Seoul was always on my bucket list for dance travel. It is renowned for its famous choreographers and incredible dance talent. You may have seen the videos pop up on your Instagram search, showcasing choreography from the world famous studio ‘1 Million’. In March 2019, I was fortunate to take several classes during my week of dance travel in Seoul. Here, I can share my dance journey with you and help you find the best dance studios in this incredible city.
1. 1Million Dance (http://www.1milliondance.com)
LOCATION: 1 Million Dance Studio is located in the Seolleung district of Seoul. The nearest subway station is Seoulleung in which you have to transfer from Line 2 (Green line) and take the Bundang Line (Yellow Line). The studio is relatively easy to find and along route, you can find an ATM, convenience stores and independent cafes. Click here for the exact location: http://www.1milliondance.com/contact
CLASS TIMETABLE: The schedule changes every week, so it’s best to do your research on each choreographer to find out their dance style and when they are teaching. There are just five classes a day, which are divided into Beginner and Regular level, and explore a range of dance styles. It is best to add their Instagram account (@1milliondance) to find out which classes are ‘New’ choreography, ‘Part 2’ of previous choreography or when they will take a ‘Video’ of the choreography during the class. The schedule of classes can be found via their website: http://www.1milliondance.com/class
CLASS FEE: Cash and card is accepted. I paid for classes using my UK visa debit card (Reminder: Don’t forget to tell your bank that you’ll be using it abroad!). One class costs 35,000 KRW, but you can purchase class packs which are money saving and ideal if you are planning on staying for a long period of time. The class packs can be purchased online: http://www.1milliondance.com/pricing
MY EXPERIENCE: I took two classes at 1Million Dance in which both classes were ‘urban dance’ style choreography. I was fortunate enough to take May J Lee’s class (@mayj517) and a collaboration class between Mina Myoung (@minamyoung) and Shawn (@shawn_hsh).
2. Soul Dance (https://www.souldancekr.com)
LOCATION: The nearest subway station to Soul Dance is Sadang which is located on Line 2 (Green Line). In my opinion, the studio isn’t clearly signposted. To help you, I have attached a picture of the sign which is found on the corner of the building – keep an eye out! Along route, you can find a number of convenience stores and local restaurants. Click here for the exact location: https://www.souldancekr.com/contact
CLASS TIMETABLE: Similar to 1Million Dance, the class schedule changes every week, so it is best to do your research on each choreographer to find out their dance style and when they are teaching. There are ONLY two classes a day which last 1 hour and 20 minutes; one at 7pm and the other at 8:30pm. It is best to add their Instagram account (@souldancekr) to check out videos of their classes. The schedule of classes can be found via their website: https://www.souldancekr.com/class
CLASS FEE: One class costs 30,000 KRW, but you can purchase class packs of 4, 8 and 12 which are money saving and ideal if you are planning on staying in Seoul for a while.
MY EXPERIENCE: Although I visited the studio, unfortunately I did not have time to take any classes there.
3. Just Jerk Dance Academy (http://jerkdemy.com)
ABOUT: Just Jerk Dance Academy was opened by Korea’s most famous Urban Dance Crew ‘Just Jerk Crew’ (@justjerkcrew). They appeared on season 12 of America’s Got Talent TV Show in which they were eliminated in the quarter finals.
LOCATION: The nearest subway station to the studio is Hapjeoung Exit 3 which can be found on Line 2 (Green Line) and Line 6 (Orange Line). The studio is easy to find and is very well signed (see picture below). It is surrounded by quirky independent coffee shops – so I would recommend making enough time to explore the area also. The staff at the reception are super friendly and they will help show you around the studio. The studio has two cats which are super cute, but beware if you are cat allergic!
CLASS TIMETABLE: The regular class schedule changes every week, so it’s best to do your research on each choreographer to find out their dance style and when they are teaching. There are just five classes a day, which explore a range of dance styles. It is best to add their Instagram account (@justjerkdanceacademy) to find out which classes are new choreography, previous choreography or when they will shoot a video of the choreography during the class. Not only does the studio provide regular classes, but ‘Professional’ masterclasses are also offered, such as; Rhythm Training, Physical Training, Freestyle Training and Creation Training. The schedule of regular classes and professional masterclasses can be found via their website: http://jerkdemy.com/16
CLASS FEE: One class costs 30,000 KRW, but you can purchase class packs which are money saving and ideal if you are planning on staying for a long period of time. The class packs consist of 5, 10 and unlimited.
MY EXPERIENCE: I enjoyed taking Redlic’s (@redlic_haeun95) class which had a ‘K-Pop’ feel. Her choreography was super sexy and to a Korean song. She also teaches Heels – look out for when she is teaching!
Other Studios:
There are many other reputable studios in South Korea, but it depends which style you’re looking for! I was fortunate enough to take a class with South Korea’s locking legend, Locking Khan (@lockingkhan) at PD Dance Studio (@pd_dance_studio), and I also learnt from one of the best lockers of this generation, Luna Yuna (@luna.yuna) at Cosmic Space (@cosmicspace2019). Other studios you can check out in Seoul are; LJ Dance Studio (@ljdancestudio), Play the Urban (@playtheurban), OFD (@ofd_onlyforward) and Viva Dance Studio (@viva_dance_studio).
Good Luck on your dance journey in Seoul! For any enquiries, please don’t hesitate to get in contact!
The Dancing Nomad 