This was just a few nanoseconds of obscure fame here, the TV segment was really about Mary Manzella's Wednesday evening dance parties at Cheek2Cheek!

Source picture © KUSI News
January 18, 2006

This web page was originally private just for me in an abbreviated form. I correctly figured that if I made it public, there would be more benefit. I'm amazed at how many people have come up to me and thanked me for this page since I put my picture here! More importantly, I thank those who have shared their information about the San Diego ballroom dance scene!

This is where I started it all, absolutely no experience needed. As with all of the dance studios and clubs in this section NO DANCE PARTNER IS NECESSARY, it is perfectly fine to come by yourself, male or female!

Dance Club. Non-profit organization. The ballroom at the Balboa Park Club building is huge, 180 x 72 feet with about 11,000 square feet of danceable area.

Dance Classes - Two dances at three experience levels are taught each month, simultaneously, on a roughly four month rotation. Most of the Ballroom, Latin and Club dances are taught during the four month rotation.
--- Beginner taught by John Nagel & Lisa Duncan. Very frequent rotation of partners; age range high school to geezers. Remember that the classes for a particular dance begin on the first Friday / Sunday of the month and run through the course of the month.
--- Intermediate taught by Stephen Showers [new instructor, announced April 21, 2006]. Frequent rotation of partners. Request to be on email list for dance syllabus.
--- Advanced taught by Yolanda Vargas. Most couples paired, little or no rotation of partners. Some dancers have been attending the advanced classes for more than 10 years! Note: the Advanced Class is closed to new attendees after the first two classes of each month. Yolanda travels a lot so occasionally there will be a substitute teacher. Request to be on email list for dance syllabus.
--- Emeritus roving instructor: David Kessel.

Admission is $3.00 for the night (general dancing and the two classes) for members and $4.00 for non-members, a super bargain. All you have to do to become a member is to pay the membership fee; $9.00 for six months, the last time I checked. Note: there is a small window twice a year in which you can become a member, there will be announcements before the classes begin.

There is general dancing before and after the classes:

Friday evening - Dancing from 6:45-10pm, with two back-to-back 45 minute lessons in the middle (about 7:30-8:15pm and 8:20-9:05pm). These classes are not held on Member's Night (see below). If you have never danced, there are lots of chairs along the walls on which you can sit and observe until classes begin!

Sunday evening - Dancing from 6:45pm-9:30pm, with two back-to-back 45 minute lessons in the middle (about 7:00-7:45pm and 7:50-8:35pm).

Notes: It takes a while to set up the music equipment, so there may be a slight delay to the actual start of dancing. Now and then classes are cancelled due to unavailability of the facilities. Be sure to check the Calendar.

Dance Parties - dance partner mixability: moderate to high
Friday evening - Second Friday of the month is Member's Night (unless there is a special Saturday party the next evening - in which case there will be regular classes on the second Friday). 7-10pm with dance lesson at 9:30pm. Free to members, and despite the name, non-members are welcome ($4.00).

Saturday evening - Several special parties with live music each year, for example Halloween and Valentine's, check Calendar. There have been some complaints that these parties have too many foxtrot and jitterbug dances and not enough of everything else.

I was a regular here from late 2004 to July 2006. After a few cycles of Beginner Classes I started taking Intermediate Classes and began to challenge myself with an Advanced Class or two. I've changed my dance focus to concentrate more on studio classes and now have scheduling conflicts. October 2006 Spy Report: this venue has been setting some new records in popularity with attendance exceeding 200! As of May 2007, I returned to Balboa Park to take some advanced classes, but dropped out after an unusual streak of Balboa dance class cancellations. I found that the class sizes are now much larger, so there is less individual attention possible, still I highly recommend this place for the absolute beginner as well as the experienced dancer who wants to glide on a truly giant dance floor.

Just a portion of the vast Balboa Park dance floor - June 4, 2006.

Studio. Impressively large studio ballroom dance floor, one of the best dance floors in San Diego, 3300 square feet. Also a smaller classroom dance floor (with some very slippery spots!). Dancers tend to be fairly advanced, focusing on competitive dancing rather than social dancing, but some beginner / intermediates will show up for the weekend parties, particularly if Balboa Park is closed. More Ballroom and Latin oriented than Club. Studio owner, Mary Murphy, is a judge and choreographer for the hit Fox TV series So You Think You Can Dance.

Sometimes finding a parking space can be a bit of a problem. There are a couple $ parking lots on the same block towards downtown.

Dance Classes - (Calendar) Group dance lessons during the week (some classes are quite small). Group classes are generally beginner level; dancers who want to advance here take private lessons.

Dance Parties - (Calendar) mixability: moderate.
Friday evening - 8-11pm - Champion Ballroom's Dance Party - Ballroom oriented.
Admission $5
Expect an embedded three song Foxtrot Mixer. March 9, 2007 update- I visited for the for the first time in many months - much smaller crowd, only 7 to 9 couples on the floor at any time. The music mix has improved, nice munchies were served. With the large dance floor, this is an excellent venue for partners to practice; slim pickings for a single guy. Visited August 4, 2007, larger turnout as the higher end ballroom crowd was checking out this venue for a "first Friday destination"; I've heard that in September turnout was also quite good. Visited again on October 5, 2007, moderate crowd, quite a few newbies along with more experienced dancers.

