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Getting started with dance5 minutes

Choose the right dance style in Shanghai: your self-test

By Mary De LucaUpdated

In short
  • In Shanghai, you can choose your dance style by matching your sense of movement, learning goals, and class format.
  • Ballet may appeal to you if you enjoy clear forms, repetition, and precise technique.
  • Contemporary dance may suit you better if you want to experiment with space, weight, and your own movement impulses.
  • The self-test helps you identify your preferences; a trial class shows you what the style actually feels like.

Your first class doesn’t have to be a final decision. A good starting point is one where you feel ready to try the movement exercises, even if some things feel unfamiliar.

Ballet and contemporary dance focus on different things

When choosing, it helps to start by thinking about what kind of focus you enjoy. In ballet, you often pay attention to posture, alignment, and a clearly defined line of movement. Repetition is part of it: a small change in your stance or arm position can noticeably change the movement. In contemporary dance, the focus is often more on weight, space, and individual ways of moving. Exercises can be open-ended and invite you to develop a movement yourself.

These are areas of focus, not rigid opposites. Ballet classes can also encourage artistic expression, and contemporary dance can require technical precision. In Shanghai, the annual China Shanghai International Arts Festival offers a glimpse of international ballet and dance productions. A performance, however, shows work on stage, not necessarily what a beginner's class is like.

If you want to understand the differences in more detail, you can find more guidance in the overview of dance styles and getting started with classes in Shanghai. To make your choice, one question is enough for now: do you prefer a clear task, an open-ended exploration, or both?

Five questions about your sense of movement

  1. What do you enjoy most about moving?

    • A: Performing a clear form with precision
    • B: Freely changing movements
    • C: Moving between structure and freedom

  2. How do you approach a new movement task?

    • A: I observe carefully and repeat it step by step
    • B: I try it out first and find my own way in
    • C: I like an explanation, then I test out variations

  3. What kind of feedback helps you most when learning?

    • A: A specific cue about posture and alignment
    • B: An open-ended prompt I can respond to physically
    • C: An example I can explore both technically and freely

  4. How would you like to feel after a dance class?

    • A: Satisfied, because a movement has become more precise
    • B: Inspired, because I discovered something unexpected
    • C: Balanced, because technique and exploration came together

  5. What appeals to you about a short movement phrase?

    • A: A line and a clear sequence
    • B: Changing directions and personal expression
    • C: Filling a set framework with room to play

Your results

Mostly A: the form seeker

You seem to like clear lines, repeatable routines, and precise instructions. An adult ballet class could be a useful first try; see whether the explanations suit your pace.

Mostly B: the movement explorer

Open-ended tasks and personal movement choices appeal to you more. Check out Modern Dance or a class with a contemporary focus, and ask how much improvisation is included in the lessons.

Mostly C: The Switcher

You want guidance, but you don't want every move mapped out for you. Try both directions and compare which class makes you feel both challenged and curious.

Your results compared

ResultWhat might suit youPossible stumbling block
Mostly A: Form SeekerClear direction and step-by-step repetitionPatience with the basics before movements feel fluid
Mostly B: Movement ExplorerImprovisation and individual movement choicesOpen-ended tasks may feel unfamiliar at first
Mostly C: SwitcherTechnique with room for your own variationsIt may not be immediately clear how much structure suits you

This matching describes preferences based on your answers, not ability or a lasting personality trait.

How to turn your test result into a next step

A test result is useful when you turn it into specific questions. If you mostly answered A, you can ask about a beginner course for adults and find out whether the fundamentals are taught systematically. If you mostly answered B, it’s worth asking whether the course includes improvisation and how beginners are guided through it. If you mostly answered C, ask about the balance between set exercises and open-ended tasks.

Don’t compare only the style name. Check the course description for prerequisites, language of instruction, clothing, and required footwear. If this information is missing, ask directly. After a trial class, make a quick note of whether you could follow the instructions, which activity stayed with you, and whether you’d like to go again. This way, you take your actual experience seriously instead of comparing yourself to images of professional dancers.

You can find the current courses and dates for Shanghai in the course filter. The overview of dance courses, communities, and stages in Shanghai can also help you see your search in the broader context of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. No, you don’t need to have any particular flexibility to start with a suitable beginner class. Flexibility develops with regular, guided practice, and no one should push you into a position. Let the instructor know about any limitations or concerns before class.

Dance Classes in Shanghai to Get You Started

Compare suitable Ballet and Modern Dance classes in Shanghai and see which starting point matches the results you're looking for.

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Your first style can spark Curiosity

On udansa, you can compare ballet and modern dance classes in Shanghai. Use your quiz result as a guide and check the current details in the course filter.

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Your first style can spark Curiosity

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