So You Think You Can (or Can’t) Dance?

You might be surprised to hear about how many different kinds of dance lessons are offered in the Emeryville area, everything from ballroom to funk to Irish dancing.  I’ve come across many opportunities for FREE dance classes, so I wanted to make sure I pass this great info along to you all.

Here are some of the best dance studios and classes I’ve heard about in the area (although it hasn’t really helped my two left feet much).  Feel free to add to this list in the comments below the article if you know of other good dance spots to share.

The Allegro Ballroom on 5855 Christie Avenue is a non-profit dance studio that offers a variety of classes daily, for most ages and abilities. You can reach them at510-655-2888, and here are some of the classes they offer: FREE Dance Lessons for Children: Children ages 10-18 are eligible, and they focus on a different dance style each month (July is the Rumba, August is the Salsa), parents can participate too.  The emphasis is usually on Latin steps, particularly the salsa. Saturdays, 2-3 p.m., ages 10-18.  Walk-in’s are okay, but they recommend starting at the beginning of the month so you can learn the dance from start to finish. Salsa Thursdays at 7:00pm for just $7 bucks.

Spice Up Your Children’s Lives with Dance — Pee-Wee Group: The Youth Dance Program introduces kids to the ballroom dancing. Saturdays, 3-4pm, for $5 bucks.
Spice Up Your Children’s Lives with Dance — Teen Group: The Youth Dance Program introduces teens to ballroom dancing.  Saturdays, 3-4pm, for $5 bucks.

Just down the street from OakWalk (on San Pablo) is the Hand to Hand Kajukenbo Self Defense Center that usually offers traditional martial arts training and self defense classes.   Saturday mornings the Dream Dance Company teaches the “Dream Weekly Urban Dance Class”.  It’s an all-levels dance class in hip-hop, funk, house, breaking, salsa, samba, and more, for only $5-$7 per class.  You can call them at 510-428-0502 to get more details, or visit HandtoHandKajukenbo.com.
And to top it off, how about adding some Irish dancing to the mix?  The Starry Plough is an Irish Pub over in Berkeley, and you can stop by on Monday nights for a traditional Irish Dance and Music session. Lessons start at 7:00pm and the dancing starts at 9:00pm.  Best part is it’s free (the dancing, not the beer).    For more information, give them a call at 510-841-2082, or visit The Starry Plough Pub.

Hope you have fun!

Article by Stuart Gruendl.  Stuart is the developer of OakWalk, and an Oakland native.