March 26, 2010 spy report (thank you L.) - I went to Champion dance studio there were about 30 dancers {16 women-14men} Played ballroom,latin,and swing {no mixers}over all crowd was friendly. One of the female dancers was a teacher at this studio- she would ask men to dance. Dancers age group 20s-50s. Dance lever beg.-experience. As for the group class {7:00pm} I saw only one couple { it could have been a private } The dance party starts at 8:00pm and ends at 10:pm {short} Lots of room to dance ballroom.

Saturday evening - Check the calendar as sometimes there may be venues on the Saturdays not listed here.

1st Saturday - 8-11pm - San Diego Smooth Dancers - Admission $7. A very popular venue for Intermediate to Advanced dancers. Check here for notes

4th or 5th Saturday - 8-11pm - Chinese Club of San Diego - Admission $7. Ballroom with Chinese and American music and many members of the local Chinese community - normally the last Saturday of the month except in October, then the second to last month. Wide range of dancers. November 29, 2008 update - large turnout, maybe 200, a lot more crowded than indicated by the picture, below, taken more than two years earlier - the event's popularity has increased. Turnout partially influenced by the lack of other venues, typical of "5th Saturdays". The music now includes a generous mix of "Western" music compared to a couple years earlier.

Studio. Founded in May 2005, moved to new facility in October 2008.

Dance classes - Ballroom, Club and Latin. Some group classes extend well into intermediate level steps. I have taken some classes here.
Dance offerings being expanded at the new studio.

Dance Parties - Dance partner mixability: Mary Manzella's Party high.

Wednesday evening (1st & 3rd Wednesday of month) - 8-11ish - Wednesday Night Fever
Admission $7.00
West Coast Swing, Hustle and Night Club 2 Step.

Wednesday evening (2nd & 4th Wednesday of month) - 8-10:30pm - Ballroom Dance Party hosted by Mary Manzella, Keith Salyards - DJ, with intro dance lesson from 7:30-8pm.
Admission $8.00, North County Swing and Ballroom Dance Club members $7.00
Dancers range from beginner-intermediate to advanced. The party has a broad mix of Ballroom, Swing and other Club dances, and some Latin. This venue remains popular, typically 45-70 people will show up, sometimes more. I'm a regular here.
Preceded by introductory lesson in one of the popular dances 8:00-8:30pm.

Thursday evening - 9:30-midnight - See Tango

Friday evening - The Jam - 9pm-12am, class 8:15-pm. Lindy, Balboa, Charleston and Jitterbug
Class $6, Dance $8. December 5, 2008 - I visited for the first time. Large, energetic turnout, at least a 100. Like Jitterbug, there is something about Lindy which brings happiness to the dancers! This is one of the few venues I've been to where there were instances of the audience on the sidelines getting caught up in watching some couples, clapping and voicing encouragement. As an experienced Jitterbugger I did venture out for a few dances, Lindy is now on my list of dances to learn - but as I have a full plate, that may have to wait until 2010. The music was mostly Lindy, there were a few Balboas, Charlestons and Jitterbugs. Hats off to 2 To Groove for a successful new venue within the new Dance For 2 location.

Saturday evening

1st & 3rd Saturdays - Ballroom-Latin Mix Dance Party 7:30-10pm, with complimentary mini lesson 7:45-8:15pm.
Admission $5
October 11, 2008 - Huge turnout at the Grand Opening party of the new facility. Three parties ran simultaneously with Ballroom on the main floor, Tango (Argentine) in the second floor classroom , and Lindy in the first floor classroom. Well received.

2nd & 4th Saturdays - See Tango

Sunday evening

1st & 3rd Sundays - See Tango

2nd Sunday - 7-10pm - Hustle Heaven. "This ‘80s style nightclub experience features contemporary and classic Hustle tunes with West Coast Swing, Nightclub 2-Step, Argentine Tango, Salsa, & Cha Cha."
Admission $7

4th Sunday - Check website.

Nice crowd for Mary Manzella's birthday party September 30, 2009

Studio. Ballroom - 2100 square feet.

Specializes in Ballroom and Latin Dances in both the American and International styles.

Extensive set of group classes

Dance Parties -

- Friday evening - First Friday of the Month Dance Party" 8:00-9:30 [Note January 2010 will be on Jan 8]
Admission $7.

Studio. Moderately sized ballroom. 1300 square feet.

Wide range of instructors and dance classes. Lot of people from North County tell me there's no place to dance up there and don't know about this place when I mention it. Check it out!

November 1, 2006 Spy Report: "It is a wonderful group of people - 15-25 with a core group of at least 10 or so that are there every week. Music is mix ballroom, Latin and swing and requests. Julia Malutta is hostess and also has a beginner's class prior to the social that is usually one of the Latin dances - Cha-Cha, Rumba, Salsa, Samba. It consists of technique as well as patterns. Newcomers are introduced to all the attendees (or we introduce ourselves to newcomers). More often than not, there are more women - so more men would be welcome!!! On Monday Nite Julia has an intermediate class (8-9PM) that is progressive and is changed every month based on what the group attending wants. She is a fabulous teacher and offers techniques that can normally only be learned in private classes. Group is usually small - 4-8 dancers.

Dance Classes -

Wide range of classes
One interesting dance taught here (thank you Erika) is Rueda - a kind of synchronized Salsa with partner changes (Class Sunday from 6:00-7:00pm) - "Cuban style Rueda de Casino, which is Casino (Cuban Salsa) danced in a circle with couples constantly moving while changing partners" - see Rueda San Diego.

Dance Parties -

Tuesday evening - