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.

Thriller Dance Workshop

LEARN THE "THRILLER" DANCE THIS HALLOWEEN!

Join us for our exciting “Thriller Workshop” at the Motion Arts Center located in the heart of downtown San Mateo! You’ll learn the iconic choreography to Michael Jackson’s classic hit, led by hip-hop instructor Max.

This fun, spooky workshop is open to all skill levels. Zombie costumes are encouraged but not required!

Optional Mini ShowCase

Want to perform at the end? We’ll open the floor for those who want to share the combo all together or in small groups—cheered on by a supportive room.

When: Saturday October 24th 5pm - 7:30pm

Price per person: $70 Early Bird Discount (Until 10/16/2026)

$80 General Admission | $70 Member’s Discount

Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins. (Limited Spaces Available).

What to bring:

Comfortable clothes and dance shoes
Water and sweat towel
Your zombie inspired look or accessories

Don’t miss out on this exciting workshop! Spaces are limited. Sign up today online and reserve your spot today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thriller Dance Workshop?

The workshop is a special 2.5 hour dance workshop at Motion Arts Center where students learn the iconic choreography of the Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video, performance energy and stage attitude.

Is the Workshop beginner-friendly?

Yes. This is an all-levels workshop.

Who can attend the Thriller K-Dance Workshop?

The workshop is open to teens ages 12+ and adults 18+.

Do I need to be an experienced dancer?

No. Beginners are welcome. You will learn the choreography step by step in a supportive class environment.

Who is teaching the workshop?

Our amazing teacher Max!

Where is the Dance Workshop?

The workshop takes place at Motion Arts Center, 217 S Claremont St, downtown San Mateo, California.

What should I wear?

Your zombie inspired outfit or comfortable clothing and shoes to dance in.

Booking Information

Online Registration is Recommended: Please click on Sign In/Register at the top right hand corner of the website. Register by creating an account so you can book and pay for classes online. If you already have an account at MAC, just log in using your email and password. We do this to avoid congestions and facilitate the check-in process at the studio lobby. After you register and book a class, you will receive an email confirmation.

New Students please click here to get started.

Face Mask Are Now Optional But Recommended.

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.

What To Bring:

Please bring a face mask and your own bottled water. For your convenience, face masks and water bottles will be available for sale at the studio.

No special clothes are required; what feels comfortable for you is good. Please do come with a pair of smooth-soled shoes, either leather or suede will work on the dance floor (no rubber sole shoes).

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.