Business Details
Scotland's National Centre for Dance in Edinburgh
Dance Base stands as Scotland's National Centre for Dance, dedicated to fostering dance as an art form, exercise, and way of life. With nearly three decades of experience, we provide world-class facilities across four studios in Edinburgh's Old Town, catering to dancers of all ages and abilities. Our programmes include over 80 weekly classes spanning ballet to street dance, alongside professional development opportunities for artists. We prioritise inclusivity through initiatives like Dance for Parkinson's and Lifelines, supporting mental wellbeing.As a registered charity, we collaborate with health partners and communities to maximise dance's social and physical benefits. Our team of industry experts ensures accessible, high-quality instruction, while our Edinburgh Fringe Festival presence showcases both local and international talent. Through strategic partnerships and donor support, we maintain our mission to make dance universally accessible.
Services
Dance Classes
Professional Training
Artist Residencies
Health Programmes
Community Projects
Performance Companies
Festival Participation
Studio Hire
Highlights and features
- We offer 80+ weekly dance classes across 30+ styles for all abilities
- Our professional development programmes support artists with studio access and residencies
- We pioneered Scotland's first Dance for Parkinson's initiative
- Four purpose-built studios in Edinburgh's cultural heart provide optimal dance environments
- Charity-led approach ensures inclusive access with subsidised rates for low-income participants
Services
Dance Classes
We offer over 80 weekly dance classes spanning ballet, contemporary, street dance, and Latin styles. Sessions cater to complete beginners through to professional dancers, with specialised classes for older adults and people with Parkinson's. Our Edinburgh studios host drop-in sessions and term-based courses with expert instructors.
Artist Residencies
Professional dance artists receive studio space, funding, and development opportunities through our residency programme. This includes technical support, choreographic mentoring, and networking with international dance professionals. Residencies help artists create new work and advance their careers in Scotland's vibrant dance scene.
Health Programmes
Our Dance for Health initiatives use movement to improve physical and mental wellbeing. Specialised classes include Dance for Parkinson's, Lifelines mindfulness sessions, and hospital-based dance projects. These evidence-based programmes collaborate with healthcare providers to deliver measurable health outcomes across Scotland.
Community Projects
We develop inclusive dance opportunities through local partnerships with community groups and charities. Sunday Sessions provide accessible dance spaces, while projects like Winter Warmers target specific demographics. Our outreach focuses on reducing social isolation and making dance available to traditionally underserved populations.
Performance Companies
Dance Base supports youth and elder performance companies showcasing talent across Scotland. PRIME Elder Dance Company and Lothian Youth Dance Company perform regularly in Edinburgh and beyond. These companies provide performance experience and artistic development for committed community dancers.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer 30+ dance styles including ballet, contemporary, street dance, Latin Fit, whacking, and commercial dance. Classes cater to all abilities from complete beginners to professionals.
Are there classes for older adults?
Yes, we provide Ballet Vintage (60+) Improvers, Gentle Contemporary, and Dance for Parkinson's classes specifically designed for older participants and those with mobility needs.
How can professional dancers access support?
Our Artist Residencies offer studio space, funding, and career development. We also provide advisory services, networking opportunities, and performance platforms through our professional programmes.
Do you offer concessions for low-income participants?
As a charity, we ensure accessibility through our Friends Membership scheme and by offering subsidised rates. Contact our team to discuss individual circumstances and available options.
Can I visit your Edinburgh studios?
We welcome visitors - contact our Front of House team to arrange a tour with Artistic Director Tony Mills and experience our four purpose-built dance studios in Edinburgh's Old Town.
How does Dance Base support health initiatives?
Our Dance for Health programme partners with NHS Lothian and community organisations to deliver evidence-based projects improving physical and mental wellbeing through dance-based interventions.
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