Primal and universal, dance is one of the most potent and enduring forms of creative expression. So London - one of the world’s most creative, innovative cities - has always moved in step with every major musical and social shift, its rich cultural tapestry continuously reflected on dance floors across the capital. Going back to the courtly minuets of the Georgian era, the jazz-fuelled swing halls of the 1930s, right through to the rebel energy of punk, rave and grime, London loves to dance. Embracing all styles - traditional to contemporary, and everything in between - the city is a cultural tour de force and a perfect canvas, with its ballrooms, basements, theatres and street corners playing host to myriad forms of body movement (choreographed and spontaneous). London remains a global dance capital, processing and making sense of influences from around the world and reflecting the city’s international spirit. Whatever day of the week, you can find somewhere to dance in London. Here are our top recommendations, by genre.
SALSA & LATIN
BAR SALSA
This Shoreditch institution is London’s longest-running salsa club, blending a relaxed bar ambience with energetic Latin dance nights. Beginners and seasoned dancers are made to feel perfectly at home - it offers social salsa, bachata, and kizomba with regular classes and themed parties. Bar Salsa’s crowd are distinctly passionate about dance, and the authentic music helps create a thrilling atmosphere. You could almost be in Havana.
SANTOS
Deep in the beating heart of Soho, Santos is a specialist (and special) venue, pulsing with the rhythms of salsa, merengue, and reggaeton. Latin authenticity is unquestionable, and this intimate space is regularly packed to the rafters, pulling in a loyal crowd of dancers and musicians. Its live bands are gifted and committed, igniting the dance floor early in the evening before DJs keep the floor alive into the early hours of the morning. This is a huge favourite for those who love Latin rhythms and social dancing in Soho.
BALLROOM
THE BLOOMSBURY BALLROOM
Time travel almost feels real when you step into The Bloomsbury Ballroom: beneath the Art Deco grandeur of Victoria House in Holborn, the 1920s floods your senses. This opulent venue sets the stage for evenings of classic ballroom and Latin dance amid glittering chandeliers and gleaming wood floors. Millions of waltzes, foxtrots, tangos and cha-chas have been danced here, and The Bloomsbury Ballroom welcomes dancers of all levels, running regular social dance nights that are open to the public. These evenings are designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for beginners, and some events even include pre-dance lessons or taster sessions, making it easy for newcomers to step onto the floor with confidence in one of London’s most atmospheric and classical settings.
THE MARYLEBONE BALLROOM
Offering a modern spin on classic social dancing, The Marylebone Ballroom is chic yet inviting. Old-school glamour sets the scene - polished floors, soft lighting, etc - and keen newcomers can expect to experience a mix of formal flair and relaxed fun under the guise of professional instructors. Pre-dance classes make it easy for beginners to join in, while seasoned dancers are also accommodated: refining their steps or perfecting their frame. What is key at Marylebone is inclusivity - the atmosphere is discernibly warm and inclusive, and classes and events are regularly booked out. If you’re keen to be a spectator before taking to the floor, there are regular ballroom and Latin dance nights
CONTEMPORARY
SADLER’S WELLS
Not only is Sadler’s Wells the UK’s foremost venue for contemporary dance, it has evolved into a beacon for experimental dance across the world. Innovation takes centre stage here, with Sadler’s playing host to an astonishing roster of daring international companies, experimental choreographers, and genre-defying productions. Alongside its stunning schedule of performances, Sadler’s Wells also runs a dynamic calendar of community workshops, open rehearsals, and participatory events for all ages and experience levels. From beginner-friendly contemporary classes to professional development sessions, the theatre opens its doors to anyone drawn to dance. Based in Islington, this outstanding venue merges cultural gravitas with creative accessibility,
THE PLACE
Less high-profile than Sadler’s Wells, but just as vital, The Place is a key incubator for contemporary dance. Home to the London Contemporary Dance School, emerging talent is nurtured at this boundary-pushing Euston-based space, which expertly shapeshifts between dance studio, theatre, and creative campus - all at the same time. Beyond its stimulating public programme of live performances, there is a wide range of dance workshops, classes, and courses for all levels, and if you're a curious or nervous beginner, The Place will guide you through evening classes that span styles from contemporary and ballet to somatic practices and improvised social dancing.
SWING & JAZZ
JAMBOREE
In the 1950s, some London neighbourhoods were deeply besotted with jazz. Seven decades on, Jamboree is a little pocket of that: a flickering time-warp where swing is still very much alive and kicking. Nostalgic dancers are drawn here for myriad reasons. Its design sets the scene: charmingly shabby-chic, with worn wooden floors, candlelit tables, and vintage curiosities scattered throughout. On select evenings, it transforms into a haven for lindy-hop - the high-energy, improvisational partner dance that originated in Harlem at the height of the swing jazz era - and there are friendly taster classes led by local dance professionals that are ideal for total beginners. For those wanting to dance without instruction or guidance, full-band sets from the likes of The Cable Street Rag Band get everyone moving, and there is a real sense of occasion.
Regardless of motivation or temptation - performance, fitness, self-improvement, pure escapism - dance continues to be a vital thread for so many in the rhythm of London life.
