Step and sway to the beat with these 5 best dance studios on the Gold Coast
Dancing is a rigorous but affordable hobby. You can practice anytime, anywhere without spending a single penny.
Heck, you can even load up a music video of TWICE on YouTube, and start learning their moves in no time!
However, if you intend to step up your skills, dance studios are a good place to start your training.
On the Gold Coast alone, numerous dance studios offer something for every beat and every dance style you prefer. And like in most places, some are good, while a few are especially great.
To help you start your dance journey with these “great” dance studios, here are some of our top recommendations.
How much is the class fee for dance studios on the Gold Coast?
The class fee for dance studios on the Gold Coast is typically around $47 per hour or session. Additional charges can be incurred depending on the instructor, lesson length, and type of dance class.
1. Ikin Dance Studio
Location: 22 Karen Ave, Mermaid Beach
Contact: [email protected], 0403 356 510
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Price: $40 per day
Ikin Dance Studio is a movement playground that has a wide selection of dance lessons and communities to grow with, including lyrical, contemporary, and hip-hop. They also offer ballet, cheerleading, and tap.
Our team particularly loved how the teachers here encourage camaraderie and friendly competition to motivate the students. It makes the learning environment both enjoyable and inspiring, helping students stay committed to their goals.
Because of these qualities, it’s no wonder the admission price is higher than at other dance studios on the list! While the price is relatively small for hobbyists, the total costs can snowball for those intending to become regulars.
Despite the higher dance lesson fees, Ikin is still worth considering just for the quality of lessons and opportunities exclusive to their enrollees.
These include special appearances at notable local and state-wide performance arts events. There’s also Ikin’s year-end celebration, where enrollees can perform for some of the dance school’s renowned alumni and partnered brands.
A warm and welcoming community
“IKIN DANCE stands out because of [its] amazing focus on inclusion. Every dancer, no matter their background or skill level, is welcomed with open arms and encouraged to express themselves through dance.
This supportive environment has helped my child grow not just as a dancer, but also as a confident person. There’s a real sense of camaraderie and respect that you can see in every class and performance.”
– Chloe Leigh, Google Review
Amazing dance studio
“The inclusion and welcome you receive the day you sign up does not waiver, and my daughter has absolutely loved becoming a part of the huge Ikin family. The diverse range of talent and individuals within the studio is also wonderful to see, and there is truly something for everyone.”
– Amy Morgan, Google Review
2. Mojo Dance Classes
Location: Fradgley Hall Community Centre, Park Ave, Burleigh Heads
Contact: [email protected], 0466 655 108
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Prices:
- 3 intro classes: $30
- 10 class passes: $200
- Unlimited classes (membership): $50 per week
Sometimes, a dance studio just needs a committed community to welcome new dancers. We learned this after signing up for some lessons at Mojo Dance Classes.
For one, we appreciated the dance studio’s focus on the people’s well-being and mental health, rather than as an additional task to accomplish.
This is reflected in how welcoming and helpful the other dancers were to beginners, reducing any stress or pressure for participating in a social event.
The instructors for wedding and special event dances were also amazing. In just a few weeks, enrollees can already follow the dance choreography to near perfection.
Best of all, the fees are reasonable. If you want to become a regular, Mojo has a membership program to get unlimited dance lessons for only $50 per week.
The only caveat we can point out is the short lessons. Dance classes often last 50 minutes, which is not enough to learn all the choreography.
This means that participating in multiple dance classes is a requirement. For those with busy schedules, the commitment required for the hobby might be daunting.
Comfortable for newbies
“The instructors are not only talented but also super motivating. It’s the perfect workout for people of all fitness and dance levels (even for beginners like me). It was heaps of fun!
It’s engaging and gets the heart pumping. I didn’t think a dance fitness class would be my thing, but it’s a lot more fun than going for a run.”
– Marco Dus, Google Review
Fabulous teachers
“Since joining I have experienced more joy, fun, friendship, and improved body movement. I have lost weight and have more motivation. It’s also less intimidating than the gym!”
– Jo-Anne Knight, Google Review
3. YJ Dance School
Location: 113 Scarborough St, Southport
Contact: [email protected], +61 458 759 951
Hours:
- Monday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 2:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Prices:
- Full program: $125
- Casual class: $25
If you’re looking for more modern dance styles as seen on social media, head to Southport and try YJ Dance School’s K-pop choreography lessons. Enjoy them, because we sure did!
From the easier choreographies even children can do to more complex dances, YJ Dance School has something to offer for everyone interested in K-pop and hip-hop.
However, if you’re not interested in either genre, other dance studios on the Gold Coast may be more suitable due to YJ Dance School’s limited course offerings.
