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Beginner Contemporary Dance Course in Sheffield

Curious about contemporary dance? Our five-week Beginner Contemporary Dance Course is a welcoming introduction for adults with little or no dance experience. It’s a great way to explore movement, express yourself and discover what your body can do.

Course details

  • What: Beginner Contemporary Dance Course in Sheffield

  • Where: Hype Dance, 60 Upper Allen St, Sheffield, S3 7GL

  • Next courses start: 16th November

  • Time: 20:10–21:10

  • Duration: 5 weeks

  • Price: £32.50 for the full course (just £6.50 per class), booked and paid in advance. Finish your course and your first Level 1 class is free.

  • Who: Ages 17+, no previous experience needed

I have gone from having absolutely no confidence and no skill, to being full of confidence and having great technique!

Beginner course student

Feeling nervous? You’re in good company

We hear from lots of people who are nervous about starting, and that’s completely normal. Everyone on the course is a beginner starting together, so there’s no one to keep up with and nothing to prove. Contemporary is all about finding your own way of moving, so there’s no “right” body or background for it. Our teachers have been welcoming adult beginners for over 20 years and will make sure you feel at ease from the very first class.

What you’ll learn

You’ll explore the building blocks of contemporary technique, including breath, weight, flow and floor work, along with simple travelling sequences. Each week builds on the last, with space to try things out and individual guidance along the way. By the final week, you’ll put everything together into a short piece of choreography.

Contemporary dance is brilliant for strength, flexibility, coordination and memory, and it’s a wonderful way to switch off, express yourself and feel more at home in your body.

The course is taught by Lauren Aizlewood-Clow, one of our experienced professionals, with a fun and engaging approach.

Adult beginners folding forward with their hands on the floor in a contemporary dance class at Hype Dance's Sheffield studio.
Close-up of a dancer in a contemporary class, leaning back with their head tilted up and their arms open wide.
Adult beginners in a contemporary dance class at Hype Dance's Sheffield studio, leaning forward with their arms out to the sides in front of the mirror.

What happens after the course?

Finish your course and your first Level 1 class is free. After five weeks, you’ll have all the skills you need to join our Level 1 Contemporary class, a drop-in class on Mondays where you can keep building your technique at your own pace.

Fancy trying a different style?

We also run five-week beginner courses in ballet and tap, with the same friendly, supportive approach, and everyone starting together.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear?

Comfy clothes you can move in, such as leggings or joggers and a t-shirt. Contemporary is usually danced barefoot, so there’s no need for special shoes.

We suggest bringing a water bottle along to class – you can refill it here too.

Do I need to be flexible?

Not at all. Flexibility is something contemporary helps you develop over time, not something you need before you start.

Am I too old, or not fit enough?

Not at all. Our beginners come in all ages, shapes and fitness levels, and everything is taught at a pace that suits the group.

I’ve danced before, but years ago. Is this right for me?

Yes. The course is ideal for refreshing your technique before moving on to our Level 1 class.

What if I can’t make all five weeks?

Just get in touch before booking. You’ll only pay for the classes you can attend.

Can I join after the course has started?

Yes, you can join at any point, though we recommend starting no later than week two so you don’t miss too much.

What happens when I arrive?

Press the buzzer to the left of the black doors and let us know which class you’re here for. When you hear the buzz, push the door and head up the stairs. The waiting area is on the left at the top.

If you need to get changed, there’s a changing space just through the waiting area. Please bring a clean pair of shoes to wear in the studio, especially in autumn and winter when it can be muddy outside.

Then take a seat in the waiting area and your teacher will come and collect you when it’s time to start. Bring your belongings into the studio with you, where there are hooks for bags and coats.

We suggest arriving about 10 minutes early for your first class, so there’s no rush.

Can I change my booking or get a refund?

We don’t usually offer refunds on courses, except in exceptional circumstances, but get in touch with us as we’re always happy to help you move your booking to a future course.

How do I get here, and is there parking?

We’re at 60 Upper Allen St, Shalesmoor, S3 7GL, a short walk from Sheffield city centre. Our contact page has full details on how to get to us, including travel and parking information.