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.

Hispanic Heritage Month Events

Celebrate it Dancing at Motion Arts Center!

Join us at Motion Arts Center for two special nights celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through music, dance, and community!

If you’re brand new to Latin dancing or already love being on the dance floor, these beginner-friendly events are a fun way to experience two of Latin America’s most joyful and popular social dances – Cumbia and Salsa!

Cumbia Night — Tuesday, October 6th, 2026

Come learn the basics, stay for the party, meet new people, and celebrate with us! No partner or previous dance experience necessary.

Get ready for a fun and festive evening of Cumbia with Diego & Jesica!

Cumbia is joyful, playful, and one of the easiest Latin dances for beginners to start enjoying right away. We’ll begin with a beginner-friendly class where you’ll learn the basic rhythm, steps, and partner connection, followed by a social dance party where you can practice what you learned and keep the celebration going!

Schedule Tuesday Oct. 6th:

8:00–9:00pm — Cumbia Beginner Class
9:00–10:00pm — Social Dance Party with DJ Diego

Salsa Night — Friday, October 9th, 2026

Turn up the energy for our special Salsa Night with Diego & Jennifer!

Salsa brings together infectious music, rhythm, connection, and social dancing. During this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn simple steps and fundamentals to help you feel comfortable on the dance floor — then stay afterward for our Salsa Social and put your new moves into action!

Schedule Friday Oct. 9th:

8:00–9:00pm — Salsa Beginner Class
9:00–10:00pm — Social Dance Party with DJ Diego

Tickets Per Person:

$35 per person — (Includes the Beginner Class + Social Dance Party)
$10 per person — Social Dance Party only

✨ NEW STUDENTS SAVE $5!
Use promo code HISPANIC and pay only $30 per person for the class + party.

*New student discount is valid for first-time students only and applies per person for the October 6th or October 9th event.

Location: 217 S Claremont St, Downtown San Mateo

Come dance, connect, celebrate Hispanic culture, and enjoy two special evenings with the Motion Arts Center community.

No partner or experience necessary. Spaces are limited — reserve your spot online today!