Top Kpop Academies to Learn Kpop Dance & More: Europe, US, and Asia.

If you love K-pop (and who doesn’t?) and want to dance like your favorite idols, you’re not alone. And a Kpop dance academy is the best place to start.

Whether you dream of being on stage or just want to improve your skills, there are real Kpop schools out there to help you.

Also, K-pop academies offer more than just dance – they can teach you vocals, performance skills, and even Korean culture.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the top K-pop academies in Europe, the US, and Asia. We’ll also talk about what you should look for before signing up, and what your next steps could be after training.

Also Read: Is the K-POP In Korea – Dream Trip to Seoul Worth It? What You Need to Know – Asia Lab

Kpop Academies Around the World

1. K-Pop Academy – Korean Cultural Centre UK (London, UK)

Located in central London, the Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCCUK) runs a popular K-Pop Academy program. It’s open to K-pop fans who want to learn more about the culture and experience fun, hands-on activities. The academy invites special guests and industry speakers every week. Students take part in activities linked to Korean music, fashion, and language.

This is a great choice if you live in the UK and want to explore K-pop from a cultural angle. It’s more of an intro program, perfect for beginners and fans who want to feel closer to K-pop.

2. Kpop Academy by KpopCenter – California, USA

Based in Buena Park, California, this K-pop Academy is actually part of the Fullerton School District. It’s a serious training complex for young students who want to become pop artists. The program even replaces regular PE and extracurricular activities in some schools.

It includes training in dance, stage performance, and more, and it’s backed by real entertainment companies like FNC, Fantagio, and The Black Label. Students outside the district can also apply. If you’re a teen dreaming of stardom and live in the US, this could be your big first step.

Also Read: Korean Entertainment Career Training Program by ASIA LAB: Kickstart Your Career in KPop, Kdrama, Kfashion, and more

3. Kpop Art School – Seoul, South Korea

Located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Kpop Art School (KAS) offers structured entertainment training for international students. With instructors who have trained real K-pop stars, the school focuses on safety, support, and professional education.

They provide everything from dance to vocal classes, and organize regular auditions with entertainment companies. Staff are available in Korean, English, and Japanese, making it easier for foreigners. If you want the real K-pop trainee experience in Korea, this is one of the best options.

4. KEMY K-Pop Academy – Seoul, South Korea (Online & In-person)

KEMY K-Pop Academy offers flexible online and in-person training. Classes are taught by top professionals who’ve worked with BTS, EXO, TWICE, and more. From beginner to advanced, they have training levels in dance, vocals, and body conditioning.

Students can also join camps in Korea, where they attend masterclasses, do photoshoots, and even perform on stage. The online option is great if you can’t travel, but still want high-quality K-pop training from home.

Also read: Kpop Auditions You Can Apply to Right Now (Multiple Locations Wordwide)

5. MAMAKEISH K-pop Academy

Location: Coquitlam, Langley, and Burnaby, BC, Canada

MAMAKEISH K-pop Academy offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for aspiring K-pop idols. Established in 2018, this academy is North America’s first dance school with a primary focus on K-pop. It’s a great place for both hobbyists and serious aspiring K-pop stars.

What sets MAMAKEISH apart is its CEO, Keisha Jiwon Kang, who has seven years of training as a K-pop idol herself. Keisha’s firsthand experience of the rigorous idol training process gives her a unique perspective that she passes on to her students. Whether you’re learning dance, Korean culture, or the diverse dance styles seen in K-pop, you’ll receive a well-rounded education here.

The academy’s special affiliations with major Korean entertainment companies like HYBE, SM, YG, and PLEDIS provide students with a distinct advantage, opening doors to networking and audition opportunities. MAMAKEISH also offers various classes, including performance and non-performance options, and prepares students for auditions with a focus on K-pop idol training.

With locations in Coquitlam, Langley, and Burnaby, MAMAKEISH is accessible for many students in the Greater Vancouver area, making it a top choice for aspiring idols in Canada.

6. O2 K-pop Academy in Australia

Location: Melbourne, Australia

O2 K-pop Academy offers a comprehensive Pre-Trainee Program designed for aspiring K-pop idols. The program covers dance, vocal training, and physical fitness, with a focus on stage presence and performance skills. Students also receive personalized feedback, modeling lessons, and even opportunities to audition for K-pop agencies. The academy’s curriculum is structured to provide participants with a strong foundation in K-pop performance, helping them prepare for future auditions and learning.

One unique aspect of O2KA is its Korea Trainee Experience Trip, where participants travel to Korea for hands-on training and exposure to the K-pop industry. The academy’s weekly program, led by professional instructors, encourages students to challenge themselves and strive for excellence, offering tailored feedback and progress reviews to maximize growth.

