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.

Does Motion Arts Center offer yoga classes in San Mateo?

Yes! We offer two yoga classes weekly with instructor Emery. Yoga for Dancers — designed specifically for dancers' bodies, focusing on flexibility, alignment, breath, and recovery — is on Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 PM. Vinyasa Yoga — flowing breath-led practice for all levels — is offered Wednesdays 8:00-9:00 PM and Saturdays at 9:30-10:30 AM and 11:30 AM-12:30 PM. All levels welcome. Drop-in $35 or use any class package or membership.

Bachata

Upcoming Events, Save the Date!

Learn, Connect, and Shine on the Dance Floor

Bachata is a beautiful, rhythmic dance from the Dominican Republic that has captured hearts all over the world. At Motion Arts Center, we bring that vibrant energy to the heart of downtown San Mateo with weekly classes designed to turn beginners into confident social dancers.

Why Start Your Bachata Journey With Us

Two Experiences. One Beautiful Dance.

No Partner? No Problem. Our regular Bachata classes include partner rotation, giving you the chance to meet new people, build confidence, and become a versatile social dancer in a fun, welcoming environment.

With a Partner? Stay Together. Our Couples Only classes are designed for partners who want to grow side-by-side. No rotations. No switching. Just you and your person building connection, rhythm, and confidence together every week.

All Levels Welcome From first steps to polished patterns, our experienced instructors guide you with clarity, patience, and energy.

Why Bachata? Bachata complements Salsa beautifully, improving your timing, musicality, and versatility — while giving you a dance that feels expressive, connected, and fun on any social floor.

Master The Fundamentals

Are you an absolute beginner? If you are new to Bachata, we highly recommend you start with our Salsa/Bachata Solo Basics class!

To truly stand out, our Salsa/Bachata Solo Basics class is a unique “solo” sessions focus on the body mechanics, isolations, and footwork that give Bachata its signature flair—no partner required!

Class Description

Salsa/Bachata Solo Basics: New to Bachata? Start Here! This class is all about groove, control, and confidence on your own. Learn the core Bachata basic, footwork variations, and musical timing, plus smooth body movement. We’ll teach in a clear, step-by-step way with drills and short combos that make everything click. Build balance, coordination, and simple styling that makes your dancing look and feel better fast.

Beginner Level Class: In this class you will learn the fundamentals of bachata. The basic footwork, turns, body movements and how to lead/follow to feel comfortable dancing with a partner, be able to improvise and get you ready for the social dance floor!

Intermediate Level Class: This is the right class if you have been taking consistently our Beginer Level Class for a period of at least 1 year (this will depend on your pace of learning) or by the teachers recommendation. In this class you will learn more intricate patterns, turns, arm styling, body isolations and musicality, all while building the confidence and vocabulary you need to feel even better dancing on the social 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.

New Students please click here to get started.

For Class Rates and Packages please click here. As a way to reward your commitment, the more classes you take the better price you receive.

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 refundable and 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.