Written by: Willem Lombard

On the 29th of April, we`ll be celebrating International Dance Day. Created in 1982 by the International Theatre Institute to celebrate the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, its purpose is to promote awareness of the value of dance in all its forms. It also aims to promote dance among people who have never danced before, or who are hesitant to experience this beautiful art form for themselves. 

To celebrate International Dance Day, we explore some of the hottest dance venues in Pretoria where you can show off your Salsa and Kizomba dance skills, as well as the dance studios that can help you build confidence and fall in love with dancing.

Ceroc Dance South Africa

With a focus on making their classes and events fun for everyone, Ceroc Dance in Brooklyn is the vibiest dance studio in town. To prepare you for International Dance Day, they have rotational group classes where beginners from 16 - 60 years of age are all welcome.

You can contact their Brooklyn Studio at [email protected], phone them on 083 4747 901, or send a message via WhatsApp on 073 209 9687. Contact hours are Monday - Friday from 08:00 - 17:00. Their Centurion studio can be contacted via email at [email protected], or you can either phone or send a WhatsApp message to 071 450 2222. Contact hours are Monday - Friday from 08:00 - 17:00.

They host regular dance events where you can show off your new dancing skills. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to find out more about these events.

Latin Look Dance Studio

If you are a little bit unsure whether you would like dancing, or if you would like to learn how to Salsa or do Kizomba, Latin Look Dance Studio offers a free first dancing lesson. They are situated on Stamvrug Street in Val-de-Grace and are open from Mondays to Thursdays, 09:00 - 21:00, Fridays from 09:00 - 19:00, and Saturdays from 08:00 - 13:00. 

They can help you improve your confidence and make you fall in love with dancing by offering courses in social dancing, ballroom, and Latin dancing, as well as preparing you for wedding dances. 

Phone them on  012 804 5293, 083 237 0451, or 083 230 1566, or send them an email at [email protected]. You can also find out more about their events on Facebook.  

Propaganda

Open daily from 11:00 - 02:00, Propaganda is the most energetic venue in town where you can enjoy a night out with friends and dance to your heart`s content. Boasting an elevated stage for live music and even a rooftop pool, you will be hard-pressed to find a more vibrant and lively dance venue in Pretoria.

This year, why not show off your Salsa and Kizomba skills by attending Propaganda`s block party on Sunday, the 26th of April? The following day is Freedom Day (a public holiday), and Propaganda intends to dance the night away with a music-filled outdoor experience you will not forget.

Book your tickets at Computicket to be part of this lively event filled with dance and an energetic atmosphere. You can also find more information on Facebook and Instagram, or by contacting them on  012 321 5774.

Dance Junction

Apart from being a dance studio where you can learn different dance styles like ballroom, Latin, line dancing, and social dance styles, Dance Junction also hosts vibrant social and community events throughout the year.

There are also monthly social gatherings at their Pretoria North, Cullinan, and Montana studios. Why not celebrate International Dance Day by showing off your Salsa and Kizomba skills at one of their events? 

There is no need to feel intimidated if you don`t know how to dance. Dance Junction welcomes dancers of all levels. Keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram profiles and ask them about their social events.

Beverley Hammond Dance School Garsfontein

Whether you are a beginner who feels like you have two left feet or you are ready to perfect your Salsa and Kizomba skills for a dance competition, Beverley Hammond Dance School will be there to help you. Here you can get professional training from one of the instructors who featured on “Strictly Come Dancing”, “So You Think You Can Dance”, and “ Dancing With The Stars”. 

For children, dancing can be a confidence booster, provide enhanced focus and discipline, improve social skills and friendships, improve fitness and coordination, and be an excellent creative outlet.

Contact Beverley (whom I spoke to and is very kind and helpful) on 083 227 8141, send an email to [email protected], or find more information on Instagram and Facebook.