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Dance Your Heart Out at 8 of the Best Studios in Aberdeen
Dancing is one of the best ways to let loose, express yourself, and shake off whatever emotions are weighing you down or lifting you up. Whether you’re grooving to an upbeat hip-hop beat or gliding through a sensual tango, there’s a dance studio in Aberdeen ready to welcome you.
I’ve been on a personal mission to find my perfect fit, hopping from class to class across the city. After plenty of shimmies, twirls, and a few missteps, I’ve narrowed down the best studios in town based on my experience.
No matter what you’re looking for—fun, fitness, or finesse—I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Citymoves Dance Agency
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Website: https://www.citymoves.org.uk/
Contact Information: 01224 984159
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 10am to 7:15pm
- Tuesday: 10am to 8:15pm
- Wednesday: 10am to 4:15pm
- Thursday: 12:30pm to 8:15pm
- Friday: 10am to 8pm
- Saturday: 10:30am to 12:30pm
Dances: Ballet, Tap, Belly, Latin American, Contemporary, and more
Prices:
- Drop-In: £8.50
- Full Term: £59.50
Age Range: Children to adults
Citymoves Dance Agency offers something for everyone—regardless of age, skill level, or ability. Classes range from Dance for Parkinson’s and Mature Moves for low-impact exercise to Belly Dance for fun and self-expression.
For aspiring professionals, Citymoves provides a Residency Programme with studio space, guidance, and occasional financial support, as well as Workshops and Pro Classes to hone your craft.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions—Citymoves is all about inclusivity and supporting dancers of all levels!
Academy Street Dance Studio
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Website: https://academystreet-dance.com/
Contact Information: 01224 211017
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 4pm to 9pm
- Tuesday: 10am to 9:30pm
- Wednesday: 2:30pm to 9:30pm
- Thursday: 4pm to 9pm
- Friday: 3:30pm to 8pm
- Saturday: 9am to 2pm
Dances: R.A.D Ballet, I.S.T.D Tap, Modern, Acrobatic Arts, Contemporary, Jazz, Street, and more
Prices: From £4 to £7 per class depending on the type of dance and level
Age Range: Children to adults
Founded in 1996, Academy Street Dance Studio is a highly regarded school offering a diverse range of dance classes, including Theatre Dance, Ballet, Tap, and more.
Perfect for all ages and skill levels, the studio offers specialized programs for kids as young as 18 months alongside advanced classes for teens and adults.
Known for its welcoming and supportive environment, the studio also provides advanced training and regular performances for those interested in pursuing dance professionally.
Pro Tip: Starting with a beginner class, even if you have prior experience, can be a great way to ease into the studio’s environment and accurately gauge your skill level and find the best fit for future classes.
Aberdeen Academy of Dance
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Website: https://www.aberdeenacademyofdance.co.uk/
Contact Information: 07801 748797 or [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 4:30pm to 8:30pm
- Tuesday: 4:15pm to 7:30pm
- Wednesday: 4pm to 7:30pm
- Saturday: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Dances: Ballet, Acro, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Tap, Jazz, and more
Prices: From £4 to £7 per class depending on the type of dance and level
Age Range: Children to adults
Although established relatively recently in 2007, the Aberdeen Academy of Dance has quickly gained an outstanding reputation under the leadership of Sarah MacNay, a Royal Academy of Dance-certified ballet teacher.
Sarah’s expertise and vision have helped transform the academy into a respected institution for aspiring dancers.
The studio is particularly renowned for its accomplished alumni, many of whom have gone on to perform professionally both locally and internationally. This highlights the academy’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering professional success.
Pro Tip: Take full advantage of the instructors’ hands-on approach by actively seeking feedback or asking questions if you’re unsure about any movements or techniques.
Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts
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Website: https://academyperformingarts.co.uk/
Contact Information: 07753 766113 or [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9am to 9pm
Dances: Modern Jazz, Contemporary, Street Dance, Ballet, Lyrical Acro, and more
Prices: Trial price from £6.50 to £20.00 per class
Age Range: Children to adults
If you’re into competing in dance events across the UK and even internationally, the Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts (AAPA) could be a great fit. The academy has a strong focus on performance, and its students regularly take part in competitions and get chances to perform abroad.
