MANILA, Philippines – After more than a decade as a high-pressure bank director, Mace Cosme was no stranger to mental gymnastics. But stepping into a San Juan dance studio — one of around 30 active ones in Manila — completely shifted his perspective.
“Joining classes isn’t just a stress reliever from work,” he told Rappler. “With no dance background, it’s also a mental workout as I have to quickly focus and memorize the steps.”
Cosme’s experience aligns with recent studies showing that structured dance, regardless of style, is just as effective as other forms of exercise in boosting mental and cognitive health.
For Luigi Estepa, a choreographer and competitive dancer of five years, classes are all about refining his technique.
“I take classes mainly to improve my skills and choose them based on the instructors,” he shared. “For instance, I look for coaches who specialize in flow movement to enhance my fluidity. If I want to focus on grooves, I seek instructors with solid hip-hop backgrounds.”
But it’s not just the classes that draw him in.
“The studio comes second,” Estepa expounded. “There are certain spaces where I feel more comfortable because of their design, atmosphere, and the strong sense of community they foster.”
In Manila’s thriving dance scene, the right studio can make all the difference. Whether you’re a beginner like Cosme or a seasoned dancer like Estepa, these studios offer styles and communities for every level!
Bent Studio: For channeling your inner K-pop idol
K-pop dance covers are treated as an art form at the newly opened Bent Studio. With 13 years of experience performing live and on YouTube, owner Ela Bendaña ensures her team goes beyond teaching choreography, guiding students to embody idols’ movements, and capturing their mannerisms, ad-libs, and lyrical nuances — all while encouraging students to maintain their own style.
As avid K-pop fans, Bendaña and her team keep their classes fresh and engaging by staying on top of the latest song releases and comebacks. “We choose songs and choreography we genuinely enjoy so it resonates with our students,” she said.
Aside from offering K-pop dance cover classes, Bent Studio collaborates with choreographers specializing in various dance styles. The studio also provides rental space and dance videography services.
- Location: Suite 308, J&F Divino Arcade, Aurora Blvd., Quirino 3-A, Quezon City
- Pre-registration rate: starts at P400 per class
- Contact: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
ef Dance Studios Dance Block: For veteran dancers looking to further their craft
When architects Anne Eustaquio and Ding Flores founded ef Studios Dance Block in 2016, their vision was to create a space where intermediate dancers could confidently explore complex choreographies.
“Advanced classes can be overwhelming, but we encourage students to see them as opportunities to learn something new,” said Eustaquio. “Our coaches challenge them in a way that helps them realize they’re capable of things they’ve never tried before.”
Movement artist Carly Geluz embraces this approach by designing routines that push students out of their comfort zones. “My choreography guides students to step beyond their limits,” said Geluz, an electrical engineer by day. “I always break down unfamiliar steps to make them more approachable.”
ef Studios Dance Block also offers STUDIO SHARE, allowing students and teachers to practice together at a lower cost than renting the entire studio, encouraging more training outside regular class hours.
- Location: 2F, #14 N. Domingo St. Valencia, Quezon City
- Pre-registration rate: starts at P350 per class
- Contact: Facebook, Instagram
Full Out Studios: For absolute beginners with zero dance background
Questions from walk-in clients, such as “Can we handle the choreography?” or “What if we don’t know how to dance?” inspired Full Out Studios’ founding team to create the Learners Class, specifically designed for students with no dance experience. The class focuses on developing a solid understanding of basic choreography at a slower, more comfortable pace.
In addition to the intro-level class, co-owner and artistic director Marc Devon introduced The Experience, which takes a more in-depth approach. It emphasizes detailed teaching, focusing on technique, execution, and stage performance in a holistic manner.
“We don’t just teach and rush everyone out when time’s up because the students’ learning is our priority,” Devon explained.
Full Out Studios also offers the longest class duration compared to other studios, where most sessions last only an hour to an hour and a half.
- Location: 3F, 180 A. Mabini Street, Addition Hills, San Juan
- Pre-registration rate: starts at P400 per class
- Contact: Facebook, Instagram
GC Studios: For those looking for a variety of dance styles
Dance coach Doojie Abad describes open-style choreography as a mixed bag of dance styles within a routine.
