Bristol Dance Experience

Bristol Dance Experience has taught partner dancing in Bristol since 1991. Run by Eric and Helia, both qualified teachers with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing, the studio is recognised by the British Dance Council, the International Dance Organisation and World Dance Council.

Beginners classes run three nights a week: Mondays and Thursdays at the Elmgrove Centre (large main hall on Elmgrove Road, Cotham), and Wednesdays at Cairns Rd Baptist Church (up the stairs to the first floor). All classes are 7:45pm–8:45pm. New terms start in January, April/May and September, each running twelve to fourteen weeks. You can attend one night a week or switch between the three nights as needed — all three classes follow the same lesson plan within each week.

In your first term as a beginner, you'll learn Waltz, Cha Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Jive, Samba and Quickstep. Classes progress to Improvers the following term, where you expand the basics and add Rumba, Tango, Slow Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz. Beyond that, numbered levels build routines further and cover ten different dance styles in total.

Each class follows a simple structure: Eric or Helia demonstrates a short group of steps, then walks the ladies through their part, then the men through theirs. Everyone then tries it with a partner, the steps are refined, and you practise to music. Each week you review what came before and add more, so dances build progressively. There are no exams; students can move to higher level classes the following term if they feel ready.

Classes welcome couples and singles equally. If you come alone, you'll dance with different partners in the room, but the studio can't guarantee one — you're welcome to dance solo through class if you prefer. Everyone pays only for the classes they attend, with no upfront cost or booking required. Just arrive in the first few weeks of term.

You'll arrive at the Elmgrove Centre's large main hall or Cairns Rd Baptist Church and pay £8.50 cash or cheque at the start of class. The instructors teach step-by-step, demonstrating on the floor, then walking each role through separately before you try it with a partner. Each week builds on the previous one, with review and refinement, then practice to music. No experience is assumed; everyone in the room is learning together.

Eric and Helia teach all classes themselves, either together or with an assistant to help demonstrate. Reviewers consistently praise their patience, clear teaching pace, sense of humour and approachability. Eric is a qualified Fellow of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing; Helia is a qualified Member. The studio also mentions Grace as part of the support team at some classes.

Designed explicitly for complete beginners with no dance experience; no previous knowledge assumed, and the studio expects you to pick up steps gradually week by week.