AAPA offers over 80 classes for all ages, starting from as young as 18 months, and covers a wide range of styles—everything from tap and ballet to more specialized classes like lyrical acro and street dance.
Pro Tip: Before fully committing, it’s a good idea to try out a trial class to see if the academy is the right fit for you.
Natalie Tough School of Dance
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Website: https://www.natalietoughdance.co.uk/
Contact Information: 07711 251466 or [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 3:45pm to 8:30pm
- Wednesday to Thursday: 3:30pm to 9pm
- Friday: 3:45pm to 8pm
- Saturday: 9pm to 6pm
Dances: Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Ballet, Musical Theatre, and more
Prices:
- Acrobatics from £6
- AcroDance from £4
- Ballet from £4
- Commercial from £5
- Contemporary from £5
- Jazz from £5
- Kicks, Leaps, and Turns from £5
- Modern Theatre Dance from £4
- Musical Theatre from £5
- Pointe from £4
- Tap from £4
Age Range: Children to adults
If you’re thinking about taking dance more seriously, the Natalie Tough School of Dance could be a great option.
The school offers structured programs like ISTD and Acrobatic Arts, which really focus on building solid technique and performance skills—important foundations for anyone looking to pursue dance professionally.
Beyond that, students regularly get involved in competitions and shows, giving them plenty of opportunities to practice performing in real-life settings.
Pro Tip: Take a look at their class schedule and offerings in advance as spots can fill up quickly
Sharon Gill School of Dance
Website: https://www.sharongillschoolofdance.co.uk/
Contact Information: 07989 306507 or [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday
- First Class at 10am
- Last Class at 7:30pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday
- First Class at 10am
- Last Class at 7pm
- Thursday
- First Class at 4:15pm
- Last Class at 7:30pm
- Friday
- First Class at 10am
- Last Class at 4:30pm
- Saturday
- First Class at 9am
- Last Class at 4pm
Dances: Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Acrobatic Dance
Prices: Varies
Age Range: Children to adults
The Sharon Gill School of Dance offers a variety of classes, from classic styles like ballet and jazz to more specialized ones like acrobatic dance and cheerleading.
The school is also closely tied with the Aberdeen Cheer and Dance Company, giving students the chance to join both schools’ recreational and competitive events.
The studio caters to all ages, starting at 18 months and going up to advanced students. It’s known for creating a supportive environment where dancers not only improve their technique but also build confidence, discipline, and creativity.
Pro Tip: It’s helpful to talk to your instructor early on about your goals so they can offer personalized guidance and suggest the best training paths.
Taylor School of Dance
Media Credit: taylordanceaberdeen
Website: https://taylordance.com/
Contact Information: 07472 188901 or [email protected]
Operating Hours: Varies
Dances: Contemporary, Ballet, Acro, Jazz, Modern Theatre, and Street Dance
Prices: Varies
Age Range: Children and adults
Taylor School of Dance puts a big focus on performance, giving students plenty of opportunities to show off their skills in various events and shows across different age groups and dance styles.
The school is also well-regarded for preparing students for exams, thanks to instructors who come from professional performance backgrounds, creating a supportive and encouraging environment.
Additionally, they offer classes specifically for boys, where they can work on building their confidence, rhythm, and creativity in a fun, welcoming space.
Pro Tip: Be sure to stay updated on Taylor Dance’s workshops, as they often feature special guest instructors or take place at other dance companies, providing unique learning opportunities.
Danscentre
Media Credit: danscentre
Website: https://www.danscentre.com/
Contact Information: 01224 647341
Operating Hours: Varies
Dances: Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, and more
Prices: Varies
Age Range: Children to adults
With nearly 40 years in dance education, Danscentre is renowned for its holistic approach to training. The school offers a wide range of dance styles, from ballet to hip-hop, ensuring there’s something for all ages and skill levels.
It’s an ideal choice for those aiming for a professional dance career, with accredited training and exams from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD).
What really sets Danscentre apart is its status as one of only two dance schools in Scotland offering The Royal Ballet School’s Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme (ATAP), giving students access to a world-class training system.
Pro Tip: Make sure to keep an open line of communication with your instructor, sharing any challenges or goals. This helps ensure you’re both on the same page and working toward the same objective, leading to better guidance and progress.
