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

Tai Chi & Qi Gong with instructor Tom Updegrove
Wednesdays June 12 - August 28
6:30 - 7:30 pm Tai Chi
7:30 - 8:30 pm Qi Gong
15% off if purchased by May 24th
use promo code UMATAICHI

Tai Chi and Chi Kung are forms of ancient Chinese exercise that have developed over centuries of time. Both arts are sometimes spelled Taiji & Qigong today and are the same art. It is said that one who practices regularly will gain the pliability of a baby, the vitality of a lumberjack and the peace of mind of a sage.
Tai Chi ($120 for 12 weeks)
Qi Gong ($120 for 12 weeks)
Tai Chi & Qi Gong ($180 for 12 weeks)

Lindy Hop with Ragtag Empire
Sundays 5:30 - 6: 30 pm | Fundamentals or Intermediate-ish (classes run concurrently in different studios)
and Jazz Roots 4:30 - 5:30 pm with Lily Kind
6 Week Series 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
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!