Dance Underground

Dance Underground, established in 2003, is a Seattle-based dance studio co-owned and operated by Ilana Rubin and Tony Fan, both established dancers with diverse dance backgrounds and teaching experiences. The studio occupies three separate spaces with different capacities and floor types, hosting a mission to promote a wide variety of dance styles through classes, social dance parties, and special workshops featuring internationally renowned dance instructors and choreographers.

The studio's weekly schedule spans seven days and encompasses an unusually broad range of disciplines. Mornings feature tai chi chuan (beginner and advanced classes on Sunday and a class on Saturday), ecstatic dance, and multiple dance fitness offerings. The schedule includes classes in contemporary dance, adult ballet, bharatanatyam, afro dance, Brazilian zouk, shuffle, movement, body balancing exercise (with private options available), and queerchata. Children's activities include creative pre-ballet for ages 3–5 and creative ballet/tap combo for ages 5–8.

Tango is central to the studio's identity. Ilana and Tony lead Argentine tango classes and socials on Thursday and Saturday evenings for adults at all experience levels. Classes run from 7:00–8:00 PM and 8:05–9:05 PM on Thursdays, followed by Argentine tango practica (9:15 PM–11:30 PM). Saturday evening hosts an Argentine tango milonga (8:30 PM–12:00 AM). The studio also hosts blues dance lessons and socials on the third Friday of each month.

Classes and events are independently run by various groups with their own registration formats. The studio develops long-term rental relationships with local instructors and groups including 2nd Act Dance, Darrah Blanton Dance, BGC Dance Company, Ecstatic Dance Seattle, Kine Camara, Sol Dance Fitness, Reign Dance, and You Can Shuffle with Us. This model allows the studio to function as both a teaching space and a vibrant community hub.

Beyond classes, Dance Underground rents its three studios for workshops, rehearsals, socials, birthday parties, and other events. The owners emphasize providing a warm, friendly atmosphere in an elegant setting that allows for optimum instruction and learning, promoting talented instructors recognized for their teaching excellence and their dedication to inspire students to grow and express themselves creatively.

Classes are independently run by various groups, so contact the specific group directly for details. Tango classes welcome adults at all experience levels; other offerings range from early morning tai chi to evening socials and performances. Expect a warm, friendly atmosphere designed for learning.

The studio is co-owned and led by Ilana Rubin and Tony Fan, who teach tango classes and organize tango socials. Other classes are taught by independent instructors and groups including Kine Camara (ecstatic dance), BGC Dance Company (Brazilian zouk), Darrah Blanton, 2nd Act Dance, and specialists in bharatanatyam, shuffle, contemporary dance, tai chi, and other styles.

Tango classes welcome adults at all experience levels; the studio states that learning to dance requires time, effort, a positive learning atmosphere, and the right instructor, which you will find at Dance Underground.