“Each song reflects the teacher’s unique interpretation of the music,” said Abad, who has specialized in open-style choreography at GC Studios for the past few years. “The choreography often incorporates storytelling and creative movements, focusing on the rhythm, lyrics, and beats.”
By exposing students to diverse techniques, Abad believes open-style classes help them discover their natural movement, a key step in building confidence.
Director and owner Shayna Young-Rivera agreed, adding: “Our vision is to create a safe space for choreographers to develop their style and for dancers to discover their identity. Many of our current coaches were once students here. It’s a full-circle moment!”
GC Studios, a staple in the dance community, has been around for 18 years, offering dancers a space to explore and develop their craft.
- Location: 104 13th Ave, Cubao, Quezon City
- Pre-registration rate: starts at P350 per class
- Contact: Facebook, Instagram
Nude Floor: For strengthening dance foundations and choreography fundamentals
Consistency over intensity — that’s what Kristina Cabochan emphasizes in all her foundational classes at Nude Floor.
Her weekly sessions at the Makati studio focus on the basics of groove, party dance, and Cambellocking, a funky dance style with quick, sharp movements where dancers “lock” their body into position, pause, and then move again. For Cabochan, the goal is to make learning accessible, digestible, and rewarding.
“The best way to make dance foundations enjoyable is to meet students where they are,” she said. “I always set clear goals and objectives for each class because you can’t teach everything at once.”
Beyond locking, Nude Floor offers foundational classes in other styles like hip-hop, waacking, contemporary, jazz, and house — all taught by respective dance style experts and street dance veterans.
- Location: 3F Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati
- Pre-registration rate: starts at P700 per class; first-time passes at P1,100 for three classes.
- Contact: Facebook, Instagram
The Addlib Dance Studio: For mastering stage presence and confidence
Multifaceted artist Joe Abuda, known for competing overseas and performing in sold-out shows with top artists, founded The Addlib Dance Studio (TADS) in 2018. Their vision was to create a space for those who find refuge in dance, especially working professionals who love dancing but must prioritize their day jobs.
“At TADS, our focus is on fostering a genuine love for the craft — not just for social media views but to make each dance class a meaningful experience,” Abuda said.
This philosophy was fully displayed at their recent Rainbow Gala, an open-floor showcase where TADS’ regular students prepared and performed their own pieces. Abuda and the other instructors encouraged students to explore various themes and genres, offering previews before the show to help refine their performances.
“It’s about healing, having fun, and building real confidence on stage,” they added.
- Location: 2F New Frontier Theatre Arcade, 7 Gen. Malvar Ave. cor Times Square Ave., Araneta City, Barangay Socorro, Cubao
- Pre-registration rate: starts at P350 per class
- Contact: Facebook, Instagram
Zero Studio: For learning choreography that resonates beyond trends
A quick look at dancehall instructor Trisha Martin’s choreography of Skusta Clee’s “Lagabog” shows it has 10.2 million views on TikTok. Her colleague Jolo Santos’ “Rodeo” dance challenge sits at 6.5 million on the same platform. At the same time, Afro-style teachers Katrina Turo and Chael Ablaza’s “Rush” by Arya Starr have racked up 1.4 million.
These dances, born in their classes, have transcended borders, with dancers worldwide joining in. The common thread? They were all taught at their home base, Zero Studio.
“I don’t create routines to go viral,” Martin said when asked about the secret sauce to trending dances. “I focus on making something that feels good to dance. If it goes viral, that’s just a bonus. My goal is to create something genuine that anyone can enjoy.”
She added that Zero Studio is more than just a dance space — it’s a community where people of all levels, genders, and ages feel welcome. The positive energy creates an environment where everyone can grow and be inspired.
Jaja Bordado, Martin’s teammate and core member of the award-winning A Team, highlighted how Zero Studio’s “growing or nothing” philosophy creates a safe, supportive space for dancers.
“It allows students to start from nothing and grow into whoever they want to be,” she explained. “Zero Studio has become a home for both choreographers and dancers to share, learn, and develop their craft.”
- Locations: No. 37 Sct. Borromeo St. Baragany South Triangle, Quezon City | 1/F Greenfield Tower, Mandaluyong
- Pre-registration rate: starts at P350 per class
- Contact: Facebook, Instagram
– Rappler.com
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