5 Reasons to Try a Beginner Contemporary Dance Class

Written By Centre Stage Dance Studio

Quick Overview

Contemporary dance isn’t just for professionals in flowing costumes on a big stage. It’s for everyday people like you and me who want to move, feel good, and maybe even laugh a little while doing it. At Centre Stage Dance Studio, we welcome total newbies with open arms (and sometimes jazz hands). Whether you’ve never set foot in a studio or it’s been years since you last danced, a Beginner Contemporary Dance Class might be just the thing your body and mind are craving. Let me show you why.

Table of Contents

1. It’s Actually Made for People Like You

2. You’ll Get Fit Without Even Realizing It

3. Stress? What Stress?

4. You Don’t Need to Be Flexible (Seriously)

5. The Studio Becomes a Second Home

6. Quick Recap Table

7. People Also Ask – FAQs

It’s Actually Made for People Like You

You don’t need a dance background, a fancy leotard, or a dramatic flair for movement. A Beginner Contemporary Dance is just what it sounds like: built for beginners! That means no complex choreography thrown at you five minutes in. It’s slow-paced, supportive, and focused on helping you feel the movement rather than perfecting it.

At Centre Stage Dance Studio, we take things step by step. I’ve seen students who were too shy to step onto the floor end up leading the group across the studio with confidence—and I promise, nobody was judging their socks.

You’ll Get Fit Without Even Realizing It

Did you know dancing can burn anywhere from 180 to 252 calories in a 30-minute session? (Source: Harvard Health Publishing). That’s pretty close to a short jog—but with music, friends, and zero blisters. Contemporary dance mixes cardio, strength, and mobility work in ways you don’t even notice because you’re too busy having fun.

Let’s break down what happens during a typical 60-minute class.

Activity Type:

  • Warm-up

  • Movement Exploration

  • Technique Practice

  • Choreography

  • Cooldown

Benefits You’ll Get:

  • Joint mobility, breathing, body awareness

  • Core work, balance, expression

  • Strength, posture, muscle memory

  • Memory, rhythm, coordination

  • Flexibility, relaxation

Time Spent:

  • 10 mins

  • 15 mins

  • 20 mins

  • 10 mins

  • 5 mins

There’s no pressure to keep up or be perfect. You move at your pace, and before you know it, you’re breaking a sweat—with a smile.

Stress? What Stress?

Let’s be honest—life’s stressful. We’ve got work, school pickups, dishes that never end, and don’t even get me started on laundry. But for one hour in a contemporary class, that all fades away. Moving your body while listening to music creates a shift in your mood. There’s actual science behind this too.

According to the American Dance Therapy Association, dance can reduce stress hormones and boost dopamine and serotonin—the feel-good chemicals in your brain. In plain speak: dancing makes you happier. And who doesn’t need more of that?

You Don’t Need to Be Flexible (Seriously)

A lot of people think you need to fold like a pretzel to join a dance class. Let me tell you—I can’t touch my toes on some days, and I teach! Contemporary Dance for Beginners is about fluidity, not flexibility. What matters most is how the movement feels, not how perfect it looks.

There’s no pressure to hit a perfect line or bend like a ballerina. What we care about is that you’re moving, breathing, and connecting with your body. You’ll likely find your flexibility improving over time anyway, but it’s not a requirement to start.

In our beginner dance classes at Centre Stage Dance Studio, we introduce the Groundforce Technique as a simple but powerful way to help you feel more connected to your movement. This technique is all about using the floor to support your body, rather than fighting gravity. By pressing into the ground with your feet or hands, you activate your core and gain better control, balance, and flow. It’s a great way for beginners to feel stable and confident—even if it’s your very first class.

The Studio Becomes a Second Home

This might sound cheesy, but Centre Stage Dance Studio isn’t just a place—it’s a vibe. We’ve had students say that walking through our doors feels like stepping into their happy place. There’s no spotlight, no pressure. Just people cheering each other on and maybe grabbing a post-class smoothie afterward.

We’ve built a community of real people who want to move, connect, and laugh—even if someone forgets the choreography halfway through (it happens a lot, and we always laugh it off). Whether you’re just starting out or starting over, you’re welcome here.

5 Reasons to Join

Reason:

  • Made for beginners

  • Gets you fit (sneaky workout)

  • Stress relief

  • No flexibility needed

  • Fun, welcoming community

Why It Matters:

  • No experience required

  • Burn calories and tone muscles

  • Boosts mood and mental health

  • Movement is about feel, not perfection

  • A place where you can truly be yourself

If you’re curious but still a bit nervous, come try a class! You don’t have to be “a dancer” to dance—you just need a body and a bit of curiosity. And maybe someone to giggle with when you step on the wrong foot (I’ve done it plenty). See you on the floor!

Ready to give it a try? Visit our website and book your first class today!

People Also Ask – FAQs

1. What should I wear to a beginner contemporary dance class?

Wear something comfy like leggings and a t-shirt. You don’t need fancy dance gear. Just make sure you can move easily.

2. How long does it take to get good at contemporary dance?

It depends on how often you practice, but many beginners feel comfortable after just a few weeks of regular classes.

3. Can adults start learning contemporary dance?

Absolutely. We’ve had people start at every age—your body doesn’t care how old you are when it starts having fun!

4. Is contemporary dance hard for beginners?

Not at all. It’s expressive and open-ended, which makes it perfect for beginners. You’re not here to be perfect on day one—just to show up and try.

5. Do I need dance shoes?

Nope! Most people dance barefoot or with soft dance socks in contemporary classes.

6. Where can I take a contemporary dance for beginners class?

You can join us at Centre Stage Dance Studio in New Hamburg. Our Contemporary Dance classes are fun, supportive, and open to all!

Centre Stage Dance Studio