Collegiate Shag Dance Classes in Atwater Village, Los Angeles
Join a welcoming, creative community and learn from top instructors in an intimate, structured setting.
We offer Collegiate Shag dance classes for brand-new beginners and advanced dancers every week.
We also have practice sessions, socials, and live music events every month.
Tuesdays
9:00 - 10:00 pm | Level 1 | Nick Williams
Level 1 | Beginner Collegiate Shag
No partner needed to join! Level 1 classes are intended to help you grow your Collegiate Shag fundamentals.
👉 If you’re brand new to Collegiate Shag, please sign up for class on the 1st Tuesday of the month to get an introduction to the basics!
Level 2 | Intermediate
Level 2 Collegiate Shag classes will be announced soon. Sign up for our email list if you’d like to be the first to know when they launch!
Choose your drop-in price in checkout 👇
Meet Your Instructor
Nick Williams | Collegiate Shag, Balboa, Lindy Hop
Nick Williams has been living and breathing swing dance since his very first class in 1998. From Lindy Hop to Balboa to Collegiate Shag, he’s had the rare privilege of studying directly with some of the original dancers—giving his dancing a deep connection to the roots of the art form. What makes Nick stand out is how he blends that authenticity with a fresh, evolving style full of precision, lightness, musicality, and energy that inspires both on and off the dance floor.
A decorated champion many times over—including titles like World Lindy Hop Champion, National Jitterbug Champion, and American Classic Balboa Champion—Nick has also choreographed for stages and screens, even appearing on So You Think You Can Dance.
But what students love most about him is his teaching. Nick has a gift for breaking down complex movements into simple, actionable steps, making learning both approachable and fun. His classes are full of laughter, clarity, and “aha” moments that stick. Fueled by his love of music and movement, Nick is always growing as a dancer and teacher—and he can’t wait to pass that inspiration on to you.
Sign up for Nick’s Collegiate Shag classes at Motivo LA here!
About Collegiate Shag Dance
Collegiate Shag is a high-energy partnered swing dance that emerged in the 1930s, characterized by its quick tempos, upright posture, and distinctive footwork with variations of steps and hops. Danced to faster music than other swing dances, it features different rhythms—single, double, and triple—based on how many slow steps precede quick steps. The dance requires good posture and strong core engagement, promoting a feeling of floating or "gliding" just above the floor.
Today, it is experiencing a revival and is celebrated in dance communities worldwide, epitomizing the joy, creativity, and unity found in music and movement.
Join Nick Williams and Motivo LA to begin your dance journey into Collegiate Shag!
Frequently Asked Questions
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No partner required! In class we rotate frequently so everyone gets a chance to dance and practice with different people. If you do come with a partner and prefer to stay together, that’s totally fine too. Just let the instructor know at the beginning of class.
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Wear shoes that are comfortable that you can move in. Dance shoes with suede soles are great, but not required — sneakers or flats with a smooth sole work just fine. Avoid shoes with a sticky, rubbery bottom, heavy boots, flip flops, or anything that sticks to the floor.
We also have shoes available for purchase at the studio when you’re ready to invest in a good pair of dance shoes!
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You can reserve your spot directly through Motivo LA’s app for iPhone or Android.
We recommend signing up in advance to guarantee your place and to make checking in before class quick and easy, but walk-ins are welcome!
We offer single drop-in class packages, 8-class packages, and 16-class packages. All classes expire one year from purchase, so you have plenty of time to use your credits!
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Yes! Motivo Dance LA offers weekly social practice sessions where you can apply what you’re learning in class in a fun, relaxed environment. It’s the perfect way to get more comfortable dancing with different partners and to enjoy the community.
Open practice sessions are included when you take any class that evening at the studio!