Dancing is a favourite pass-time amongst Baslers and there are a huge number of classes to choose from. This listing highlights some of our favourites to inspire you to get your groove on!
Individual Dancing
Ballet and Contemporary
Braswell Arts Center (Aeschenvorstadt 52, 4051 Basel)
Braswell Arts Center offers a huge number of classes for adults in their beautiful new location (complete with a cafe) near Aeschenplatz. Their main focus is ballet but they also have classes in jazz, contemporary and hip hop. Pilates and yoga classes are also available as well as a special 'Date Night Dance' every Friday. A one week trial is possible and classes can also be purchased as a 10-class pass or with a 6 or 12 month membership.
Tanzstudio Formbar (Leimgrubenweg 9, 4053 Basel)
Tanzstudio Formbar has numerous ballet classes from the basics all the way to professional training. They also offer beginner contemporary dance as well as ribbon dancing for adults. They have a free trial and then classes are paid on a quarterly or yearly membership.
Ana Lopez Ballet Schule (Fadenfabrik, Zwingerstrasse 12, 4053 Basel)
Ana Lopez Ballet Schule offers numerous ballet classes. Beginners can learn the basics of classical ballet, placing emphasis on coordination, building muscle, body perception and the joy in movement. After you progress you can move on to the intermediate and advanced classes where greater importance is placed on correct execution of the exercises and musicality.
Simone Calvin (Kornhausgasse 7, 4051 Basel)
The Simone Calvin studio offers modern and 'Ballet Flow' classes for adults. The classes are for all levels and focus on body control, strength, endurance, while learning choreographies that promote concentration and memory. They have a trial offer of CHF 15 and after that you can pay per class (prices based on class length), get a 10-class pass or pay by semester.
Hip Hop/ Dancehall/ Afro
Special Elements (Leimgrubenweg 9, 4053 Basel)
Special Elements has locations in Basel, Riehen and Arlesheim. They have many classes for beginners all the way to advanced students in hip hop, breakdance and heels as well as contemporary, ballet and jazz. They also have some great online resources to compliment your practice. Their professional dance crew regularly performs at events and they even have their own clothing line. Trial lessons do not require registration, you can just show up. After that you can pay for classes individually or by half or full year membership (depending on the number of classes you take each week).
New Dance Center (Zwingerstrasse 12, 4053 Basel)
New Dance Center has classes for adults in house, hip hop, afro fusion, heels, breakdance K-pop and more (there is even a hip hop class for the over 35s). The trial class is free and then after that your pay monthly, depending on the number of classes per week. They welcome all ages and experience levels and promote dance as a more fun alternative to the gym.
Reconnecting Circles (Elsässerstrasse 215a, 4056 Basel)
Reconnecting Circles is a non-profit Verein that aims to create a unique space for creative encounters, movement and art. They have classes in afro, dancehall (Jamaican style hip hop), freestyle hip hop as well as Brazillian zouk (a couple's dance originating from the lambada). Classes are aimed at beginners and you can drop in and try the first class without registration for CHF 10. After that You can pay for single lessons, a class card of 10, or 6 month subscription. Special discounts are available for students, cultural workers or Elys Boulderloft members.
Soul Dance (various locations)
Soul Dance is run by Marcina de Almeida, who has a passion for urban dancing. She has classes in ragga dancehall where she encourages students to get involved with the music and to build their own dance repertoire. She also offers pilates classes and 'Centering Classes for Seniors' which includes cognitive components of Chinese Qi Gong / Tai Ji, combined with Western strength and balance training.
Flamenco
Flamenco Alborado (Oetlingerstrasse 157, 4057 Basel)
In Spain, flamenco unites all generations in an expressive gathering and Flamenco Alborado aims to do the same in Basel. Flamenco is a full-body workout that strengthens all muscles and promotes mobility. Flamenco also trains all seven coordination skills: rhythm, orientation, balance, adjustment, differentiation, coupling and reaction. This studio has several courses in different aspects of flamenco for beginners to advanced students. Classes can be bought individually as well as with a monthly abo.
Flamenco Tanzschule La Tina (Burgweg 15, 4058 Basel)
Flamenco Tanzschule La Tina has existed in Basel since 1986 and has had a permanent home in La Rosa dance studio since 1997. Several group classes of all levels take place every week. All dance lessons are accompanied live by a flamenco guitarist, one of the special features of this dance school. Beginners can start with a basics course and once they have mastered different elements of the dance they are welcome to join more advanced classes. Prices available on request.
Flamenco Schule Basel (Mülhauserstrasse 94, 4056 Basel)
Flamenco Schule Basel prides itself on maintaining a rich tradition of flamenco dancing and providing an inspiring learning environment for both beginner and advanced dancers. They have several courses throughout the week as well as different workshops and special events that take place throughout the year. A trial course is available and after that prices are available on request.
Indian
Kalasri (Freie Strasse 3, 4001 Basel)
Kalasri teaches courses in the South Indian dance style Bharatanatyam. Courses build up the technique from the basics: individual steps, hand gestures and body movements, which are then followed by the teaching of the Bharatanatyam repertoire in its traditional order. They also have Bollywood classes which combine the typical movements into a choreographed routine. A trial class is available and then classes are charged in 3 month increments.
Bellydance
Helen de Vallier (Reinacherstrasse 22, 4053 Basel)
Since 2009, Helena De Vallier has been offering lessons and workshops in bellydance in Basel. She has several classes throughout the week for all levels at her studio near Dreispitz. Trial lessons are available for CHF 20 and then after that you can either pay for lessons individually or in packs of 10.
Mixed Styles
Migros Klubschule (various locations)
Migros Klubschule has a huge variety of classes for adults including ballet, contemporary, salsa, disco, burlesque and country line dancing (to name a few). Their schedule and offerings change seasonally so its best to check their website for details.
