to give props to Dance House for organising regular performances and events where students, especially kids, can showcase their skills in an inclusive and warm environment. 

Energetic, enthusiastic instructor 

“I had enrolled for “House” style and I really enjoyed dancing. Rita was the instructor; honestly, never have I ever met such an energetic, enthusiastic instructor with an immense pulse. Looking forward to enrolling myself in other styles. Thank you Rita for the wonderful session.”

Deepak Manivannan, Google Review

Amazing teacher, kids love him

“Love this studio, Gabriele is an amazing teacher,kids love him.

My son can’t wait for his next breakdancing class. The lady at the reception was sooo lovely and helpful. I highly recommend this place for your kid’s self expression, creativity and fitness! Thank you”

Amalia Hernandez, Google Review