AFROBEATS
CLASSES NEAR YOU.

What is Afrobeats?

Afrobeats is a dynamic dance style that celebrates the infectious rhythms of West African music. It's part movement, part attitude—loose-hipped, grounded, and built on rhythmic layering rather than rigid technique. The music behind Afrobeats draws from modern African pop, dancehall, hip-hop, and reggae, creating a sound that's impossible not to move to.

Unlike styles that demand perfect turnout or lifted posture, Afrobeats is about feeling the music in your body and letting it guide your movement. Your knees are soft, your hips lead, and your upper body moves with the groove. It's genuinely one of the most accessible dance styles for absolute beginners because there's no "wrong" way to interpret the music—only your way.

What a beginner Afrobeats class looks like

You'll walk in, the instructor will play a track, and within minutes you'll feel your shoulders drop and your hips start to sway. Most classes start with a warm-up (usually movement-based rather than stretching) that gets your body temperature up and your brain synced to the beat.

Then you'll learn 4–8 short sequences, usually building from one or two basic steps into a short combination. The instructor will break everything down into counts, show it from the front, and encourage you to mirror them. There's rarely pressure to get it "perfect"—the vibe is exploratory and social. You'll move alongside people of all abilities, often in a circle or lines, which feels less exposed than being in neat ballet rows.

By the end, you'll have learned something, had fun, and probably surprised yourself with what your body can do.

How to start learning Afrobeats (the first steps)

If you want to get a feel for Afrobeats before your first class, try these beginner-friendly steps at home.

The Basic Step (also called "the step"): Stand with knees slightly bent, feet hip-width apart. Step your right foot forward, rock your weight into it (count 1), then rock back onto your left (count 2). Repeat 4–8 times until it feels natural. The key is a gentle bounce in your knees—you're not stomping, you're grooving. Play any Afrobeats track and count along; the step sits under almost every beat.

The Hip Sway: From your basic step, let your hips follow your weight transfer. As you rock forward on your right foot, your right hip shifts forward; as you rock back, your hips shift back. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your core engaged (imagine holding yourself upright without rigidity). Practice this 20 times in a row to feel it become fluid.

Practice tip: Put on a song you love, set a timer for 5 minutes, and do your basic step for the whole track. Your muscle memory will anchor the rhythm far faster than counting in silence.

Common beginner mistake: Stiffening your upper body. Afrobeats is about freedom from the waist down, not tension. If you feel yourself tensing your shoulders or locking your knees, pause, shake out, and start again.

That said, learning from a real class accelerates everything. A teacher will spot habits you can't see—like leaning too far forward or losing the beat in your transitions—and fix them immediately. Solo practice is confidence-building, but a class with real-time feedback is where breakthroughs happen.

Afrobeats classes for adults

Afrobeats has become hugely popular in adult-only formats, and for good reason. Adult classes mean no teenagers, absolute-beginner tracks, and a peer group who's often returning to dance after years away or trying it for the first time.

If you haven't danced since your twenties or never danced seriously at all, Afrobeats is forgiving. There's no "turnout" requirement, no years of technique to catch up on. You show up, move, and belong. Many studios offer absolute-beginner evening classes specifically timed for people coming straight from work, so you can drop in without committing to a term.

The social atmosphere is a real draw too. Afrobeats students tend to be genuinely supportive—there's an energy of celebration rather than competition. You're not training for a performance; you're moving together and having fun.

Is Afrobeats good for kids?

Yes, absolutely. Many kids love Afrobeats because the music is contemporary and the style feels less formal than ballet. Kids' Afrobeats classes usually start around age 7–8 and run up to teen age groups. The style teaches rhythm, body awareness, and cultural connection in an environment that feels like play rather than strict training.

What to wear and bring

Wear anything comfortable and flexible: joggers, shorts, leggings, t-shirts, and hoodies are all fine. Avoid anything too baggy that will hide your body lines or too tight that limits movement. Shoes aren't usually required (many classes are barefoot or in socks), so check with the studio beforehand. Bring a water bottle and a small towel. No special shoes, no dress code—just show up as you are.

How much do Afrobeats classes cost?

Drop-in classes typically cost £8–£15 in the UK or $10–$20 in the US and Canada. Many studios offer trial classes free or at a reduced rate so you can try before committing. Term packages (usually 8 weeks) range from £80–£150 in the UK or $100–$200 in North America—which works out much cheaper per class if you're planning to stick with it.

If cost is a barrier, look for community centres and leisure centres in your area, which often host cheaper drop-in classes. Some independent teachers and community groups also offer donation-based or pay-what-you-can sessions.

Finding the right teacher near you

When you search for Afrobeats classes near you, look for studios or teachers that explicitly highlight beginner-friendly or absolute-beginner formats. Check if they offer trial classes, and don't hesitate to message and ask whether a class would suit you if you've never danced before. The right teacher will make you feel welcome immediately.

You can browse classes in your area here on DanceHow, filter by style and location, and get matched with teachers and studios near you. If you're ready to try a class, submit a quick form to connect with instructors offering Afrobeats in your city.