Partner Dancing
Lindy Hop
Basel Jitterbugs (Austrasse 19, 4051 Basel)
Basel Jitterbugs is a fantastic lindy hop dance company in Basel. They teach a number of swing-style dances including lindy hop, shag, balboa and solo jazz and have numerous classes for all levels throughout the week at their new studio on Austrasse. They also have 'In-a-Day' workshops which are a great low-commitment option if you just want to try it out. They also throw some fabulous parties with live music so you can practice what you've learned. You don't need a partner to sign up (you will rotate partners in class) and partner roles are flexible (meaning you can choose to be either leader or follower). Workshops are charged individually and classes are generally 9 to a session. To read more about Basel Jitterbugs see this YBI Basel article.
Lindy Harbour (Müllheimerstrasse 42, 4057 Basel)
The lindy hop scene in Basel is certainly hopping and Lindy Harbour is a part of it, providing courses in lindy hop, charleston, blues, jazz and other social swing dances. They have courses for beginners to advanced as well as lots of events to practice your skills. Join one of their Kick-Off Weekends or crash courses and to get some 'swingspiration'. You don't need a partner to sign up (you will rotate partners in class). Workshops and parties are charged individually and courses are generally 10 to a session.
Salsa/Bachata
KC Dance Studio (Spalentorweg 11, 4051 Basel, CH)
KC Dance studio is fairly new to the Basel scene, but they already have a devoted following. They provide numerous Latin and Caribbean-style classes including salsa, bachata, reggeaton as well as some other classes focussing on styling that don't require a partner. You can start off with a free trial and then courses can be paid in drop-in, monthly or yearly rates. They also have numerous events throughout the year so you can practice what you have learned.
Salsa Bailamos (Kohlenberggasse 23, 4051 Basel)
Teaching salsa, bachata, reggeaton and kizomba, Salsa Bailamos has numerous classes throughout the week for beginner through to advanced dancers. Want to dance but don't have a partner? They have a Facebook page specifically set up to help with that. They also have professional-style training for the experts amongst you as well a a bunch of events to get your groove on and meet the community. Courses generally run in 8-week sessions with discounts for students and returning customers. Drop-in rates are also available.
Salsa Flow Dance Company (Elisabethenanlage 7, 4051 Basel)
Located near SBB, Salsa Flow Dance specializes in salsa, Cuban salsa, rueda and bachata. They have numerous courses for beginner and intermediate dancers. Courses are generally 8 weeks in duration, but drop-in classes are also available . They also offer several different workshops and have a fantastic anniversary weekend planned for March 2025, which promises to be a memorable salsa weekend with numerous DJ's, international performers as well as workshops, shows and more!
Fabrica de Salsa (Steinenvorstadt 33, 4051 Basel)
A small studio, Fabrica de Salsa teaches, salsa, bachata, cha cha cha and pachanga. Classes take place in 6 week sessions and if you don't have a partner, they will help you find one. They work under the strong belief that everyone can learn how to dance and as such is the perfect place to help anyone who feels they have a case of 'two left feet'.
Fusion Caribe (Marktgasse 8, 4051 Basel)
Specializing in in Cuban-style salsa, Fusian Caribe has a few different classes to choose from, including a few solo classes for those who prefer to do it without a partner. Course sessions are a bit shorter, only 4 weeks, so they are perfect for people who want to try it out. And of course, there are regular events to help you keep up your skills.
Salsa Revolution (Dornacherstrasse 210,4053 Basel)
Salsa Revolution invites you to join the dance revolution with their classes in salsa, bachata, merengue, cha-cha-cha and reggaeton and zumba. A free trial is available (or a trial week for a fee) and then after that classes are charged in 3-month increments with unlimited classes.
Tango
Pure Tango (Efringerstrasse 14, 4057 Basel)
At Pure Tango, Stefania Scarcia shows her passion for this dance with weekly lessons for beginner to advanced students. Registration in pairs is required for regular classes (she can help you find a partner if necessary) but she also has role switching, and classes in women's technique that do not require a partner. A free trial is available and then registration is required. There are also some excellent opportunities to practice, and some of them even have childcare included.
Tango Schule Basel (Isteinerstrasse 70, 4058 Basel)
Tango Schule Basel teaches Argentinian Tango for all levels. A free trial without a partner is available every Monday and they have special beginner classes that you can do over two days on a weekend if you just want to try it out. After that you can sign up for more advanced courses that are in 6-7 week sessions.
Plan T (various locations)
Plan T are a young tango Verein in Basel that teaches the joy and community that can be found with tango. Plan-T is a gateway to an open and lively tango culture, which can also lead to beautiful friendships. They have a small number of courses throughout the week and some great events like a 'Tango Brunch' which combines tango and lindy hop with brunch and gives you a crash course in each style. They also occasionally have tango marathons where you can dance the night away with live music and food.
Ballroom
Paartanz Basel (various locations)
Paartanz Basel specializes in partner dancing and have courses that teach all the old-style favourites: English waltz, foxtrot, Viennese waltz, blues, discofox and the cha cha cha. They have free trials as well as beginner courses to learn the basics and then you can continue on a subscription basis. Wedding dance choreography is also available.
Tanzschule Fromm (Freie Strasse 34, 4001 Basel)
Tanzschule Fromm teaches standard and Latin American dance with several beginner and hobby- style classes. They are have several ballroom dance certifications and can provide private lessons as well.
I hope this list has given you some inspiration to go and try some new moves! It is not comprehensive, but if we have missed one of your favourites please let us know. If you have not found what you are looking for here then have a look at TanzBüro Basel which has a fantastic listing of dance courses, studios and choreographers in the Basel area as well as events for kids and adults.
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