Students aged 10 to 18 with some prior dance or vocal experience can apply for the program, with a video audition required. The academy also offers a cash prize for the Best Trainee and a travel bonus for the Korea trip. The program runs for several months each year, and there’s also an option for an installment payment plan.

7. K-Pop Dance Academy in France

Location: Online (Based in France)

The K-Pop Dance Academy offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about K-pop to learn and improve their dance skills. With registration for the 2024 academic year now open, this academy provides specialized training in K-pop choreography. New choreography will begin on February 8, 2025, making it an ideal opportunity for those looking to refine their moves and engage in a structured learning environment.

The academy’s curriculum is designed for dancers of various skill levels, ensuring that everyone from beginners to more experienced students can join and progress. In addition to learning the latest K-pop choreography, students also have the chance to immerse themselves in the K-pop culture through workshops and performances.

To enroll, simply visit their registration page to secure a spot for the upcoming year. The program runs from November 2024 to June 2025, offering extensive training to help participants grow as dancers and gain the skills needed to excel in the world of K-pop dance.

8. Keens Academy: K-Pop Training for Aspiring Idols (Online & Global)

Keens Academy offers a global online program designed for aspiring K-Pop idols, with successful trainees from top groups like ITZY, BLACKPINK, and SEVENTEEN. The academy provides world-class training, covering everything from Rhythm & Flow to Line & Balance, with personalized feedback from professional instructors with industry experience.

The academy’s flexible curriculum spans different levels, from Potential to Professional, ensuring tailored progression. Students also have access to real-time virtual practice sessions and monthly evaluations. For those aiming for a deeper immersion, Keens Academy offers a Korean experience trip and exclusive opportunities with SM Entertainment.

Open to all ages and nationalities, Keens Academy allows trainees to learn at their own pace, making it an accessible option for anyone dreaming of a K-Pop debut.

Why Attend a K-pop Academy?

K-pop academies offer more than just cool dance moves. Here are some reasons why joining one could be a great move:

• Professional Training: Most academies have instructors who’ve worked with big names in K-pop. You get real industry-standard lessons in dance, vocals, and stage presence.
• Structured Curriculum: The programs are well-organized. You start with the basics and build up your skills step-by-step. Some schools even include language and acting lessons.
• Audition Opportunities: Many academies hold auditions or are connected to entertainment companies. This gives you a direct path into the K-pop industry.
• Networking & Friendship: You’ll meet others who love K-pop as much as you do. These friendships can last a lifetime, and you never know who you might meet.
• Cultural Immersion: Especially if you train in Korea, you’ll get a real taste of Korean life. Even online classes often include bits of language and culture.

Some of the skills you’ll learn in a Kpop Academy:

• K-pop dance choreography
• Vocal techniques for pop performance
• Breathing and stage confidence
• How to perform in front of an audience
• Korean cultural etiquette

Also Read: High-Paying K-pop Jobs You Can Do Remotely in 2025

Things to Consider Before You Enroll in a Kpop Academy

Not all K-pop academies are the same. Before you sign up, here are some important things to check:

1. Instructor Experience
   Look into who’s teaching. Have they worked with real idols or trained at top agencies?
2. Types of Classes Offered
   Make sure they offer more than just dance. Vocal, rap, acting, and language classes can be helpful too.
3. Facilities & Resources
   Do they have proper studios, sound systems, and safe spaces to learn and practice?
4. Location & Cost
   Some schools are in Korea, others offer online classes. Check what’s more practical for you. Also, compare tuition and additional costs like housing or visa support.
5. Success Stories
   Do they have alumni who became idols or professionals in the industry? It’s a good sign if they do.

What Comes Next After a K-pop Academy?

So you’ve finished your K-pop training. What now? Well, not everyone becomes an idol, but there are still lots of exciting paths to explore:

• Audition for Agencies: Use your training to try out for companies like JYP, YG, or SM. Even if you don’t get in the first time, the experience helps.
• Become a Dance Instructor: Some trainees go on to teach others or start their own workshops.
• Content Creation: Share your dance covers, vocals, or K-pop tips on YouTube or TikTok.
• Cultural Appreciation: Even if you don’t pursue a career, you’ll understand and enjoy K-pop on a whole new level.

Remember, K-pop is more than becoming famous. It’s about growth, discipline, expression, and community.

Also read: How to Apply for a K-Drama Audition: A Step-by-Step Guide on Qualifications, Requirements, and More

Conclusion

Attending a K-pop academy can be a life-changing experience. With the right mindset and a little bit of courage, your K-pop journey can start today—no matter where you are in the world.