New Zealand's only music video-inspired dance class is coming to Auckland

Anyone who’s attempted to learn the Single Ladies routine from a YouTube tutorial knows how deceptively tricky Bey’s moves can be. Answering the calls of wannabe dancers in bedrooms across the city is Wellington dance class Shut Up & Dance, which is coming to Auckland in September with a season of workshops inspired by famous dance routines from musicals, film and music videos.

Shut Up & Dance was founded earlier this year when two like-minded Wellingtonians, Abby Damen and Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, spotted a gap in the market for low-pressure dance classes that focused on feeling rather than looking good. Under the guidance of British choreographer Clair Thomas, both experienced and non-experienced dancers can sign up to learn routines from the likes of Beyonce, The Spice Girls, NSYNC, Parris Goebel, Britney Spears and more. The exact routine is kept a secret until the day of the class, part of Shut Up & Dance’s refreshing approach, which also includes inhibition-fighting tactics like covering mirrors and ensuring no photos or videos are taken during the session.

A video posted by Shut Up & Dance (@shutupanddancenz) on Mar 6, 2016 at 10:11pm PST

Above: The founders mid-Parris Goebel dance routine. 

Visit shutupanddance.co.nz to book your place at the Auckland season – a 6-week course from September 5 to October 10 at Grey Lynn Library Hall.

 

With an ever-growing social media following thanks to a surprise shout-out from Jessie J, demand for classes is high. Join the squad @shutupanddancenz on Instagram for info on future classes.