On a lighter note, the studio is open all week. This means dancers have more opportunities to participate in the classes at their leisure without compromising other commitments.
Plus, the class fee is surprisingly low and wouldn’t strain the budget, even if you intend to complete several dance programs. The first class is also free, so you get an idea of the quality of the lessons you’re paying for.
After weeks of grueling practices and rehearsals, enrollees can perform for the dance studio and even be featured on its official YouTube channel, as many alumni have already done.
We loved how you can see the dancers’ improvements throughout their journey, thanks to knowledgeable instructors and its encouraging community.
Great for mental health
“Always fun and such a vibe. The coaches are so lovely and friendly and I’ve been having a blast. Great way to lose weight and help improve my mental health.”
– Izabella Adams, Google Review
A fantastic experience
“It may seem daunting at first glance [to watch the] music videos, but the instructor at YJ breaks down each move step by step, making it easy and comprehensive even for beginners. Yet, you’ll still feel a sense of accomplishment after each project.”
– Anna Min, Google Review
4. Sheridan’s Studio 1
Location: 18/345 Southport Nerang Rd, Molendinar
Contact: [email protected], 07 55 977101/ 0414 633802
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 2:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Prices:
- 1 Class (Seniors): $30
- 1 Open class: $20
- Full program: $265
In terms of the variety of dance courses offered, nothing can beat Sheridan’s Studio 1 on the Gold Coast. The dance studio offers a diverse experience suitable for anyone looking to make dancing a hobby or a profession.
Their more famous dance programs include RAD ballet, hip-hop, acrobatics, contemporary, and lyrical. This is on top of the singing, acting, and musical theater lessons.
The dance studio also offers the widest range of age accommodations. Parents can enroll their child as young as 3 to learn the steps from some of the Gold Coast’s best dance instructors.
Best of all, all enrollees can participate in Sheridan’s annual special event where they can show off the skills they’ve learned throughout the year.
Just a warning before enrolling in the studio’s dance programs: the lessons can often be rigorous due to the studio’s high standard and might not suit all dancers.
However, there’s no denying the quality of the results as Sheridan’s Studio 1 helped many locals make a profession from dancing.
During our team’s time with them, we saw how committed the instructors are in imparting the lessons to their students and we can’t help being amazed by it.
Very high standards
“The standard of training in the performance classes is very high, offering many different styles and techniques, and entering both group and solo competitions is always so much fun.
Sheridan’s Studio 1 provides my daughters a safe and fun environment to dance and has given my daughters many opportunities to grow as dancers through auditions for Christmas Carol Concerts, New Year’s Eve Concerts, and also holiday intensive dance programs.”
– Brooke Holmes, Google Review
Professional but friendly
“Sheridan’s studio is a professional but friendly studio that cares about my daughter’s progress, self-confidence, and self-esteem. The end-of-year concert demonstrated the extreme talent, dedication, and enjoyment of all the dancers at SS1.”
– Michelle Tomkinson, Google Review
5. Dance Mafia
Location: 2/53 Newheath Dr, Arundel
Contact: [email protected], 0438804895
Hours:
- Monday and Thursday: 2:30 – 8:30 PM
- Tuesday: 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Prices:
- 1 workshop session: $35
- 2 workshop sessions: $60
- 3 workshop sessions: $75
Specializing in dance lessons for little girls, Dance Mafia is the perfect place for your daughter to socialize and bond with other children over shared interests.
For just $35, your little one can start her first steps to performing tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, acrobatic, and theater arts.
The fact that Dance Mafia has rolled out several dance groups to perform at special events across Australia is proof enough of the instructors’ skills.
Parents also wouldn’t need to worry about their child’s welfare. Despite the dance lessons focused on discipline and techniques, the instructors are surprisingly patient and understanding of their students’ situations.
When we watched some of their rehearsals, we witnessed the instructors’ commitment to bringing the best out of their students.
While most dance routines aren’t bound to gender norms, boys would have a harder time fitting into lessons primarily made for female dancers.
That said, it doesn’t hurt to enroll your boys in Dance Mafia to explore new hobbies and meet new friends on the Gold Coast.
Supportive teachers
“I consider Dance Mafia to be the BEST studio on the Gold Coast! My daughter started her term 2 in 2017 at 4yrs old after 2 years of play-based ballet and she has come so far since then! She started doing solos this year.”
– Natasha Waite, Google Review
Feels like we joined a family
“Everyone is so welcoming and our girls have improved with their dancing so much with the help of the wonderful teachers at Dance Mafia.”
– Natalie Woods, Google Review