Dance Base

Scotland's national centre for dance is a £6.4m building that opened in 2001 with four world-class studios, the largest of which has a glass ceiling and a magnificent view directly up to Edinburgh Castle. Every week it caters to 2500 dancers of all ages and abilities who take part in one of three artistic programmes. The first is a year-round series of public classes – over 100 in all – covering more than 40 forms of dance, including hip-hop and breakdancing, Cuban salsa, ballroom and Egyptian belly dance. The second programme supports professional dancers with classes and workshops, promotes their work through performances, including a platform on the Edinburgh Fringe, and provides help with professional development and management. The third programme ventures into the city and takes dance to nurseries, schools, youth groups and day centres, engaging people of all abilities. Groups also come to the Grassmarket studios for classes and to watch professional companies rehearse and perform. Although primarily geared up for participation, Dance Base runs a lively programme of dance performances on the Fringe.