Where to learn a new skill in Joburg in 2026

New year, new you? We make our New Year's resolutions with the best intentions and often start out strong, only to lose momentum as the year gains traction (often by February). When you're learning something new, it helps to keep it social. Having other people to practise with speeds up your learning, and the friendships formed will keep you coming back. Take up padel, learn a handcraft, hone your cooking skills, explore interesting new hiking trails, or add another language to your repertoire – Joburg's got plenty to offer. We've rounded up our top picks for the new you.

1. Learn a language

Parlez-vous français? Few skills are more valuable than learning a new language. Your travels will be enriched when you can interact with people in their mother tongue and you'll gain valuable insights into different cultures. It also improves your memory and problem-solving skills. Of course, there are few things more difficult to do. Duolingo's great, but truly learning a language requires practice – and people with whom to practice. These places in Joburg make it easier with courses tailored to your proficiency in the language.

Learn French and isiZulu at Alliance Française in Parkwood while snacking on some croissants to keep you going. Order your pasta in fluent Italian by heading to Dante Alighieri Society in Houghton and sprechen Deutsch with Goethe-Institut , also in Parkwood. Wits Language School in Braamfontein offers a range of languages that include isiZulu, Portuguese, and South African Sign Language, as well as several courses on translating and teaching English as a foreign language. With options to do the courses part time or online, you can arrange your learning to suit your schedule.

2. Put on your dancing shoes

Just hanging out at The Cirk. Photo: The Cirk.

Head into 2026 moving and grooving. Whether it's ballroom, ballet, pole, or pantsula that gets your feet tapping, Joburg's got the studio for you. Choreographer and dance coach Mark Hawkins' ballet for adult beginners in Forest Town will help you realise your Margot Fonteyn dreams in a fun and judgement-free space. With studios in Fourways, Illovo, and Fairlands, La Rouge Studio's liberating women's dance classes on offer include pole dancing, aerial hoop, and burlesque.

If you think you have what it takes and want to try your hand – or rather, your head and feet – at breakdancing, DS Dance Studios in Northcliff offers open breakdance classes, with all ages welcome. DS Dance Studios has an impressive track record, training various world and South African dance champions. Different variations of pantsula, twerking, and gqom are the standout dance styles offered at Soweto's Finest Dance Studio at Newtown Junction (yes, we said twerking). Then, Five6Seven8's Randburg studio offers 27 dance styles, including Latin and ballroom. From salsa and bachata to Kizomba, Zouk, and every Afro-Latino rhythm your hips have been begging to try, Dance Spirit offers weekly lessons in Morningside as well as dance events across the city.

Secret Sunrise is your go-to if you're after carefree movement, with events all around Johannesburg and Pretoria. And if you’ve always wanted to run away to the circus, well, The Cirk's classes at Cresta Shopping Centre are just the thing for you: swing from the rafters as you learn aerial and acrobatic tricks. They even have kids' courses so your little ones can join in the fun. For more, check out our feature on where to learn to dance in Joburg . Or mix your own beats to groove to with House DJ Tomby , who offers private lessons for budding to more experienced DJs.

3. Pick up a new sport

Ride through the streets of Soweto with **Lebo's Soweto Backpackers**. Photo: Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers.

There’s nothing worse than taking the stairs at work only to find you need five minutes to catch your breath at the top so you don’t walk into the office huffing and puffing. With plenty of ways to get active in Joburg, you’ll soon be hitting the top feeling fresh and perky.

Dust off your bike and join Banditz Bicycle Club or Street Friends for one of their rides around Joburg. Or join Girls On Bikes for an all-female power pedal. For more, check out our guide to cycling the city. If you prefer pounding the pavements, join the Braamfie Runners, #Letthepeoplerun aka Run Tell That, Shelflife running club or regular Parkrun events, and see where you can start racking up the steps with our guide to running in Johannesburg. If you're after something more social with a side of friendly competition, padel is the perfect pick. Find out where to play padel in Joburg and Pretoria, and read our intro to padel here.

Make a splash by finally learning how to swim! Joburg has plenty of places to help you glide, float, and kick with confidence. Aquatic Zone Swimming School (voted Best Swim School in Johannesburg by the Best of Joburg Readers’ Choice 2025 Awards) offers everything from Aquatots for tiny water babies under three to learn-to-swim, adult lessons, and even stroke development for future Olympians. They have branches in Houghton, Fairland, Alberton, and Midrand. Over in Linden, Joburg Swim School offers private sessions and water-confidence classes to take you from nervous splasher to smooth swimmer in no time.

If combining movement with meditation is more your style, try daily classes at Parktown North's inclusive The Nest Space, sessions at Nuru Studio at 44 Stanley , or Parkview's long-standing Sivananda Ashram , to name but a few. The Dabulamanzi Canoe Club at Emmarentia Dam gives you a chance to get out onto the water in Joburg, and they offer introductory classes to get you started.

Adrenaline junkies should check out CityROCK