Where to Train in Contemporary Dance: A Guide to Belk City's Best Studios
From professional intensives to beginner-friendly classes, discover where to find your flow in Belk City's vibrant contemporary dance scene.
Belk City pulses with creative energy, and its contemporary dance community is no exception. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for a new challenge or someone taking their first tentative steps into the world of contemporary movement, this city has a studio that will feel like home.
Contemporary dance in Belk City is characterized by its diversity—you'll find influences from release technique to contact improvisation, from deeply somatic practices to high-energy physical theater. The studios below represent the best of what our city has to offer.
Finding Your Studio Match
Before diving in, consider what you're looking for: Are you training professionally or dancing for joy? Do you prefer highly technical classes or more experimental approaches? Contemporary means something different at every studio, so don't be afraid to try a few before settling on your favorite.
Top Contemporary Dance Studios in Belk City
Gravity has been the cornerstone of Belk City's contemporary scene for over a decade. Under the artistic direction of former Limón dancer Elena Vasquez, the studio specializes in a fluid, grounded approach with strong emphasis on breath and fall-and-recovery techniques.
Signature Style: Limón-based technique with influences from release and flying low
Best For: Intermediate to advanced dancers seeking rigorous technical training
Don't Miss: Their Sunday "Improvisation Jams" where dancers from across the city gather for spontaneous creation
This collaborative space brings together some of the most exciting emerging choreographers in Belk City. With an ever-changing roster of teachers, you'll experience everything from Gaga technique to contemporary ballet fusion.
Signature Style: Eclectic and experimental with a focus on individuality
Best For: Dancers who crave variety and want to stay current with evolving trends
Don't Miss: "Choreographer's Lab" workshops where you can learn repertoire from company works
Soma takes a holistic approach to contemporary dance, integrating yoga, Pilates, and somatic practices. Their classes are as much about internal awareness as external expression, making it perfect for dancers recovering from injury or those wanting to deepen their mind-body connection.
Signature Style: Somatically-informed contemporary with emphasis on alignment and efficiency
Best For: All levels, particularly those interested in the therapeutic aspects of dance
Don't Miss: Their "Dance & Meditation" series on Friday evenings
If you're looking for high-energy, physically demanding contemporary classes, Velocity delivers. Their athletic approach draws from European physical theater and Japanese butoh, creating powerful, dynamic movement that pushes physical limits.
Signature Style: Athletic contemporary with theatrical expression
Best For: Advanced dancers seeking intensity and performance quality
Don't Miss: The monthly "Performance Lab" where students can show works-in-progress
With three locations across Belk City, Foundation makes contemporary dance accessible to everyone. Their beginner-friendly approach breaks down complex concepts while still challenging students to find their artistic voice.
Signature Style: Clean, accessible contemporary with strong foundational technique
Best For: Beginners and those returning to dance after a break
Don't Miss: Their six-week "Contemporary Fundamentals" series for true beginners
Making the Most of Your Training
Try Class Passes First
Most studios offer introductory packages or drop-in rates. Sample several before committing to a membership.
Look Beyond Technique
Many studios offer composition, improvisation, or partnering classes that can expand your skills differently than technique classes alone.
Check the Community
The right studio isn't just about the teaching—it's about finding your people. Notice if the environment feels supportive and inspiring.
Belk City's contemporary dance scene continues to evolve, with new studios and collectives emerging regularly. This guide covers the established favorites, but don't be afraid to explore pop-up classes, workshops at alternative spaces, or company-run intensives.
The most important thing is to find a place where you feel challenged yet supported, where the teaching resonates with your body, and where you leave class feeling more connected to your own movement voice. In a city as rich with dance as Belk, that perfect studio match is out there waiting for you.
See you in the studio!
