Pineapple

Probably the worst ballet class I’ve ever taken in my life! I have been training full-​time at an elite classical ballet school in NYC. I decided to take a beginners class since I am recovering from an injury and just had a substantial break. The class was supposedly taught by the owner/​founder of the studio, but it was actually taught by a substitute, with absolutely zero notice. I can very confidently state that this substitute does not have nearly as much knowledge as I, a teenage ballet student, do. He was neither serious nor professional at all — he did not even understand the fundamental characteristics of some of the most basic ballet steps. The most frequently used word during the class was «nice.» Meanwhile, facilities are quite old too. The space is very cramped. All in all, do not take ballet classes here unless you know a specific teacher and you know that he/​she will actually be teaching. I recommend Danceworks near Mayfair, if you are looking for serious ballet classes.

Like dancing in an overcrowded sauna. I’m glad this place exists but the owners obviously don’t care about the dancers. There isn’t any AC nor windows. I often leave feeling sick. Unfortunately, it is one of the only places to do multiple dance classes.
The teachers vary. I’m a beginner so I’ve mainly tried all the beginners classes (most of them– at least 15 different ones). Some teach technique, however most do not. There are so many dancers at Pineapple that have been at it since a young age that the teachers are a bit lazy. Some teachers do not even speak or explain anything. It’s just routine, routine routine. If that’s your learning style than Pineapple would suit. But I feel, having been to at least 10 other dance studios, routine is not a great way to learn. I think focusing on a few basic moves every class would be useful. Worse, some waste your time with crunches, planks, and push-​ups. Which would be fine, but what is a 20 second plank really going to do for anybody? I feel they aren’t up to date with the latest fitness research. I wouldn’t even mind the crunches but they take up so much time for little effect, and after all that useless exercise, you might get 20 minutes of actual dancing in many classes.
On a positive note, there’s plenty of variety. And the hourly timings mean you can pile on multiple dance classes in a day. Drop-​in means that you can commit and minor interferences from work/​personal life aren’t hurting your budget.
Some classes are amazing but I’m hesitant to say which ones. The few inches of space to breathe will be gone.
A year on: After trying every dance studio and over 30 different dance classes (many at Pineapple) in town I finally found Ruggieri Academy. That is only place where you learn how to dance if you’re a beginner. Pineapple is for people who already knopw how to dance. But if you’re looking to learn don’t waste your time/​money. Go somewhere that will show you technique. These guys are all routine all the time. I think there are some technique classes but they are rare (and full).

I’ve been attending classes at Pineapple Dance Studios for about a year now. I mainly go for their drop-​in classes on a Monday when I have my day off work.
If you’re not a member, entry is £2 on weekdays before 5pm and then £4 after (£4 all day on saturdays) which is pretty good if you intend to do a few classes on that same day.
I usually attend the intermediate ballet class by Denzil Bailey on Monday mornings, which is really fun! I did ballet for most of my childhood and teenage years, but then stopped for a few years when I started university.
It was a bit hard at the beginning when I started classes at Pineapple last year, but the class is relaxed and fun, but as you attend the classes more regularly you will eventually get used to it and learn to enjoy it more!
The jazz class by Lukas on Monday is amazing as well! but more suited towards advanced levelled dancers. I found it really hard and challenging in the beginning, but it gets easier and more fun the more you push yourself :)
I enjoy most of the jazz classes at Pineapple, I’ve tried some classes by Linda and Karen (covered by Ellen the last time I attended) which are also fun.
Class prices average about 7 – 8 pounds and last between 1 – 1.5 hours depending on which classes you attend.
They have a changing room with toilet and shower facilities, which is pretty useful and convenient. And a water fountain downstairs.
The closest station is Covent Garden station, or Leicester Square which is just a few minutes further away.
Great for those who love to dance and like to try a variety of different dances, suited to different levels and abilities.

This is the most famous drop in dance studio in London and indeed the variety of the classes offered is impressive.
The place is the reconversion of an old pineapple warehouse and has a lot of studios located on various floors. The changing rooms are in the basement and they are quite nice. However, there is nothing glamourous, it is very basic and the lack of air conditioning makes you feel part of «Fame».
Since I decided to give another go at ballet after giving up when I was 10, I escaped the office and came here on a weeknight to attend a beg /​elem ballet class. The good parts of the class: started at 8pm so even busy Cityworkers like me could arrive on time, there was a real pianist (which i thought only happened in the movies) and the teacher was fun. However, I discovered in due course that the class was more elementary level than for (absolute) beginners, so it was quite hard to follow for me and the other few people at their first (or second) attempt to dance. Also, the class was quite crowded and the studio became soon quite warm.
If they had specified it in their website (or at the door) I would have given 5 stars… no maybe I would have given ½ star more, to get to 5 you need airconditioning :)

At first I was reluctant to go in this dance studio as I was afraid that I was going to embarrass myself because I was a total beginner but the teachers there were really friendly and accommodating and made me feel at home. They offer a wide variety of classes but I personally went for the salsa one as I was going to attend a themed wedding that required to know that dance. The teacher was really patient with me and spent extra time with me in order to get me ready in under 3 weeks. Really appreciate all the effort.

