Dance Classes in Monaco

The real dance landscape in Monaco

Monaco is internationally associated with dance through Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, but the Principality has no municipal dance conservatoire: the Rainier III Academy teaches music and drama, not dance. Provision therefore splits into two very different worlds — an elite audition-only professional school, and a small network of associations and private studios for amateurs, supplemented by the schools in Beausoleil a few hundred metres across the border.

Le Studio de Monaco — contemporary and flamenco

Based at 1 allée Guy Brousse (1 boulevard Albert 1er), with access via the Condamine car park beneath the Théâtre des Variétés, Le Studio de Monaco is the most accessible address for residents.

• Contemporary dance with Véronica Polledri and Chiara Taviani: several levels for children, teenagers and adults. The children's class runs Thursdays 17:00–18:00.
• Flamenco with Sophie Laureti ("Pépita de la Roya"): Wednesdays 14:00–16:00 for teenagers and adults.
• Contemporary dance workshops are also offered during the school holidays.

Classes are open from age 8 to 99. Annual registration is €150, plus €30 per additional course. For the 2026–27 season, enrolment takes place on 16 September 2026 from 13:30, with classes starting the week of 28 September 2026.

AS Monaco Danse Sportive — partner dance and jazz

The Danse Sportive section of AS Monaco Omnisports, founded in 2009, runs on two tracks: a recreational track of group classes and a competition track with regular training and private coaching. Classes are spread across several venues in the Principality:

• Dancesport (standard dances — slow waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, slow foxtrot, quickstep — plus Latin), at the Collège Charles III gymnasium, avenue de l'Annonciade: Sundays, 16:00–17:00 for beginner children's couples, 17:00–18:30 for advanced, 18:30–19:30 for beginner teen and adult couples.
• Rock'n'roll and ballroom, at L'Escorial, 31 avenue Hector Otto: Wednesdays, 19:45–20:45 for adult beginners and 20:45–21:45 for advanced.
• Kizomba and bachata, at the Salle d'Expression Corporelle in ZAC Saint-Antoine: Tuesdays 12:30–13:30 — a slot built around the lunch break.
• Jazz modern, at the Salle d'Expression Corporelle: Thursdays 17:00–20:00, in age groups.

Fees: €130 for a 10-class card for adults; €160 per term for one weekly class for children and teenagers, plus a €35 annual membership. Enquiries go to the section by email (asmdansesportive@gmail.com).

Princess Grace Academy — the professional route

Founded in 1975 at the Villa "Casa Mia", 5 avenue de la Costa, at the initiative of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III to give the teacher Marika Besobrasova an institution of her own, the Academy joined Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo in 2009. Luca Masala has directed its teaching since September 2009, and the school is now an official partner of the Prix de Lausanne.

This is not a recreational school. It trains boarding students of many nationalities for careers in professional companies, combining dance training with academic schooling adapted to their nationalities. Admission is by file and then audition, either during one of the Academy's short courses or as a private audition held on site over three days between January and March; files can be submitted from 1 December. Boarding (room and meals seven days a week) costs €6,500, with a €150 registration fee and a €150 deposit. A scholarship scheme covers training fees and, in some cases, accommodation and a return trip home, awarded on merit and family circumstances. Telephone: +377 93 30 70 40.

For outside dancers, the Academy's winter and summer short courses are the realistic way to experience its level.

Pilates, barre and movement work

For gentler body work, Mouv'ance offers Pilates (including adapted Pilates), conditioning, barre and the MUNZ FLOOR® and MUNZ BARRE® methods in Monaco, open regardless of age or fitness level. It is a useful alternative to the conventional gyms covered in our fitness and wellness guide.

Just across the border

Beausoleil, which adjoins Monte-Carlo, widens the choice considerably. The École de danse Anne-Marie Symons, open since September 2003 at 89 montée de la Crémaillère (15 avenue Camille Blanc), is run by a former professional dancer and teaches pre-school movement, classical ballet, modern and character dance. It is affiliated to the Royal Academy of Dance and prepares students for graded examinations — worth knowing for families who want certified progress that transfers if they relocate.

Choosing a class: what to check

• The floor. A sprung dance floor protects joints and is essential for ballet and contemporary work.
• The calendar. Most providers follow the school year and pause in July–August; enrolment happens in September and popular classes fill quickly.
• The format. Partner dances at AS Monaco generally assume you arrive with a partner; contemporary, flamenco and jazz are danced solo.
• The journey. In a city of 2.02 km², evening parking is a bigger constraint than distance — check the nearest car park before signing up (see our parking guide).

Watching rather than dancing

Seeing work performed is part of the training. Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, under the presidency of the Princess of Hanover and the artistic direction of Jean-Christophe Maillot since 1993, perform mainly at the Salle Garnier of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo and at the Grimaldi Forum. The company also organises the Monaco Dance Forum. See also our guides to the ballet season and activities for children.