3 SPOTS TO PERFECT YOUR DANCE MOVES IN CAPE TOWN

When it comes to dancing, we might not all be born with a left and a right foot. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Dancing builds confidence and is an effective form of exercise. It’s an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. And, depending on the dance in question, it introduces you to both the era and the culture out of which it grew. Here are three societies in Cape Town that offer lessons in a variety of dances. They’ll teach you how to get into the groove and have loads of fun while doing so.

Boogie Back Dance Co.

I must begin with Boogie Back, who have given me the chance to move to the sounds of the era preceding 1950. On Tuesdays and Thursdays this rollicking club offers lessons in 6-count and 8-count Lindy Hop (a style of Swing dancing), Charleston, and Blues movements. You can train at various levels, depending on your skill, and on Tuesdays you can end off the evening with a social dance.

OF NOTE
When Tuesdays at 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm , Thursdays at 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Where Tuesdays: Youngblood Africa, 70-72 Bree Street, CBD/Thursdays: Rosebank Methodist Church, 2 Chapel Rd, Rosebank
Cost R80 per class, see website for special prices
Contact +27 71 287 5516, [email protected], www.boogiebackdance.com

Que Pasa

Another opportunity to practice Swing and Lindy Hop at beginner level is offered by Que Pasa every Monday night. But they don’t stop there. If you’re more into Latin dancing then you can sign up to practice Salsa, the Dominican dance called Bachata, and/or Kizomba, known as the ‘African Tango’. Advanced and beginner classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while intermediates can practice on Wednesdays. Two Salsa parties are held over every weekend as well, one on Friday and one on Sunday.

OF NOTE
When Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm, Wednesdays at 6 pm
Where Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays: Studio 552, Artscape Theatre, Stage Door Parking Entrance, Jan Smuts Street/Wednesdays: The Slug and Lettuce, The River Club, Liesbeek Parkway, Observatory
Contact +27 74 199 0918, [email protected], www.quepasa.co.za/www.swingtime.co.za

Enerchi Dance Studio

If you’re looking for more variety, Enerchi has plenty to offer throughout the week. The society offers classes at various levels in Ballroom, Latin, Jazz & Contemporary and Hip-Hop dancing, as well as Ballet. There are also dance opportunities for kids aged from three to 16, as well as soon-to-be-married couples who need a bit of practice before their big day.

OF NOTE
When Mondays to Saturdays at Various Times
Where Studio G14, Stadium-on-Main Centre, 103 Main Road, Claremont
Cost R60 for a trial class, R110 per drop-in class
Contact +27 21 671 6800/+27 82 501 2009, [email protected], www.enerchi.co.za

Photography courtesy Boogie Back Dance Co., Que Pasa Swing Time and Enerchi Dance Studio