With a close-knit community that aims to bring out the best in every woman, step into these women-led dance studios to bring out your most confident and authentic self
Whoever said to dance like no one was watching didn’t know what they were talking about. Dancing with a community means uplifting everyone, cheering on their musicality and the way their movies respond to each beat. It’s a thrilling feeling to have a group of people clap to every dance move and an empowering move to bring yourself out in the studio to not only conquer your fear of attending alone but to bring out the woman in you. This 2025, consider dropping by these dance studios to learn a new hobby, raise your confidence, and find a community that will bring out the diva in you.
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808 Studio
Co-owners Sofia Coyiuto-Tan and Dorthee Li-Fenix built Manila’s first boutique dance fitness studio in The Podium from their love for dance and the lack of elevated dance fitness studios. With these in mind, the two dancers opened up 808 Studio to not only combine dance and fitness with an elevated experience but to also create an inclusive space that welcomes and celebrates everyone regardless of skill level and experience.
“At 808, we’ve been inspired by so many incredible women, and the most powerful stories are always the comeback ones,” the co-owners shared, referring to how dance became a factor in healing and coping. To some, dance is more than a hobby: it’s an avenue of self-expression composed of unrestricted movements and emotions. To most, dance has become a passion and an important aspect of one’s self. “It’s a powerful reminder that movement is more than fitness—it’s a path back to yourself,” they explained.
Inside the club-style lights of the 808 Studio, the instructors have observed their students’ confidence grow through each session, from staying at the back on their first session to moving to the front and center of the class, even so far as sharing their dances on social media. Through consistency and commitment, students have continuously gained their confidence through these dance sessions with the help of the instructors and the supportive community.
“Dance helps you let go of insecurities, celebrate progress,
– Co-owners of 808 Studio Sofia Coyiuto-Tan and Dorthee Li-Fenix
and embrace your individuality, step by step.”
“Our mission has always been to spread joy through dance fitness,” The co-owners emphasized. 808 Studio has welcomed 808ers of various ages, from toddlers to seniors of various dance skills and experiences. They more than welcome first-timers as well and have a myriad of classes to choose from. Both Sofia and Dorthee suggest their 808 Signature Class for those who have little to no experience, which entails a 45-minute easy-to-follow class that meshes cardio and strength, leaving you accomplished and ready for another visit.
With their success as a boutique dance fitness studio, Sofia and Dorthee are excited to share their second studio which will open in Bonifacio Global City, aiming to elevate the dance fitness scene in the country and of course, to cultivate a supportive dance community.
“When you enter our Podium studio, the first sign you’ll see is ‘Trust us, you can dance!’ At 808, there’s no judgment—only encouragement and support. Let go of expectations, have fun, and remember, everyone was a first-timer once.”
– Co-owners of 808 Studio Sofia Coyiuto-Tan and Dorthee Li-Fenix
Nude Floor
Co-founder and creative director Shayna Cua trained in Australia, America, and Europe by curating her classes across many studios. When she moved to the Philippines, the dancer exposed herself to the local dance scene and many dancers and choreographers, all brimming with passion for their dance style and its culture. It is common for dancers to come together to share their love for a particular dance style, and Shayna desired a space to come together to share and teach their passion for dance. Thus, Nude Floor: a space dedicated to making art in Ayala Circuit, Makati.
Established in 2019 with her husband and co-founder Byron Hontiveros, Nude Floor is a multidisciplinary art space that emphasizes the art of movement. “The dance studio portion is a small part of who we are,” Shayna explained passionately. “but we take it very seriously and we have a more holistic approach to learning and training where we value individuality. We really want each person to find themselves authentically and be able to express themselves freely.”
“A huge thing about Nude Floor also is the community and how we encourage collaboration across the art disciplines while still championing individuality and authenticity. I feel like that is what sets us apart.”
– Co-founder and Creative Director of Nude Floor Shayna Cua
With 15 years of experience in dancing, Shayna knows all too well how powerful a tool dance is to one’s self. “Dance is an expression and a release of yourself, and so I feel like the more comfortable you are with yourself, both in mind and body, it empowers you to be more confident,” the creative director passionately explained. Through getting to know yourself and getting comfortable in your skin, you become more confident moving in your own body, not just in dance but in general.
Nude Floor’s goal has always been to celebrate authenticity and individuality by providing the space to create and collaborate. With the help of its mission and the instructors of the art space, it fostered a warm and passionate community. “I don’t know how I built it, but I think staying true to the intention of the space, the goal, and like everything that we do is very intentional,” Shayna mused honestly.
Ranging from beginner classes to advanced open classes in a variety of styles such as hip-hop, femme, house, and more, Nude Floor has a dance class for everyone, even for first-timers. If you’re still intimidated to enter the world of dance, the studio also started the Nude Floor Fit Club which focuses more on the fitness aspect of dance, allowing students to explore movement in a more approachable way like yoga, barre, animal flow, and calisthenics.
MEGA asked Shayna what piece of advice she could give to those who are too shy or intimidated to join a class, and the co-founder offered three: Don’t do it for anyone other than yourself; Don’t take it too seriously; and if all else fails, bring a friend with you. “It’s always good to do it with someone you trust and know,” Shayna shared happily.
“Dance allows a lot of us to embrace our authentic self. As a woman, it embraces your body, your spirit, your movement, and I feel like, by allowing myself to express that authentically and be more comfortable and confident with my own skin.”
– Shayna Cua on dance as an empowering tool for confidence
Featured Image and Photos: 808 DANCE STUDIO & NUDE FLOOR
