They say dance is a universal language no matter where you come from–a poetic baring of the soul through motion, the hidden language of the body. If you don’t want to get lost in translation, maybe it’s time to try a dance class? Dance is addictive and once you start learning it, you will never get enough. If you’re keen to put on your dancing shoes and try a few moves, we’ve curated a selection of the best adult dance studios in Macau for amateurs and professionals. Let’s get grooving!
TDSM
If you are new to the Macau dance stage and looking for a local studio to learn something new or advance your skills, give TDSM a try. They have a variety of different classes for all kinds of levels. TDSM has a big and skillful team of teachers. There are talented guys from the Urban Unity crew, including Joel, a self-taught talent who we talked to last October. Urban Unity now has a special training program, Project U, teaching urban style in the studio. You will learn to catch some cool choreography, advance your technique, learn how to create your own choreography, and pump your swag. Since urban dance is not for absolute beginners, you might need to learn the basics first and try one of the beginners’ classes, like hip-hop and jazz-funk. Overall, all the TDSM teachers are really welcoming and willing to accept newbies in their friendly family. Some of them, like Joel and Gravi (teaches Girl Style dance), speak fluent English and sometimes will even teach the whole class in English depending on the group.
They regularly post updates about new schedules, classes, workshops in Chinese and English on their Facebook page and Instagram pages.
Styles: Girl Style, Jazz Funk, Jazz A, Urban, Waacking, MV, Contem Jazz, LA Style, Heels, Street Jazz, Hip Hop, Popping, New Jazz
Levels: Beginner, intermediate and advanced
TDSM No 258, 14th floor, Room I & J, Alameda Dr. Carlos D’Assumpção, Kin Heng Long Square, Macau, www.facebook.com/tdsm.adult
V Studio
Probably the most exotic and original dance studio in the city. Founded by Victor Kumar in 2014, it is definitely well known among all those familiar with dancing in Macau. However, it is much more than a dance studio. There is no other place where you can learn some Bollywood moves and attend yoga or fitness classes in the same building.
V Studio is not only a platform for activities but they also ambitiously aim to be a base for Indian culture in Macau. “This studio is basically a culture sharing base – apart from learning dance and yoga, people can also learn what Indian culture actually is through the activities V organizes, like the Holi Festival, Diwali celebrations, plus other showcases and theme nights,” says Victor.
All dance classes are fun and intensive – anybody can attend no matter their level. As the founder strongly believes, if you move you can dance. All you need is to enjoy and express yourself. There is definitely no pressure and intimidation within these walls. You can be sure you won’t feel excluded. V studio’s goal is helping guests “set the foundation towards practice to access your body, mind, and soul with the art of expression.” Follow their Facebook page and Instagram for updates.
Classes: Dance (Bollywood dance, BollyJam, LatinJam, Latin dance, Fitness Dance)
Yoga (Embodied Flow Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Flow Yoga, Dharma Wheel Yoga, Wild Lotus Alignment Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Anti-Gravity Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Aerial Yoga Therapy)
Fitness (TRX, Pilates)
Levels: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced. However, V studio doesn’t really mind your level, as long as you come to have fun, you are welcome to attend any dance class
V Studio No. 19, Fabrica Wang Kai, 13/B, Rua do Patio da Concordia, Macau, +853 6393 2002, www.victorkumarart.com, www.facebook.com/vstudiomacau, www.instagram.com/vstudiomacau
Now’z Dance Studio
Founded 10 years ago by two buddies, Zero (he regularly teaches hip-hop) and Ocean (his style is locking), the main focus of Now’z is street dance. So if you are fond of hip-hop, locking, vogue, waacking, or jazz-funk, this is the place to go.
As the founder claims, the studio’s strongest side is freestyle. “Now’z holds most of the street dance events (battles, workshops, and others) in Macau,” says Zero. “Our teachers learned abroad and brought dancing trends and new techniques to share in Macau.”
Check their regular schedule of classes and special workshops via their Instagram and Facebook page. The biggest Now’z showcase is held every September. You can sign up for showcase or regular classes in the studio.
Styles: Hip-Hop, Locking, Vogue, Waacking, Jazz Funk
Levels: Beginner, intermediate and advanced
Now’z Dance Studio Carlos d’Assumpcao 258, Edif. Kin Heng Long Plaza 17 Andar Q, Macau, www.facebook.com/nowzdancestudio, www.instagram.com/nowzdancestudio
ZEAL
Zeal is another Macau dance studio for street styles that opened its doors for dance enthusiasts in 2010. As one of its founders, Don, claims (he teaches jazz-funk, advanced level), the strongest side of Zeal is team spirit. It’s all about exchanging skills and knowledge in the dancers’ community, recruiting new members to the existing crews, upgrading and gaining confidence, getting more experience in stage performance, and becoming truly professional. They often organize joint courses where you can learn from more than one teacher and more than one style. For example, Dancehall (Gravi) and Jazz Funk (Don) showcase course.
This place is definitely for you if you are looking for support and total integration in the Macau dance world–especially if you are a dancer with a good foundation and years of experience. It’s the place to go if you are not only willing to learn something new but also to share what you know with local dancers.
However, if your goal is just to have fun and learn new steps, Zeal often holds workshops and regular classes, so sign up for a course that sounds appealing through their Facebook page.
Styles: Jazz-Funk, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Girl Style, Sexy Jazz, Locking, Feelity
Levels: Mostly intermediate and advanced
ZEAL Edificio Industrial Nam Fong Block I 10, FLAT DI, Av. de Venceslau de Morais, EM Macau, www.zeal-dancestudio.com, www.facebook.com/ZealDS, www.instagram.com/zealdancestudio
Aerial Arts Macau
Built by professional aerialists, dancers, and yogis, Aerial Arts Macau has been in Macau since 2007 and recently created a universal space for members of the community. This communal space is able to hold aerial, yoga, dance and pole dance sessions simultaneously, split over a few floors! Come by and try something new like aerial arts or bring your little ones over for their toddler ballet class (three to four years of age). For more updates, check out their Facebook page.
Classes: Dance, Aerial Art Disciplines, Pole and Yoga
Levels: From beginner to professional levels
Aerial Arts Macau Rua Central No 14-14a, Macau, +853 2832 3460, www.facebook.com/aerialartsmacau
