Twelve dance studios for 2012

You’re heading into the new year with a little more heft than you had in the last one. If the thought of curling dumbbells sounds a little, well, dumb, go roast calories in one of these dance studios instead.

Academy of Dance, Official School of the Joffrey Ballet
Besides ballet lessons, the Joffrey’s tricked-out studios in the sky host Pilates classes as well as a few jazz, modern, hip-hop and fitness options. 10 E Randolph St (312-784-4600, joffrey.org). Adult open division drop-in classes $15, students $12, professionals $10.

The Aloft Loft
This popular spot for off-the-floor dance and graceful circus arts gets the most out of its new, more spacious facility. Try acrobatics, hand balancing, trapeze, silks, stilt dancing and more. 2000 W Fulton St, suite F319 (773-782-6662, aloftloft.com). Eight-week Winter Warrior Session begins Mon 2; most classes $200–$230.

Big City Swing Studio
A swing and Lindy school available for window-shopping at its popular first Fridays parties (see Friday 6), Big City also delivers tap lessons in partnership with M.A.D.D. Rhythms. 1012 W Randolph St (312-243-0700, bigcityswing.com). Four-week group classes $65; discounts available.

Chicago Dance
Two locations owned and operated by champions Tommye Giacchino and Gregory Day offer a ton of classes for kids and adults in a wide variety of ballroom styles. 415 W Huron St (312-337-9503) and 3660 W Irving Park Rd (773-267-3411). Seven-week session begins Tue 3; for rates, go to chicagodance.com.

Chicago Moving Company at Hamlin Park
This Prairie-style fieldhouse is a haven for contemporary movement study, improvisation, yoga and holistic exercise. 3035 N Hoyne Ave (773-880-5402, chicagomovingcompany.org). Winter session begins Mon 9; most classes $10, professionals $9; discounts and pay-what-you-can rates available.

Gus Giordano Dance School
More than five decades of training continue in this academy’s new Andersonville digs. Jazz-dance is the house specialty, but there’s also ballet, hip-hop, tap and more. 5230 N Clark St (773-275-5230, gusgiordanodanceschool.com).Classes begin Mon 9; drop-ins $15, students and professionals $10.

Latin Street Dance Academy
This is where to go when your hips don’t lie. Flavors include Brazilian samba, rhumba/guaguancó, Argentine tango and Mambo Loco. 1335 W Lake St, suite 103 (312-427-2572, laboriqua.com). Classes begin Mon 2; four-week sessions $75 and up.

Lou Conte Dance Studio at the Hubbard Street Dance Center
Sample a dozen techniques at this West Loop complex, ranging from African to Zumba. Many classes feature live music or percussion. 1147 W Jackson Blvd (312-850-9766, hubbardstreetdance.com). Winter/Spring session begins Mon 2; $15 single class; discounts available.

Old Town School of Folk Music
A new, second building in Lincoln Square opening Monday 9 adds three dance studios and “Global Dance Party” events every Friday night. 4545 N Lincoln Ave (773-728-6000, oldtownschool.org). New session starts Mon 9; most eight-week classes $160, drop-ins available.

Sixpax
Pilates is at the core of many classes at this South Loop studio; check out its convenient comparison chart online to learn the difference between BOSU Blast, Go Zen and Sixpax Sculpt. 1329 S Michigan Ave (312-583-9375, sixpaxchicago.com). Group classes $18; private sessions and discounts available.

Solão Fitness + Dance Studio
A mind-boggling array of classes is held here—54, at last count—from Deep House Drench to Piloxing (Pilates + boxing). 1800 N Western Ave (773-235-7500, solaofitness.com). Memberships $129 per month; punch cards and single-class rates available.

Visceral Dance Center
A bustling, well-appointed facility near Logan Square, with instructors from top companies and in-demand guest teachers. 2820 N Elston Ave (773-772-1771, visceraldance.com). Single classes $10–$15.