Through ongoing drop-in classes and workshop-style Courses, SADC runs over 40 offerings a week for adult students. Whether you're brand new to dance or dancing at the professional level, we have classes for everyone of all ages, levels, and styles.
We offer classes both in-person and online at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center and BANDALOOP Studios. Check the schedule below for a complete list of classes.
Dir. of Education and Operations: Bianca Cabrera
Questions? Scroll down for our FAQ and contact adults@shawl-anderson.org for adult program inquiries.
For new students to the Center, give 3 classes a try for only $30!
Our ongoing dance classes run on a drop-in basis, while our 4-Week Courses begin at the start of every month. View our schedule below and click "book now" to learn more about a class.
To view our drop-in class schedule: Select "Classes" tab on the top left side
To view our 4-week Courses: Select "Courses" tab on the top left side
SADC is dedicated to offering financial accessibility for all. We run three programs to support adult learners. Click below for more.
SADC offers introductory-level Courses throughout the year in modern, ballet, jazz, and other dance forms. Perfect for those new to dance or those returning after a long break, these workshop-style offerings are a great way to learn the basics of dance and dance class structure in a safe, supportive environment with other new dancers. Courses require advance registration for the entirety of the 4-week module.
Our beginning-level classes ask for 1-3 years recent prerequisite dance experience or to have attended an Intro Course in that dance style. We recommend attending a Course before joining the drop-in program for a new-to-you dance style.
If you're still uncertain about placement, check out our placement guidelines, the class description of the class you are interested in, and reach out to adults@shawl-anderson.org with inquiries.
Classes will vary by style and format. A typical class will include a warm up, some stretching, and a movement phrase that travels across the room. Classes typically culminate in learning and practicing a short movement sequence known as a “combination." Our classes all run for 1.5 hours unless otherwise stated.
A Course is a 4-week workshop-style offering that allows students to delve deeply into the world of movement. Students can expect to learn the fundamentals of their chosen style in a safe, supportive educational environment with other like-minded students. The small classes sizes, supportive teachers, and community-centered ethos of SADC make it a uniquely special place to foster your growth as a dancer. While our drop-in class program runs continuously and allows dancers to come and go as they please, our Courses run on a 4-week basis and require full attendance.
Number one, we want you to feel comfortable moving. A t-shirt, tank top, or sports top are all great options. Leggings, shorts, or stretchy pants are suggested. As the weather gets cooler, layers that can easily be removed can be helpful. A long sleeve shirt is recommended for classes where there may be floorwork. Depending on the dance style, students will take class barefoot, in socks, or with a dedicated pair of indoor-only shoes, such as ballet shoes, jazz shoes, or dance sneakers.
Stay hydrated and remember to bring a water bottle!
The first step to registering for classes is to create an account in Momence
Add a form of payment to your account. We encourage you to link your bank account through ACH Direct Debit in order to save on processing fees. Credit and debit accepted. SADC is a cash-less establishment.
Once you have an account set up, navigate to the adult schedule via our website or the SADC app (search "SADC" in your app store) and select your offerings.
Our regularly-scheduled adult classes run on a drop-in basis, which means that dancers can drop into a class on a given day. Registration ahead of time is strongly encouraged as classes often fill. Dancers can purchase a single class, or purchase a 5 or 10 class package at a discount.
Courses typically run for 4-weeks and require advance registration ahead of time. See below for more info on Courses.
For our drop-in class schedule, we offer the 3 for $30 New Adult Student Intro Offer for adult students who are new to our studio. For our Courses, we allow trials on the first day of the Course only at $28/class, no refunds permitted. This $28 will go towards the total cost of the Course should you choose to continue.
Our classes take place at our flagship studio location at 2704 Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley CA 94705 and BANDALOOP Studios at 1601 18th St, Oakland CA 94607. Please check your class registration carefully before attending.
Account credit is sometimes referred to as "money credits" or as a membership within our booking system Momence. Account credit is funds within your Momence account that you can use to purchase single classes, class packages, Courses, and rentals. Account credit is non-refundable, and does not expire. You can also gift account credit in the form of our Gift Cards.
We offer payment plans for any purchase $100 or greater. Select "payment plan" upon checkout of your order. Contact adults@shawl-anderson.org for assistance with applying account credit towards a payment plan.
If you want to connect with a teacher, please arrive 10 minutes early and let the front desk know you would like to check in with the teacher. SADC encourages all students to modify class content as necessary to fit their needs.
Feedback is always welcome. Complete our Online Feedback Form.
Receive weekly program updates from Shawl-Anderson Dance Center about adult classes, workshops, performances, events, and general studio updates. You can also opt-in to our youth and Queering Dance Festival newsletters.
