Berkeley Parents Network: Ballroom Dancing

Berkeley Parents Network

Ballroom Dancing

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Classes & Lessons > Dance > Ballroom Dancing

Nov 2002

I would like to find a school that gives dance classes for adults preferably in the East Bay (but SF is ok too). My husband and I need to learn how to dance together to contemporary music and perhaps some classics like walzer, etc... I checked older referrals but they are very limited. Thank you!

My husband and I have taken good beginning classes from Charlene Van Ness at the Albany Community Center. She also teaches other places so check for her flyers at the Community Center. Another friend is taking lessons at the Dance Easy on San Pablo near the El Cerrito Mall. People seem to enjoy them although I personally have not taken there. Have fun!! kathryn

I don't know much about resources in the east bay, being a recent SF transplant, but Metronome Ballroom in the Portrero neighborhood, has a variety of different partner dance class offerings, and they offer private lessons as well. I don't know if they address your specific issues, but perhaps they could refer you. Their website is http://www.metronomeballroom.com/ Happy Dancing

I am so glad to be able to steer you to Paul Overton and Sharon Ashe at http://www.paulandsharon.com. Paul and Sharon specialize in swing and lindy hop (what fun!), but also teach foxtrot, waltz, etc. (no latin, sorry) They start everyone off with a session of ''moving together'', which we found to be the most rewarding part of the whole session. Paul and Sharon are VERY patient teachers, and do both large group and smaller seminars. They also have a DVD out called ''The Wedding Dance'' that helps couples prepare for partner dancing at their wedding. I highly recommend the DVD too! They teach in Glenview, just off Park Bl. and also in San Francisco (I think at the Metronome Ballroom). Have fun! -Jon

i'm not sure what sorts of dance classes you mean, but ballroom (which usually includes swing and salsa and tango) classes for complete beginners are available at both the danceasy (el cerrito) and the allegro ballroom (emeryville)-- if you look at their schedules they say what they have for total beginners and when, as well as other stuff.... (http://www.danceasy.com and http://www.allegroballroom.com i think)--have fun! --

Check out the Berkeley Adult School. They have a bunch of ballroom dance classes and it is a very informal comfortable setting. Gil Chun is the instructor and is very patient. The website is: http://bas.berkeley.net/comm.html. Also it is relatively inexpensive. Once you learn some steps, check out the Allegro Ballroom in Emeryville (http://www.california.com/~allegro/). Enjoy and happy dancing!!! Suzanna

2001

Is anyone familiar with the ballroom dancing classes for adults in East Bay ? Thanks Simona

The Allegro Ballroom in Emeryville is a fun start. My husband and I went for a date to a group dance class on a Friday evening. The location was spacious and well ventilated which is crucial because you would be amazed by the sweating you do! We initially assumed we would be dancing together the whole time, but instead the class is organized so you end up dancing with every other partner with each new increment of steps learned. It's located behind Wells Fargo and Denny's at Powell and Christie. I found a web site: http://www.california.com/~allegro/ Rue

The Allegro Ballroom located at 5855 Christie Avenue in Emeryville is the place to learn social dance: Fox trot, Swing, Tango, Nightclub 2 step, Lindy, Salsa & more
Rosemary

I highly recommend Charlene VanNess, though I don't know where she is teaching classes currently. You might check either the Berkeley or Albany YMCA, and I think she might also teach an exercise class at Jazzercise in El Cerrito. She has a mailer she sends out for her dance classes. She makes the classes fun and never makes you feel self-conscious. And you don't change partners like you do in other classes. My husband and I found going to dance class on Friday night to be a great way to transition from the work week to the weekend. Of course, this was before children... K.

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