Urban Beat Dance Company

At age 50+ this was my very first dance lessons. I signed up for Pussy Cat Doll (PCD) to get my sexy back and have an enjoyable form of exercise. It has done all that for me. It forces me to get «out of my head» and into my body. I have a new appreciation for the divine feminine and the expression of that through dance. In 8 classes I have visibly toned all my muscles. My sister-​in-​law hadn’t seen me since I started and yesterday she complimented how nice & toned my arms are looking. Teacher Karoline Dania really rocks! She is an amazingly talented dancer and has the skill to break down the moves so they are easy to learn. Her positive attitude and energy are infectious. It’s extremely affordable too; 8 weeks for under $ 100 with tax. I’m signing up for the next session!

After a lifetime of being the shy AV geek who would always be happy to DJ rather than dance, I decided it was time to change that. A google search for swing dance Vancouver led me to Urban Beat’s website where I signed up for both West Coast Swing Level 1 as well Club Freestyle.
After a brief panic attack the night before my first class (what am I doing going to a partner dancing class without a partner when I can’t dance???) I walked in and was soooo glad I did.
Instruction was great, partners rotate in Swing Dance class so it’s a great way to meet people, and the dancing is just plain fun. Extra bonus is if you sign up for Tuesday or Sunday class, you can attend the other no charge, gives schedule flexibility and or extra value.
6 months later having progressed through 3 levels of swing classes (2 months each) I’d have to say it’s one of the best decisions I made… which is why I still go to expand my dancing abilities.
The Club Freestyle has also proved useful having found myself on a dance floor or two, as well as adding style to my swing dance.
Highly highly highly recommended!

My partner and I have taken West Coast Swing here and it was really well taught. Pamela is exceptional both in her skill level and her ability to teach. We repeated the same course and were charged half price. Now that is more than fair!
I really like this place. One feels at home no matter your age or dancing ability. We took lessons from others, but this studio is a keeper.

Pro:
— Cheaper than Harbour Dance. But seriously they are very affordable. I took PCD and each session (7 classes) is $ 80. On top of that, most sessions runs twice a week concurrently, and you get to go to both classes without paying extra! More practice!
— Large studio. Spacious. Big mirrors.
— The instructor Angela Amici is very patient and will break down & repeat each dance step until everyone gets it. Could be a bit tedious for those who are more seasoned dancers though. Last time I was there we learned 3 routines to 3 new songs in the 7 weeks. I think she teaches a new routine in each class now.
Con:
— It’s in the heart of Granville entertainment district so parking is a hassle if you drive.
— They don’t have an office there. Communication/​registration is done by emails.
— Lacks ventilation. There are no windows so smell is factor.

In a desperate attempt to bring sexy back, I signed up for the Pussycat Dolls dance class at Urban Beat Dance Company about a year ago. I’m admitting this slightly sheepishly, but the class was a blast and I just had to put my two cents in. The best part about it? There was no Pussycat Dolls music! Just a lot of sassy, booty-​shakin’ hip-​hop.
This dance company is conveniently located one floor beneath Harbour Dance in a beautiful heritage building on Granville St. The thing that really struck me was just how affordable their dance classes are, and the fact that they’re so darn flexible. They allow you to double your classes at no extra cost: if you sign up for a session that occurs weekly on Tuesday, and the same class is also taught on Thursdays, you can go to both sessions for the same price. That’s pretty amazing, and a great deal if you’re committed.
The teacher was very friendly, and I found that the beginner classes are better suited to true beginners than the Harbour Dance classes upstairs. This is a great little studio to check out if you’re interested to try your hand (or feet?) at dancing for the first time.

My love of dance and my less than stellar dancing shoes (that being, my feet) required me to consider taking professional dancing lessons if I were to really make an effort in becoming the dancing queen I have hoped for… or some version thereof!
Fortunately for me, Urban Beat Dance Company boasts some of the best and most critically acclaimed dance teachers around, founders Graeme and Elizabeth Oxendale, amongst others. While the school offers a variety of different dance classes at different levels, from hip hop, funky swing and pussycat doll style, my boyfriend and I were yearning to learn some sexy Latin style salsa dance.
The group dance environment that allows everyone, single or otherwise the opportunity to dance with a partner, is a successful teaching method. I have to admit though, that as another half of a couple who doesn’t get to see her other half as often as she’d like to, I would now prefer to do private lessons instead of dancing with often nervous and sweaty strangers. Regardless of that, the classes were always fun, entertaining and humbling and honestly, if you’re looking for a partner (of any sort…) this really is a great environment for meeting new people!
The classes are very well priced and offer the highest form of flexibility to suit your very busy schedules. THE place to go for couples dance!