Taking a dance class is the first step to becoming a bolder person. Think of it, you walk into an unfamiliar dance studio then make amateurish dance moves among a bunch of strangers. The good thing is, the reward is greater than the risk. This piece is in the interest of the ones willing to dance more bravely.

La Fantaisie Danse School

5625, rue Decelles, Montréal, Qc, H3T 1W4

The Cultural Association "La vie en Mouvement " (LVM) was founded in December 2008 by Irina Chirca, a professional choreographer and artistic producer. Their mission is to promote dance education and showcase the talent of young Canadian artists. The main project of LVM is the « La Fantaisie Danse » School.

Currently, the school has 9 groups of children and teenagers (aged 3 to 18) and 4 groups of adults (up to 60 years old). The repertoire is quite varied, it includes more than 100 choreographies. Their dancers regularly participate in various cultural events, national and international festivals. Some of their dance classes: jazz, modern, contemporary, ballet, multidance, folk.

They are always happy to welcome new dancers at their school, to collaborate with event organizers, with artists, or simply to welcome new audiences to their shows. Join their big family: www.lavieenmouvement.com or (514) 815-9414

Studios Accento

6889 St.Laurent, 2nd Floor

This Little Italy Studio is affordable and comfortable with white walls and air conditioning. The owner, Lana Hadi opened this studio because she wanted to get more chances to dance.

The classes focus on fun and fitness over technique. The samba class is amazing and the first-month pass for any class goes for only $60.

Cat’s Corner: Montreal Swing Dance School

3451 St-Laurent, 3rd floor

This swing dance school on St. Laurent is the best place to spend your Friday’s for its $10 open swing night. The vibe is simply the best because the place is always well attended.

This is a nice option for a date and the cohesion here is so strong that you might find yourself in a dancing community.

Ballet Divertimento

3505 Durocher St

Ballet dancing is the thing here and the instructor, Victoria Yakobov is so hands-on that she notices even the slightest mistake.

Everything about this dancing class in the McGill ghetto is unique. The funny host from Azerbaijan, an oddly designed building, a weird cast of characters and students doing things that seem impossible. There are courses for the young and adults. Whichever course batch you buy in to, Yakabov will be nudging you every step of the way, in a good way.

Urban-Element Zone

7577 rue St. Hubert

Are you willing to learn street style dancing moves like krump, waacking, and popping? Head over to Urban-Element Zone. This is a popular space that is welcoming and encouraging.

The dancing instructors here recommend a 3-month commitment that ends with a show. Weekly classes go for $165, or you can pick the unlimited package of $450. If you are brave enough, you can compete in one of the yearly street-dance battles.

Milan Pole Dance Studio

50, rue St-Jacques

Pole dancing is hard but if you want to make real progress, then joining the Milan Pole Dance Studio seems like a brilliant idea. For beginners, it might take a month or two to get the hang of it but once you do, you will take to the pole like a real professional.

This place is collaborative and challenging to help you improve.

Studio Danse Montreal

7240 Clark St.

The 3 mid-sized studios on the basement of the Eastern Bloc Building are always busy, with two or three classes every evening. You will spot ballerinas trying to perfect their physique and regular folk devoted to various forms of dancing.

SDM offers bhangra, samba, street jazz, burlesque and their own unique mise en forme exercise.

Studio Bamboofit

3451 Blvd. St Laurent, 3rd floor

Zumba is perfect for those who would like to be fabulous. Take the Zumba class that is led by an instructor who smiles a lot and has choreography that is full of sass.

The founders, Laura and Lina Baretto are from Colombia and are the real deal with a lot of inspiration drawn from Latin music and dance moves.

10 classes cost $80 while 20 go for $140.

Studio 303

Studio 303, 372 Ste-Catherine West

This is an oasis of creative activity especially for those who prefer a unique approach to dance. This place has daytime and nighttime classes. Take the life-changing Gaga/People class. If contemporary dance is more your thing, take the Isabel Mohn class.

École de danse Contemporaine de Montréal

1435 Rue de Bleury

This is a dancing class for those who are willing to become professionals. It is a part of the CEGEP system and you can get a credited degree to get a job in dance. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t attend if you are doing it for fun.

Take the ECDM course has six levels that take you from dance beginner to dance creation. This journey requires real commitment because it takes a few years to complete but the end result is 100% worth it.