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.

Latin Night Dance Parties

Join us this Friday, August 28th will be a very special and bittersweet night at Motion Arts Center as we say goodbye to Tristan & Rhazel on their final day teaching at the studio. ❤️

They have brought so much warmth, energy, and joy to our dance community, and we would love to have as many of you there as possible to dance, celebrate, and give them a wonderful send-off!

🎉 Special Farewell Social with DJ Quimbara!

Come take class, dance with friends, and help us make their final evening at MAC one to remember!

*Please purchase your social dance party ticket online by 8:59PM. After 9:00 PM, tickets will be available at the door only.

Let’s turn your Friday nights into a vibe! After our classes, the lights dim, the music turns up, and Downtown San Mateo transforms into your dance playground. 💃✨

This weekly social is designed to help you build confidence, improve your dancing, and have fun in a welcoming, supportive environment. We’ll be dancing to Salsa or Bachata, with something for everyone — from beginners to experienced level dancers.

💥 Theme Nights:
• 1st & 3rd Fridays – Bachata Social
• 2nd & 4th Fridays – Salsa Social

✨ What to Expect Every Friday

Beginner-friendly classes with fantastic teachers!
A friendly, inclusive atmosphere — no partner needed
Light snacks and drinks provided
Bring your friends and share the joy of dancing
The dance studio has air conditioning, a beautiful hardwood floor, colorful mood ambient lighting and a high quality sound system.

🌟 FRIDAYS SCHEDULE:
7:00–8:00PM – Salsa/Bachata Solo Basics (All Levels)
8:00–9:00PM – Bachata Beginner
9:00–10:00PM – Mini Social Dance Party

*Your Teachers: Tristan & Rhazel

Tickets Per person:

$35 – One Class or $45 Class + Party
$60 – Two Classes (same day only, includes party)
$10 Dance Party Only

*Dance Party Access: If you take a drop-in class, the social dance party is included (otherwise the dance party is paid separately at a discounted rate).

📍LOCATION:

Motion Arts Center

217 S Claremont St,

San Mateo, CA 94401

(Please read below for parking options)

Bring your friends (or come make new ones), hit the dance floor, and kick off your weekend the right way!

Register and Pay In Person or Get Started Online

CREATE AN ACCOUNT

Create your Motion Arts Center account online to sign up for classes, dance parties and to stay up to date with MAC news and events.

PARTY SIGN UP

Have an account already at MAC? Sign In to your account & purchase your milonga ticket (purchase it online at least 30 minutes prior to the milonga start time).

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 the Dance Party before arriving to the studio. This will save you time and help avoid congestions at the front desk. After you register and book for the dance party, you will receive an email confirmation. If you already have an account at MAC, just log in using your email and password.

Face Masks are optional (but recommended).

If you notice you may have any of the COVID-19 symptoms please stay home for everyone’s safety.

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.

Parking Options

There are 8 parking spaces available on site at the Big Mac Studio for our customers only. When the parking lot is full, there is metered on-street parking and many garages in downtown San Mateo. Parking is FREE on-street and in all city-owned parking facilities everyday after 6pm and all day on Sundays and on city-designated holidays. Motion Arts Center Studios are a 3 minute walk from the San Mateo CalTrain Station, close to 101 & 280 highways and 92 freeway.

Now available a FREE Public Parking Garage right across the MAC studio. It’s open during Monday-Friday from 6pm to 12am and Saturday and Sundays from 9am to 12am. You can enter/exit the parking from 405 S Claremont St or 406 E 3rd Avenue in San Mateo. See pictures below:

Latin Night Dance Parties

Register and Pay In Person or Get Started Online

Parking Options

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