Street dance in Somerset has outgrown its borrowed rehearsal halls. In 2024, dedicated studios are opening, adult beginner enrolment is climbing, and a new generation of county-trained dancers is reaching national finals. Whether you're looking for your first hip-hop class or preparing for competition season, here's what's actually happening on the ground.
Why 2024 Is a Pivotal Year
The pandemic forced much of Somerset's street dance scene online or into school gymnasiums. Now, the return to permanent studio spaces has brought unexpected growth.
"We've seen adult beginner enrolment double since 2022," says Jade Okonkwo, founder of Somerset Street Dance Academy. "People who started on Zoom during lockdown are now committing to in-person training three nights a week."
That demand has spurred real expansion. The Rhythm Room in Taunton doubled its floor space in January 2024 after securing Arts Council funding. Somerset Street Dance Academy opened a third location in Yeovil in March. And county-trained talent is breaking through: crew Mendip Movers reached the UK Street Dance semi-finals in 2023, while soloist Lila Chen—who trained at the Bridgwater branch of Somerset Street Dance Academy before relocating to London—placed third in the national under-18 popping category.
Where to Train: Four Studios Worth Your Time
Somerset Street Dance Academy
Locations: Bridgwater, Frome, Yeovil
Best for: Structured progression across all levels
Prices: £8 per class; £65 for a ten-class pass; trial class £5
The county's largest dedicated street dance operation runs a tiered curriculum in hip-hop, breaking, popping, and commercial. Beginners start in foundational "groove and rhythm" classes; advanced students can audition for the Academy competition squads. Classes run Monday–Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, with age groups split 7–11, 12–16, and 17+.
The Rhythm Room
Location: Taunton
Best for: Drop-in flexibility and guest workshops
Prices: £10 drop-in; £7.50 for students; monthly membership £45
This community-focused nonprofit relocated to a larger warehouse unit on Fore Street in January 2024, adding a second sprung-floor studio. The vibe is deliberately informal: no termly commitments required. Guest choreographers from London, Manchester, and Bristol visit monthly. Next confirmed visitors: Tobi Oluwaseun (hip-hop, 14 September) and Break Mission's Danny Boy (breaking fundamentals, 5 October).
The Urban Groove Studio
Location: Bristol city centre—15 minutes by train from Nailsea and Backwell
Best for: Somerset commuters seeking intensive training
Prices: £12 per class; intensive weekend workshops £45–£75
Strictly speaking, Bristol is not in Somerset. But for dancers based in the county's northern edge—particularly around Nailsea, Clevedon, and the Chew Valley—the commute is short enough that The Urban Groove Studio functions as a de facto northern outpost of the Somerset scene. It specialises in breaking and popping instruction from competition-active coaches, and hosts quarterly "Battle Ready" intensive weekends.
Swagga School of Dance
Location: Weston-super-Mare
Best for: Young beginners and family affordability
Prices: £6 per class; sibling discounts available; first class free
A smaller, family-run studio that has built a strong reputation for Primary-age street dance. Founder Marcus Delaney is a former backing dancer for JLS who returned to his hometown in 2019. The school focuses on performance confidence and stage presence rather than formal grading, and enters regional competitions cautiously. Classes run Tuesday and Thursday after school.
2024 Calendar: Confirmed Events
Somerset Street Dance Championships
Date: Saturday 16 November 2024
Location: Weston-super-Mare Leisure Centre
What to know: Open categories for solos, duos, and crews (5–8 members). New for 2024: an over-25 "Masters" category reflecting the surge in adult participation. Pre-registration required by 1 November; spectator tickets £10.
The Groove Festival
Date: 6–7 July 2024
Location: Colliers Park, Frome
What to know: A weekend of outdoor workshops, battles, and live DJ sets. 2024 headliners include Boy Blue Entertainment affiliate Kenrick "H2O" Sandy Jr. Day tickets £25; weekend camping £55. Workshops have limited capacity and sell out quickly.
Somerset Dance Showcase
Date: Quarterly; next edition 21 September 2024
