Strictly Come Dancing has waltzed back into our lives, reminding us just how accessible dancing can be when you’re given the right support, no matter your age or ability. If the show has inspired you to keeeeep dancing, then we’ve rounded up some of the best ballroom dance classes on offer in London and Surrey whether you have two left feet or are destined for the glitterball trophy.

The benefits of dance

Dancing is hugely beneficial for your health – both physical and mental. In fact, dancing could help lower dementia risk. Combining physical movement with cognitive function and social connection, The Conversation reported a study in 2023 that ballroom dance in particular was more beneficial than other types of exercise for helping keep your mind strong.

Beyond this, we know that dancing helps improve posture, flexibility, and balance, as well as boosting self-esteem. It’s also a mood-enhancing exercise that aids stress relief, whilst the connection to your dance partner can reduce feelings of loneliness.

Where to try:

Pineapple Dance Studios

Covent Garden

Pineapple is one of the leading dance studios in Europe, but don’t let that intimidate you. The studio regularly hosts classes aimed at beginners and their ‘Strictly’ Ballroom six week courses are the perfect opportunity to try a range of styles at a slow and steady pace. Like most ballroom dance classes, you won’t need to come with a partner as they’ll pair you up in class. Can’t make the course? The studio also has a drop-in session on Sundays.

Dance Attic Studios

Fulham

Regularly used by Strictly Come Dancing stars to rehearse, Dance Attic Studios offer drop-in ballroom and latin classes on Wednesday evenings. Taught by Ivana Ostrowski, who was born into a ballroom dancing family and went on to become a professional dancer herself, these classes are perfect for mastering the fundamentals and getting to try a different dance style each week.

Erin Boag Classes

Surbiton and Kingston

Want to learn ballroom from a previous Strictly Come Dancing professional? Erin Boag offers courses at Hollyfield School in Surbiton and Kingston Workmen’s Club on a weekly basis and has classes for beginners, improvers, and advanced. Creating a fun and supportive environment, Erin loves to share that Strictly sparkle with all of her dancers.

Read our interview with Erin. 

Wimbledon Dance Academy

Wimbledon

Wimbledon Dance Academy offers eight week courses for beginners, improvers, and intermediates in their modern and professional dance studio. The teachers endeavour to keep their ballroom dance classes fun, friendly, and social, so you can learn in a welcoming environment. If you prefer a more personalised experience – like those of the Strictly celebrities – then the studio also has private dance lessons for you to learn at your own pace.

Vera the Diva

Clapham

With an hour-long taster session available to give you a flavour for ballroom dancing, Vera the Diva offers seven week beginner courses that provide a solid foundation in a range of styles. The studio has a number of trained dancers leading the classes and they can also do private tuition to create a more relaxed environment tailored to your dancing goals.

Surrey Dance Addicts

Epsom, Chessington, and Stoneleigh

Surrey Dance Addicts live by the motto that ‘life is better when you dance’. With locations across North Surrey, they offer beginner and social dance classes, as well as intermediate and advanced levels. This dance school also gives opportunities to take your ballroom dancing to the next level and get involved in competitions, including an annual trip to Blackpool!