This place is great! The teachers are great, and the classes are lots of fun.

I can’t comment on the dance classes or studios but the shop has clothes that look nice and a lot of my friends like it!

I had 0 expectations coming in, which might be why I was so impressed. I haven’t done a dance class… well, ever, unless you count the Toronto District School Board’s Bollywood class with lots of middle aged and older women who seriously lack rhythm and the ability to learn choreography. And even then, I missed half the classes because of work. So I was channeling my inner musical theatre performer (10. years. ago.), searched my apartment for my dance slippers (found 1, 1 still on the loose), and focussed on the word «beginner» when a girlfriend of mine suggested we check out a Monday night jazz class.
The studio has been described at length by others so I won’t bother to get into it. I do appreciate that, although there are no lockers for students, there is plenty of space in the studios for you to bring your bags in (which is what everyone does).
I was there early so I grabbed a tea at the café. It’s cute, convenient, and has lots of tempting treats that I managed to avoid. Unfortunately, it closed before the end of my class so I couldn’t grab a drink on the way out.
On the recommendation of the very helpful front desk staff (3 dudes in that tiny corner at once all serving people… love when people are good at their jobs!), we beginners headed to Mark James’s 7 pm Street Jazz class.
The class was HARD. There was no time really to catch up if you missed a combination, which meant I was stumbling around like a fool. The 6 pm class before it had the same routine so people who stayed from the first to the second were kicking our asses. Which was fine because I could follow their lead to get back into the routine when I (frequently) stumbled off course.
Despite being the worst dancer in the class, I would definitely return! It’s cheaper than yoga, a great workout, and a lot of fun. And, frankly, I am determined to improve and learn a full routine in one class. Maybe next time I’ll try an Absolute Beginner level class…

Location is great and the studios are all pretty nice but why is the membership fee so expensive?! It’s hard to keep up every year, so I’ve opted to go elsewhere.

Perfect place to dance, dance, dancewhatever you are looking for, it doesn’t matter which style, you’ll definitely find it here!
It is always the first place to go when I’m in London!
Just love this place!

If you are an experienced dancer or a total beginner Pineapple Dance Studios is a great place to go for commitment-​free, value for money classes. They teach everything from ballet, tap and contemporary to Michael Jackson, locking, commercial and street. The teachers are all really cool, patient and enthusiastic and you always end up with a great little routine by the end of your class.
Day membership is £4 and each class is never more than £5 so a great deal all in all!

OK. So Larissa G beat me to the whole Fame reference. But totally, if you want to feel like you are a student in Fame, hit up Pineapple Studios. Except…
Well, lower your expectations of yourself. Unless you are a professional/​good dancer. Beginners beware. You are not going to transform like Baby in Dirty Dancing in 90 minutes. I attended an «all levels» brazillian jazz class and although it was SUPER fun and I felt well sexy (and sweaty) afterwards, I was pretty lucky not to trip over my two left feet with the numerous twirls, skips and expected knowledge of how to do basic samba, salsa and cha cha steps. So, a loving Unilocal advice to you– as with all things in life, «all levels» do not equate «total beginners». And don’t be a wall flower!
But it has totally fired up my desire to actually learn how to dance properly instead of your head banging, fist pumping, table dancing basic rave techniques!

So much variety, so little time — I have never seen this many different types of dance classes before, let alone in one place! I’ve loved all the classes I’ve tried and the teachers are friendly and approachable.
My only qualm is that Pineapple doesn’t quite live up to the glamour that I’ve always associated to it. Yes, there are loads of dance studios and lots of space to express yourself and be creative. And yes, there is a little café if you want to get something to eat or drink. However, it does feel a little tired — the showers don’t always work, occasionally the speakers or air conditioning don’t work. And you have to remember it’s not a gym (so don’t expect any little extras…). That said, you get to DANCE and that’s the main thing!

Came here for a hen do to be taught the Single Ladies Dance.
It was brilliant! A friend of mine arranged everything and found us a great dance teacher Briony Albert (google her she’s amazing!), who not only taught us the dance (simplified as the standard was a little low) but she also made the dance focus on the bride to be. We had so much fun.
I would love to come again but maybe not in my 80’s flashdance outfit.
Was heartbroken Louis wasn’t at reception when we arrived, secretly hoped he’d join our class. Did however meet Agent Orange who was sporting a gold lame leotard.

