Learn contemporary dance
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Contemporary dance is often danced in bare feet or grip socks, and built on techniques such as Cunningham, with its curves, tilts and twists of the spine, and release, which ties movement to the breath. Adult beginners' courses at major dance houses start with simple movement and build to travelling across the floor and small jumps.
Moderate£100 to £500 / $130 to $650MonthsIndoorsWith othersUK and US
What a beginners' class covers
The Place in London describes its Contemporary Introduction as a relaxed start through simple movement and creative exploration. It teaches Cunningham technique, focused on curves, tilts, twists and arches of the spine, and release technique, flowing movement linked to the breath, then moving across the floor and simple springs and jumps, with live music.
City Lit's beginners' course covers alignment, posture, spatial awareness, musicality, turns, kicks, balance and flexibility, plus conditioning exercises. It asks that you can follow spoken instructions, count rhythms and work safely in groups and pairs, and recommends basic coordination and fitness. You dance in bare feet or anti-grip socks, with long hair tied back and no jewellery.
Ways in compared
| Where | Format | Cost (as last listed) |
|---|---|---|
| The Place, London | Contemporary Introduction, 12-week autumn term for complete beginners aged 18 and over; taster session available | £196 a term; taster £18 (concessions available) |
| City Lit, London | Contemporary dance, beginners; Saturday mornings, 5 or 6 sessions, January or April 2027 | £129 (concession £90) |
| Ailey Extension, New York | Intro and Absolute Beginner drop-in classes, ages 16 and over; sold singly or in packages | $26 a studio class; $40 for a 2-class intro package; $15 online |
How to start
- Book a taster or a single beginners' class first to see whether the style suits you.
- Then sign up for a term course; The Place asks you to enrol for the whole term to secure your place.
- Wear clothes you can move and stretch in, and expect to dance in bare feet or grip socks.
Where to go
- The Place, London: Contemporary Introduction (adult beginners) UK
- City Lit, London: Contemporary dance, beginners UK
- Ailey Extension, New York: classes for beginners US
We opened these links on 10 November 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
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Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. Courses and classes have start dates and can fill up, so the plan begins with finding and booking one. Kit comes after the first session, once you know what you need.
Questions people ask
What do you wear to a contemporary dance class?
City Lit asks for clothing that does not restrict movement, bare feet or anti-grip socks, long hair tied back and no jewellery.
Can I start contemporary dance with no experience?
Yes. The Place's Contemporary Introduction is aimed at complete beginners, and Ailey Extension runs Intro classes for people who have never taken a dance class.
What techniques are taught in contemporary dance?
The Place's beginners' course teaches Cunningham technique, which works the spine through curves, tilts, twists and arches, and release technique, which links flowing movement to the breath.
Where this comes from: The Place, Contemporary Introduction with Sarah Miller; City Lit, Contemporary dance, beginners; Ailey Extension, For Beginners. Opened 10 November 2026.
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