Atlanta Area Hip Hop Dance Classes

Okay Atlantans, it's time to shake it up from our sedentary lifestyles! Everyone I believe has an innate desire to dance but if you don't know how or have the right moves you can be intimidated and not partake in dancing at all. Dancing is healthy physically and mentally, so to not dance can be detrimental to your health and well being. It is a well known fact that dance can burn 500 calories per hour. Atlanta has a lot to offer in the way of hip hop dance classes, with opportunity to learn and the talent that resides here. There are a plethora of places to enjoy and partake in instruction and I will share with you just a few:

Gotta Dance Atlanta: www.got2dance.net located at 1778 Ellsworth Industrial Dr. NW Atlanta, GA 30318 Tel. 404-352-0420

GDA has been around for almost two decades and is nationally known and respected. They offer a non-competitive dance fitness approach to their classes.

Many of us can claim we have two left feet but with a few classes at GDA that can be cured! You will walk out with a boost in your self-confidence that you didn't have when you first walked in. Whether you are there to just workout or to train to be on an MTV video, the talented and friendly staff will make you feel welcome and at home in their state of the art facility. Check out the accolades GDA has received from the locals at www.cityvote.com

GDA offers different styles of dance and different levels. If you are not sure which level you would feel comfortable at, you are allowed to observe classes at no cost. "Explorer" classes are for beginners. Classes run at $14/ea. If you purchase a class card the classes can run cheaper like 20 classes will run you $200 which comes out to $10 a class. A monthly unlimited card costs $145. If you make a year-long commitment you can pay $120 per month for unlimited classes or $130 a month for a six month commitment. If you purchase a class card their website offers a 10% coupon.

Lastly, the staff at GDA boasts quality credentials...some of their instructors have done work on television and worked with various musical artists like Beyonce, J-LO, LL Cool J, Destiny's Child and more!

Moving on to DANCE 101; www.dance101.org located at 2485 Briarcliff Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329. Tel. 404-542-3887. The boutique adult dance studio offers hip hop dance as well as other different styles of dance. Dance 101 clientele attracts mostly women in their 30's and 40's. About 95% are women of all types, shapes, and sizes. Men are certainly welcome too!

Like the "Explorer" series of classes at GDA, Dance 101 also offers classes for beginners referred to as their "Discover Dance" series. These classes are geared toward the student who has no formal training or experience with dance.

Dance 101 rates are comparable at a $20 drop-in rate per class. They also offer class cards at different price ranges like 20 classes will run you $200 or $10 a class. A monthly unlimited package costs $150. Dance 101 offers student discount rates (ages 18-25) with a student ID and driver license with a drop in rate as low as $12 per class and a monthly unlimited package rate of $120. They also offer an introductory rate of 4 classes for $40 to get you started. Check them out!

Dance 411 Studios in East Atlanta www.dance411studios.com located at 749 Moreland Ave. Bldg.C-201 (Little Azio Plaza) Tel. 404-622-4110 is a strong competitor with GDA. Offers hip hop as well as a variety of all types and styles of dance. This dance company is nationally and internationally recognized because their professionally trained staff has worked across the country and internationally. This studio offers instruction for kids and adults at all levels. Dance 411 offers private instruction as well as group classes.

Your first class will cost only $10. But their a la carte classes will run $15 a class at a drop-in rate thereafter. Or you can purchase a 15 class card which will cost $180 (or $12/class). They also offer a monthly unlimited package at $79.95 with a $50 one-time start-up fee.

You need to check out www.cultureshockatlanta.org. These classes are for youth and adults at all levels with no discrimination to age, sex, sexual orientation, race, beliefs, shapes, sizes, beginners or professionals. Classes are held Tuesdays at 8:30pm located at Crunch at Tower Walk Shopping Center in Buckhead, across from the AMC Backlot Theater 3365 Piedmont Rd. Atlanta, GA 30305. Culture Shock Atlanta has a unique approach and is a youth outreach organization. Their motto, "We are a troupe of individuals who, through the power of music and dance, cultivate self-worth, dignity, and respect for all people." This organization steers away from the commercialized separation built into society and promotes a positive all-inclusive approach and environment. Youth dance classes ages 7-17 are offered on Saturdays at Bally's Northlake 3993 Lavista Rd. Tucker, GA 30084 11:30am-12:30pm. Rates are $10/class or $80 for a 10 class card. Classes are only offered at a drop-in rate, no pre-registration or commitments and it is on a cash only basis. "Culture Shock Dance Troupes, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyle education, physical fitness, and community involvement through the power of hip-hop music and dance." Through community involvement in its youth outreach programs Culture Shock is able to offer "a positive alternative to some of the destructive influences plaguing today's youth." Culture Shock can be reached at 800-658-1233 or 404-243-4900.

As you can see Atlanta offers a variety of options and opportunities to let loose, get physically fit, increase your skill, or just have fun. So, go ahead Atlanta, DANCE!

Sources: websites listed in article content