Do I need a partner to take dance classes at Motion Arts Center?

No! We rotate partners throughout partner-style classes, so you'll dance with everyone. Many students come solo. We also offer solo-format classes like Hip-Hop, K-Pop, Zumba, Jazz Funk, BollyX, Strong Nation, Line Dancing, and Contemporary Fusion where no partner is needed at all.

How much do dance classes cost at Motion Arts Center in San Mateo?

A single drop-in class is $35 (expires 15 days). Class packages: 2 sessions for $60 (same day), 5 classes for $150 ($30/class, 45 days), 10 classes for $270 ($27/class, 90 days). One Month Pass is $260 (1 class/day, 30 days, no contract). Memberships: VIP at $225/month (1 class/day) or Ultimate at $395/month (unlimited), both with 3-month minimum contract. New students can try a 7-Day Intro Pass for just $69 — save up to $176.

What should I wear to my first dance class?

Wear whatever feels comfortable. No special clothes required. Smooth-soled shoes work best on our hardwood floor — leather or suede soles are ideal. Avoid rubber-soled sneakers for partner dance classes. Sneakers are fine for Hip-Hop and fitness classes. We sell dance shoes in our in-studio store.

Do I need any dance experience to start at Motion Arts Center?

Not at all! We have absolute beginner and basics-level classes in every style. Our instructors break down every move step by step. Most of our students started with zero dance experience.

Where is Motion Arts Center located and is there parking?

Two studios in downtown San Mateo, CA: BigMAC at 217 S Claremont St and MiniMAC at 525 E 3rd Ave (94401). FREE parking garage right across the BigMAC studio (Verkada building), open Mon-Fri 6pm-12am, Sat-Sun 9am-12am. All city-owned parking is free after 6pm and all day Sundays. Kiku City Garage (526 spaces) is 2 blocks away. 3-minute walk from Caltrain, near highways 101, 280, and 92.

How do I book a dance class at Motion Arts Center?

Online pre-registration is required for all in-person classes. Create a free account on our website or app, browse the weekly schedule, and reserve your spot. You'll receive an email confirmation. Arrive 15 minutes before class.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel class reservations at least 24 hours before start time. Late cancellations or no-shows count as a used class. Private lessons require 48 hours notice. Purchases are not refundable or transferable. All sales are final.

Does Motion Arts Center offer private lessons and wedding first dance?

Yes! Private lessons for individuals ($150/session), couples ($230/session), and wedding first dance ($230/session). Each lesson is 45 minutes, in person or live video, includes floor fee. Packages: 3-pack from $435, 5-pack from $700, 10-pack from $1,250 (individual) or $1,850 (couples). Choose your style, instructor, date, and time online.

What dance styles does Motion Arts Center teach?

17+ styles: Salsa (On1), Bachata, Argentine Tango (including Vals and Milonga), Cumbia, Merengue, West Coast Swing, Hip-Hop, K-Pop, Jazz Funk, Heels, Bollywood, BollyX (fitness), Contemporary Fusion, Line Dancing, Zumba, Strong Nation (HIIT), and Couples Only classes. Also Salsa/Bachata Solo Basics and Latin Guided Practice Sessions.

Does Motion Arts Center offer corporate wellness programs?

Yes! Dance-based corporate wellness and team building. Packages: 50 classes for $1,250, 100 classes for $2,500, 250+ at custom pricing. Also public class credits ($100 for 5, $200 for 10, $400 for 20) and private group sessions. At our studio or on-site at your location.

Can I rent studio space at Motion Arts Center?

Yes! Our studios are available for rental — practice, classes, events, or productions. Premium sound systems, hardwood floors, air conditioning. Contact info@motionartscenter.com or (415) 851-6501 for availability and rates.

Latin Motion Fundamentals

LATIN MOTION

Upcoming Events, Save the Date!

Welcome to our Latin Motion Fundamentals Class!

This is your opportunity to shine on your own! Focus on your individual footwork, body mechanics, and isolation techniques of all latin dance styles like Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue, Mambo without the need for a partner. It’s all about enhancing your personal dance style. No partner needed.

Build Solid Foundations: We will guide you through essential drills that form the basis for impressive partner work. Improve your coordination, rhythm, and balance, ensuring you’re always ready to dazzle on the dance floor.

Movement Mechanics and Isolations: Each week, we’ll explore how to use and isolate different parts of your body, adding flavor to your latin dance basics. Start with a full-body warm-up, then learn to isolate and coordinate different body parts for maximum impact.

Expert Instruction: Our experienced instructors will break down each move step-by-step, helping you grasp the intricate details of Latin dance. You’ll gain confidence and a deeper connection to the music.

What You Will Learn:

Isolation Techniques: Perfect the ability to isolate different parts of your body, enabling precise and controlled movements. This is key for executing complex dance patterns with style and grace.
Core Strength and Control: Build a strong, stable core to improve your balance, posture, and overall dance control. A solid core is essential for those intricate turns and spins.
Hip Movement: Master hip techniques that add flair and sensuality to your dance moves, making your performance stand out.
Footwork and Leg Styling: Focus on detailed and rhythmic footwork, along with leg styling techniques that bring character and expression to your dance.

Who Can Attend

Beginners who want to build a strong foundation in Latin dances like Salsa, Mambo, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue, etc.
Intermediate dancers looking to enhance their techniques and advance their skills.
Advanced dancers aiming to perfect their body mechanics for a more polished and expressive performance.
We highly recommend taking this class for a period of at least 4-6 weeks consecutively in order to be able to get the most benefit and understanding of these techniques.
No partner needed, in this class you will be working solo.

Latin Guided Practice Sessions

Need more practice time or want to work on a specific combination you learned in class? Check out our new Latin Guided Practice Sessions! These “Office Hour” style sessions are perfect for students who want dedicated time to refine their Cumbia, Salsa, Merengue or Bachata at their own pace. Our instructors are available to guide you, answer your technique questions, and offer personalized feedback as you build your confidence for the social dance floor.

Join us and get ready to move, groove, and elevate your dance skills – see you on the dance floor!

Booking Information

Pre-registration is required for all in person classes. Please click on Sign In/Register at the top right hand corner of this website. By creating an account you can book and pay online for classes before arriving to the studio. This will save you time and help avoid congestions at the front desk. After you register and book a class, you will receive an email confirmation. If you already have an account at MAC, just log in using your email and password to book any class.

If you cancel a booked reservation, it must be done so with a minimum of 24 hours before the class start time. If late-cancel or no show within the 24 hour window, the class reservation will still apply and be deducted from your account. Purchases are not transferrable to other programs or individuals.

Classes will start on time and doors will open 15 minutes before each class starts.

No special clothes are required; what feels comfortable for you is good.

To learn about what we teach in each class please visit our Class Descriptions page.
For the most common questions about our classes please see our FAQ’s page.
We look forward to see you in class soon! If you have any questions please Contact Us.