The Dance Complex

Three-floored community with a variety of dance classes. Came here on a Saturday for an impromptu Samba dance class at 1:30pm. It’s just one stop away on the red line from Harvard, so it’s a convenient option for students. It’s $15 for the samba class, but they’ll take cash and credit card. There’s a Santander right across the street if you need an ATM, since some of the classes are cash only. Note for Bank of America cardholders, there is a $3 ATM fee. There is a gender neutral bathroom available The 1:30-3pm Samba class was super fun. It was my first time doing Samba, but the teacher was super energetic and there are plenty of other beginners so you don’t have to feel awkward. You can put your stuff on the right hand side along the wall, and there’s plenty of mirror space so you can watch yourself shake it. There were people of all ages and it was good vibes all around. It started with a warm up and then payment, and then the actual Samba class. There was even a live band that played while we danced. At the end, there was a dance circle and everyone left sweaty but happy. The dance center overall is a cool spot and you can try out a number of different dance styles and classes no matter what age you are. I noticed on the bulletin board they have kid classes as well.

The Dance Complex is great! They're a nonprofit organization that's really into keeping performing arts alive. It's a big place with a great vibe. There's a very comfortable down to earth atmosphere, and although there are advanced dancers there, you can be brand new to dance, and/or be older or heavier and you WON'T feel awkward there. Most of the classes and students are beginner to intermediate. There's a huge variety of classes offered there & you can view the class schedule on their website. Most of the class rooms are rented out by the hour to various instructors or companies, so you'd most likely be paying the instructor or their assistant. I point this out because people frequently ask why they can't sign up online. So the instructor is renting the room, and the students are paying the instructor, NOT the Dance Complex. I suggest you look at their schedule online and if you see a class you're interested in, click through to the description and you'll see how to sign up and whether a class is drop-in or session based. If the class you're interested in is a drop in class, then don't worry about the logistics of signing up & paying in advance, just show up, bring cash with you, and the instructor or their aide will help you & get you all set up. If you have any interest in dance but you're nervous because you have no experience, then THIS is the place to go! If you are new to dance, don't worry, you won't walk into a scary environment with professional dancers everywhere looking at you; instead you'll see many beginners, and people of all different sizes, races, ages and no one there is judgemental. Dance on!

Great location but not really great from inside. Good: 1 the location. Right into Central square connecting to bus and train. 2 price and classes: thrle salsa class I got deal on Groupon had 50% off and the instructor is super amazing. Bad: 1. The entire building is super old. Not enough space for crowd waiting for next class, the bathrooms smells worse than public restrooms. And changing rooms are joined with those smelly toilets. 2. Noise: People out from other classes are totally inconsiderate of other classes going and make so much noise that almost impossible to listen to your instructor. Sadly management doesn't care about it 3. Building quality: building is not meant for dance classes as the windows shake due to dancea going on a floor above you and the noise of footsteps are completely distracting. Will I consider going for a class next time? Yes. If I get 50% off deal then I will. No. If I am paying good amount of money for the classes.

Great place to learn dance. The atmosphere is very laid back. You just show up and pay the teacher directly. Sometimes the price is a little different than what's stated on the website though. Every teacher has been very friendly and supportive, even if it turns out their class isn't the right style/level for you. Classes seem to have regular crowds attending, so the class does progress over the course of the semester while remaining friendly to drop-ins. Highly recommended!

How is it that I lived in Central Square for a year and a half and never checked out Dance Complex? I'm glad I finally did because they offer a ton of great classes at very affordable prices. I also appreciate the flexibility to drop in as my schedule allows without making a long-term commitment. Some teachers offer a discount punch card, too.

I find that the Dance Complex feels like the local community centers of my childhood- a bit ramshackle, but very functional for its purpose and full of friendly people of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds. It serves in a way an Equinox would never want to. Over the years, I've taken Haitian, West African, Nia, and Modern here and felt I was in a safe and supportive environment to move and express myself. The instructors are widely varied yet consistently skilled and inclusive, and for most classes there is great flexibility for dropping in when you are able given challenging work or personal schedule demands. I would definitely recommend if you feel you are lacking in community and/or need to find a place to move without judgement.

Reminds one of stereotypical, old fashioned dance studios with winding wooden stairs and exposed brick. Lovely building. A couple weird spots in the Studio 3 floor but nothing crazy. Easy to find, bike rack out front, lots of street parking.

classes are good to ok if you can get past the smell of the bathrooms. I have taken a few and almost never have to pay, just walk in and go to class. No one running the place.

Idk why someone said that the bathrooms small cuz it doesn't and is actually SUPER neat. Everyone is really nice and supportive. The classes are killers! Totally recommend~