7 dance studios in Metro Manila for every dancer — from rookies to pros

MANILA, Philippines – After more than a decade as a high-pressure bank director, Mace Cosme was no stranger to mental gymnastics. But stepping into a San Juan dance studio — one of around 30 active ones in Manila — completely shifted his perspective. “Joining classes isn’t just a stress reliever from work,” he told Rappler. “With no dance background, it’s also a mental workout as I have to quickly focus and memorize the steps.” Cosme’s experience aligns with recent studies showing that structured dance, regardless of style, is just as effective as other forms of exercise in boosting mental and cognitive health. GAME ON. Luigi Estepa — a competitive dancer who hones his skills at dance classes — steps into a fierce showdown. Photo courtesy of The Benildean Press Corps/Rappler For Luigi Estepa, a choreographer and competitive dancer of five years, classes are all about refining his technique. “I take classes mainly to improve my skills and choose them based on the instructors,” he shared. “For instance, I look for coaches who specialize in flow movement to enhance my fluidity. If I want to focus on grooves, I seek instructors with solid hip-hop backgrounds.” But it’s not just the classes...