urban movement arts philadelphia

Urban Movement Arts (UMA) welcomes adults of all ages and experience levels to explore Hip Hop, American folk dance, and African Diaspora movement genres.
Our programs and classes bring out the joy of discovering new ways of being and moving in the world.
*Artwork by Lynnea Holland Weiss and Dan Isaac Bortz

how to start dancing:

Come take class! You can show up to a class and pay us in person! We take cash and major credit cards. Or you can use the Mind Body App on your phone to register and pay.

INTRO MONTH = $40 for 30 Days: try everything!

class schedule

The Mindy Body App a convenient way to sign up and pay for classes right from your smart phone.

featured classes

Hip Hop Masterclass with Danzel Thompson

Tuesday, June 11th from 7-8:30pm‼️ @danzeltss is touching down in Philly to teach a pop up choreography class. Danzel is part of the UMA fam and is currently pursuing his MFA in Dance in Illinois. Come get these grooves while he is back in town! The class will cater most to intermediate and advance levels, but all are welcome. $15 for newcomers to UMA. Regular pricing applies to anyone who has previously taken UMA classes.

Salsa 8 Week Series | Starts June 9

Salsa 8 Week Series | Register now! | Starts June 9!
8 Weeks of Salsa Series also includes

1 free drop in to Solo Salsa Group Class Mondays 6:00pm
1 free Practice Party that happens once a month a UMA
Discounted private lesson rate during duration of the series; $60 for individual/ $100 for partners

Individual Registration: $75
Partner Registration: $125

photo: Terrell Halsey

Beginner Salsa Series
June 9 - July 28 : Sundays 3:00-4:00pm
A fun and friendly space for anyone to get started on their salsa journey! No partner or experience necessary.

Advanced Beginner Salsa Series
June 9 - July 28 : Sundays 4:30 - 5:30pm
This class builds on the basics you learned in the beginner series with more challenging patterns and combinations. We will work on leading & following techniques, styling and how to add these into your Salsa turn patterns. It is required is that you have completed the 8 week beginner series (preferably a few times) and have a good foundation and understanding of timing, know how to lead/follow inside and outside turns, cross-body leads, as well as combinations using these tools.

Tai Chi & Qi Gong with instructor Tom Updegrove
Wednesdays
6:30 - 7:30 pm Qi Gong - Drop In
7:30 - 8:30 pm Tai Chi - 12 Weeks Series starts June 19

Tai Chi ($120 for 12 weeks) %15 off Purchase before 6/12

Lindy Hop with Ragtag Empire
Sundays 5:30 - 6: 30 pm | Fundamentals or Intermediate-ish (classes run concurrently in different studios)
6 Week Series starts JULY 14.
Includes:
2 free drop in UMA classes of any style
6 weeks of instruction with lots of individual attention
Pizza party practice on last day of class.
Classes are taught by dancers active in the Lindy Hop scene, who are always expanding their range of teaching tools and Lindy techniques. Lindy Hop teaches body awareness, rhythm, improvisation, and social skills. Great for those who are brand new as well as more experienced dancers. Follow @ragtag_empire for teacher details!

Beginner Swing: $65/ 6 WEEK SERIES REGISTER ONLINE !
This class is for total beginners! It's okay to feel like you have two left feet. Ragtag teaches the original Swing dance, otherwise known as Lindy Hop. Lindy Hop was created by young black teenagers in Harlem in the 1930's. It is danced with a partner to classic big band music, swampy New Orleans jazz , or even Motown. Ragtag encourages new dancers to choose to learn either leading or following (regardless of gender). No partner necessary for class; all our classes rotate partners constantly because learning happens more quickly and it's more fun!

Intermediate-ish Swing: $65/ 6 WEEK SERIES REGISTER ONLINE !
We've got -- per request -- a melange of tempos and teachers: FAST LINDY, BALBOA, and SLOW LINDY/BLUES all in 6 Weeks! No, you cannot only register for two of the 6 weeks. All or nothing, baby. The difficulty level will accommodate a range of previous experience. This course is designed to help students develop freer and more complex dancing, as well as lots of agency and independence as a swing dance student! If you’re not sure if you're the right level, just ask!

Afro - Cuban with Leilani Chirino
Thursdays 6-7 pm
This class is taught in both English and Spanish. Se dice bilingue! Explore the rich traditions of Afro Cuban music and dances. This class focuses on musicality, body movement, an applying these concepts to social dancing. Learn about the music and movements of different Cuban orishas or sacred, folkloric characters. No partner required. Read more about the Leilani's lineage and the specific styles she shares on our blog!

Leilani's 'Oshun' Playlist on Spotify

parties & performances

July 13
Summer Artists in Residence: Shanel Edwards and Lauren Auyeung

September 7 &8
You Are Not a Shining Star, Philadephia Fringe Festival

September 7 &8
Fire in the Sky, Philadelphia Fringe Festival