Pineapple Dance, how I love thee so.
You make my heart beat and my feet flow.
You’re stinky halls, sweaty rooms and steep stairs
Remind me of my dance in yester years.
Dancing my buns off
With a smile and a laugh
I know Pineapple Dance will always be my pal.
Seriously now, I’m only in London for a 6-​month period and I needed to get myself to some sort of exercise something. I’d gained almost a stone from all the friggin’ bread and butter and sugary cakes and biscuits at tea time (which is all the time!) and I desperately wanted to get that weight off. Since I hate gyms, loathe the expensive yoga studio near me, and grew up dancing ballet, Pineapple seemed like a no brainer.
After my first class I was hooked! I bought a membership and have been going 3 – 4 times a week for the past 3 weeks. My tummy is flat again, I’m getting the physical release I need (get your mind out of the gutter), and I don’t even care about the money I’m spending on it because it makes me feel so good! (p.s. yes, it can be pricey, but cheaper than any studio back in LA!)
Classes I’ve taken:
Maggie, beginners — slow paced, but allows you to focus on your technique as you don’t have to struggle to keep up with tricky combos.
Maggie, intermediate — faster paced, energetic, good combos, really good mix of people
Alex, barre/​stretch — fast-​paced class, easy combos, good to warm your muscles up quick and a nice mid-​week refresher
Denzil, general/​intermediate — complicated combos, but works you good! you must be up on your technique to handle this class
Keith, intermediate — suuuper slow, super easy combos, he talks way too much and thinks the world of himself
Susan, general/​intermediate — medium pace, good combos, very classical, but most expensive… and don’t know why. :(

I put on my dancing shoes and I danced and danced and danced like there is no tomorrow.
If you opt for ‘daily membership’ You don’t need to worry about signing any forms, you just pay ‘daily membership’ at reception.
Issue with changing room still the same… so went home sweating. Power shower time!

Went here for a Bollywood dance class. It is not the most fancy of places but the vibe there is pure dancing. From beginners to advance in any style, there is something for everyone there.

Pineapple Studios is the place to go for a drop-​in class. Whether you’re a professional dancer looking to stay limber on holiday or a beginner looking to try something new, there is sure to be a class for you. Classes range from ballet to lindy-​hop, including some obscure styles such as Egyptian, Samba, Bhagra grooves and Aahehop.
During the day, there is a £2 door charge and after 4 this rate ups to £4 (this fee only applies to non-​members.) Classes are generally £6 for1 hour and £7 for 1.5 hours.
Pineapple is my studio of choice in London; it holds numerous auditions, has a handy little café and the studios are big enough to handle the large class numbers. I admit to not having tried the obscure styles previously mentioned but Tory’s contemporary ballet and Linda’s jazz classes are my personal favourites.
Like any other space for physical activity, the studios end up humid and sweaty smelling by the end of each class but the endorphins pumping through your veins make up for any unwelcome odours. The change rooms tend to be noisy and packed but the showers are always clean and there are plenty of mirrors and hairdryers to get yourself ready for the outside world.

Pineapple Studios is one of the most notorious dance studios in London and really has that ‘Fame’ esque vibe to it. I went here for a Musical Theatre training week almost a year ago and the place sported a minimalistic 80’s vibe back then and has hardly changed since!
Fear not however as the wide range of classes vary from beginners to advanced meaning there is something for every style and ability so you will never feel self conscious. I go every Wednesday evening to Street Jazz with Nicky Bentley which is not only brilliant fun but an amazing workout. Be warned, the tutors work you hard but you feel the benefit.
I’m not a member and so pay £2 for a daily membership and an additional £6 for the class. I would advise that if you go to the more popular evening classes, get there early to get a good spot in the studio. Oh and take a towel as it gets quite sweaty if you participate in the more high energy classes! These tutors are the best in the business and I love it as an alternative way to get fit.

Every Tuesday I attend YogaBalletFusion with David Olton here. Initially I was scared to go to these studios because they’re known for training professional dancers and I felt very inadequate as a beginner. But this class is great because he divides it into three parts; Pilates, beginners ballet and yoga. The classes are quite full but they stop letting people in if it gets crowded so make sure to arrive around ten minutes before the class starts.
If like me you’re not a member, pay a daily membership of £2 at the front desk and ask for a yoga mat. These can sometimes be a bit sweaty so bring a towel to put over it. Then at the end of the class you pay the teacher £8. It’s a really hard work-​out without involving any of the plastic steps or 90s dance music that usually puts me off keeping fit. The school is really busy but the staff are friendly. The school is in a tall town house just off Covent Garden, it’s hard to find so look out for the Pineapple shop and it’s tucked in behind that.