A bustling, fast-paced, international city which embraces different cultures from all over the world. Although Shanghai is the main hub in China for professional dancers, I was amazed by the amount of dance classes that were readily accessible for beginners also. During my solo travels in March 2019, I was able to check out different dance studios in this remarkable city. Obtaining information about these dance studios from online is very limited, due to no access to Google Search. The predominant form of communication in China is via WeChat, and I recommend you to download the app before you travel. However, I hope this blog helps you answer your questions and you find the best classes for you to enjoy.
1. GH5 Dance (IG: @gh5dancestudio)
LOCATION: GH5 is located in the Huayang Road residential district of Shanghai. The nearest subway station is Zhongshan Park which is accessible from Line 2 (Green), Line 3 (Yellow) and Line 4 (Purple). From there, it is about a 10 minute walk to the studio, which is located in a shopping mall called ‘Snoic International Plaza’. Look out for Costa coffee shop and CoCo Bubble Tea, and you will find the studio based on the fourth floor.
CLASS TIMETABLE: The class timetable can be found via their WeChat page (@GH5DanceStudio). I would recommend adding their contact (@GH5Family01) to find out their weekly schedule of classes. There are an array of classes of all different styles from both local and international choreographers. For example, Contemporary, Basic Jazz, Hip Hop, Locking, DanceHall and more. The level of class is divided by ‘stars’, with one star meaning beginner and up to three stars for advanced level. Classes run all day from 13:30 until 22:00, so it is great to work yourself around and plan which classes you want to take.
CLASS FEE: The class fee for one class is roughly 200 RMB. Payments in China are predominantly made via WeChat pay. However, if you are coming from another country, like myself, then I would recommend having cash on hand to pay for the classes. The studio did not accept my UK visa card, therefore I had to take out cash at a nearby ATM. GH5 Studio provide class packs which can be most ideal if you are planning on staying in Shanghai for a month or so.
MY EXPERIENCE: I took two classes at GH5 Dance Studio. I was fortunate enough to take a Jazz Funk class from international professional dancer, Anna Soul (@annasouldancer), and Wiik Symphony locker, David’s class (@davidyeyin).
2. Millennium Dance Complex (https://www.millennium-china.com)
Location: Millennium Dance Complex Shanghai is located in the Hongkou district of Shanghai. The nearest subway station is Hailun Road which is accessible from Line 4 (Purple), and Line 10 (Lilac). From there, it is about a 10 minute walk to the studio, which is located in an absolutely fascinating building called ‘1933 Laoyangfang’. The building used to be a slaughterhouse, which has now been redeveloped into a complex of restaurants and shops.
Class Timetable: There are an array of classes of all different styles from both local and international choreographers. Millennium also hosts a ‘Guest’ international choreographer who teaches at the studio for a few months. Whilst I was visiting, heels choreographer Anthony Nakhle (@anthonynakhle9), famous for assisting Yanis Marshall, was teaching at the studio. The class is 1 hour and 15 minutes long and the level of class is divided by ‘stars’, with one star meaning beginner and up to three stars for advanced level. The class schedule of classes can be found on their website (https://www.millennium-china.com/faculty)
Class Fee: As mentioned previously, payments in China are predominantly made via WeChat pay. Therefore, I recommend bringing cash along with you. Millennium provides a Pass Card in which customers can add credit to the pre-paid account and use for up to 6 months. There is also a limited edition VIP membership card where there is no limit for regular courses and includes discount on clothing and masterclasses.
My Experience: My first visit to Millennium Shanghai was in April 2018, but unfortunately, I did not have time to take any classes. However, during my trip in March 2019, I took a heels class from Sasha DS (@sasha_ds) who was covering for Sasha Fierce (@1sashafierce1).
3. 5KM (IG: @5km_dancestudio)
Location: 5KM have a total of five dance studios in Shanghai. You can find a 5KM studio in the Putuo, Huangpu and Changning districts. To find out the address of each studio, it is best to contact them via WeChat ‘keepmoving5KM’.
Class Timetable: 5KM have a regular class timetable with local and international choreographers. They offer ‘special courses’ each month whereby they invite world class choreographers to teach workshops and masterclasses, so keep an eye out on their instagram page for more information (@5km_dancestudio).
Class Fee: As mentioned previously, payments in China are predominantly made via WeChat pay. Therefore, I recommend bringing cash along with you. Regular classes are roughly 200RMB, but workshops and masterclasses range in price depending on the choreographer.
My Experience: I took class at 5KM studio in Huaihaidian. The nearest subway station is West Nanjing Road which is accessible from Line 12 (Green), Line 2 (Light Green) and Line 13 (Pink). The studio is located on the fourth floor of a shopping mall called ‘Paris Spring’. Here, I took my friend’s class, Rob Mclean (@robjamesmclean), who came over from Australia as a guest choreographer.
4. Other studios
There are many dance studios in Shanghai, so it was difficult to visit them all in just one week. However, I did manage to visit Caster (@caster_family), located in the Mercedes Benz Arena, and I took two classes at a new studio called SYNC (@syncdancestudio_sh). I would highly recommend SYNC if you are a locker or a popper. The studio is within the subway station, Caoxi Road which is on Line 3 (Yellow). I was fortunate to take class from WiikSymphony lockers, Pro (@pro4052) and Don (@don_capslock_wiikfamily).
Good luck on your dance journey in Shanghai! For any enquiries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
The Dancing Nomad 