Everybody dance now

Pole Dancing instructor Marlo, 24 of Manhattan (right) guides Rachel Vinyard, 26 (left) of the Bronx and other students through a Pole Dancing class at SHOCKra Studios in Manhattan. (RJ Mickelson / March 20, 2008)

By Tracy E. Hopkins | Special to amNewYork

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Thanks to the popularity of guilty pleasure TV shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance," dance fever has struck the nation -- and New York City is no exception. Here are our picks of the city's hottest dance classes and where to get in the groove after class.

Masala Bhangra

Known as the Indian Jane Fonda, Sarina Jain is the originator of the Masala Bhangra workout, a frenetically paced class that mixes traditional Indian dance with aerobic exercise.

"I tell everyone who comes to my class -- pretend you're at my wedding and let's party," says the energetic Jain, who founded the workout routine in 1999. "It's the cultural aspect of the class that keeps people engaged."

If you can't make it to one of the California native's popular New York City classes at Crunch and Clay Spa (www.sarinajain.com), you can pick up one of her six workout videos or tune into her show on the Discovery Channel's Fit TV.

Where to bust a move: Basement Bhangra at S.O.B.'s (200 Varick Street; 212-243-4940) every first Thursday of the month.

Salsa

Want to move like J. Lo? Talia Castro-Pozo, co-director of Manhattan's Stepping Out Studios will have you shaking like a Polaroid picture in no time.

"Women love being sexy and [dance is] very sexy," says the salsa and meringue instructor. "And women like men who can dance."

The beginner salsa class runs for four weeks ($85). However, since Latin dance is meant to be social, Castro-Pozo encourages students to try their moves on the dance floor.

"People are finally motivated," Castro-Pozo says. "This is the best timing for people who have thought about it for years to take a class."

Where to bust a move: Taj Lounge's Monday night salsa party (48 W. 21st Street; 212.620.3033)

Afro-Caribbean

Pat Hall's Afro-Caribbean Dance & Movement class at the School at the Mark Morris Dance Center in downtown Brooklyn combines elements of contemporary and traditional African dance, set to live percussion. The class ($12 for a single class, $110 for a 10-class card) is open to beginners and professionals.

"The class is so diverse. People from all walks of life come together," says Hall, who has taught dance for 20 years. "It's a spiritual connection without preaching religion."

Most students leave Hall's class exhausted and exhilarated. "Dance is the best form of exercise," she says. "There's no judgment. It's about experiencing the movement and feeling good."

Where to bust a move: Flavorpill's monthly "One Step Beyond" party at the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History ($20; http://flavorpill.net/onestepbeyond/).

Pole Dancing

Pole dancing has become such a part of mainstream pop culture that ordinary working girls are giving it a twirl.

"The stigma is fading," says Jessica Hayden, owner of SHOCKra dance studio (http://www.shockrastudio.com/), which offers absolute beginner and intermediate pole dancing classes. "People are discovering that swinging from a pole is not only fun and liberating, but an excellent fitness alternative."

The sun-lit studio provides a welcoming setting, which helps women feel more comfortable and ready to let loose. "Pole dance allows women to explore their body's unique movement and physical strength in a new way. It's the sexiest way to feel stronger, more confident, and release your inhibitions."

Where to bust a move: The cabaret-style bar Barrette (601 Vanderbilt Avenue atBergen Street; 718.230.5170)

Hip-Hop

When you think of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, soul-stirring modern dance is usually what comes to mind. But since 2005, the Ailey Extension program at the Joan Weill Center for Dance (http://www.alvinailey.org/) has offered a variety of open classes, including hip-hop ($16 per class, $120 for a 10-class card), to the general public.

"Hip-hop is transferable to any club," says Yvette Campbell, director of the Ailey Extension program. "You can apply what you've learned and practice your moves. Dancing on the rhythm is something not everyone is born with, so the class builds your confidence."

Since there's a class offered for every level -- including the packed Basics of Hip-Hop class on Saturday afternoon -- there's no need to feel intimidated.

"If you can get yourself through the door, you can take a class," says Campbell. "It's more accessible than you ever thought."

Where to bust a move: The celebrity-haunt Marquee (289 Tenth Avenue; 646-473-0202)