Dance classes aren’t just for kids anymore. Photo via Shutterstock
When you think about dance classes, your mind probably goes right to images of 5-year-old girls twirling around in pink tutus and satin slippers. But even if you left elementary school behind decades ago, there are plenty of places in the city to learn everything from ballet and jazz to pole dancing and hula.
The Dance Complex
If you want to try a little bit of everything, The Dance Complex is the place for you.  The studio offers an enormous range of classes that can be taken on a drop-in basis, and offers options like breakdancing, African dance, tango, pointe, Iranian dance, flamenco, funk, belly dancing, and more. Classes are available every day of the week.
Prices, days, and times vary; 536 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 617-547-9363;Â dancecomplex.org
Boston Bhangra
Bhangra, the traditional agricultural folk music and dance of the Punjab region of India, has been an important part of Indian culture for hundreds of years—and now it can be part of your life too. The studio has classes open to all skill levels, and promises both a culturally enriching and sweat-heavy experience.
$15 per class, or $12 each for a set of 10; Saturdays, 10 a.m.; 1404A Beacon St., Brookline; 617-687-9181;Â bostonbhangra.com
Boston Center for Adult Education
If you’re looking for a fun (ongoing) date idea, the Boston Center for Adult Education offers several four-session packages for couples dance lessons. Classes include ballroom, swing, salsa, and first wedding dance workshops.
$120, days and times vary; 122 Arlington St.; 617-267-4430; bcae.org
Polynesian Dance Arts
It may be bone-chillingly cold outside, but you can pretend you’re basking in the Hawaiian sun with the help of Polynesian Dance Arts. You can start from scratch with the company’s hula and Tahitian classes for beginners, and then move up to intermediate and advanced options as you progress.
$15 for one class, $60 for five, or $100 for 10, days and times vary; Deborah Mason School of Dance, 32 Cottage Park Ave., Cambridge; 781-729-2252;Â polynesiandancearts.com
Boston Ballet School
Indulge your childhood ballerina fantasies with classes taught by professional dancers at one of the Boston Ballet School’s three locations. Drop-in for open adult classes on a pay-as-you-go basis or attend “Back to Basics Weekâ€, a crash course in ballet fundamentals for beginners or for those returning to dance after a hiatus.
$17 per class or $140 for 10, times and days vary; 19 Clarendon St.; 617-456-6260; 863 Washington St., Newton; 617-456-6263; 40 Leggs Hill Road, Marblehead; 617-456-6380; bostonballet.org/school
Hop to the Beat Dance Studio
Party like it’s 1920 with lindy hop and swing classes open to all levels. The Balboa, the Charleston, and other related dances are also mixed into the classes, which run for six-week long sessions at two different locations.
$65 for a six-week long session, days and times vary; Lower Falls Community Center, 545 Grove St., Newton Lower Falls; Ruggles Baptist Church, 874 Beacon St.; 508-435-2363;Â hoptothebeat.com
The Studio: A Dance Center for Adults
This studio is truly adults only. Students must be at least 18 years old for all classes, meaning you’ll never have to share the floor with giggling high school girls. Classes include ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, Broadway, contemporary, lyrical, pop jazz, and belly dance.
$140 for 10 classes, days and times vary; 1404 Beacon St., Brookline; 617-879-2732; studiodcfa.com
Gypsy Rose
Your mother may not approve, but you’ll have a blast (and get a great workout) at Gypsy Rose’s pole dancing classes. Take your pick among saucy options like Pole-On-The-Go, Aerial Chair, Open Pole Time, and, for the truly brave, Exxxotic Dancing.
Prices, days, and times vary, 364 Boylston St.; 617-421-0000; gypsyrosedancing.com
Flamenco Boston
Spice up your life with flamenco classes taught by veteran instructor Lauren O’Donnell. Classes range from no experience required to advanced.
$20 for drop-in classes or $60 for 4, Sundays;Â flamencoboston.com
Extreme Dance Sport
This studio, located in Cambridge, offers group and private lessons in a variety of styles, conveniently divided into two categories depending on your interest: ballroom/Latin or night club.
Prices, days, and times vary; 26 New St., Suite 3, Cambridge; 617-492-2122; extremedancesport.com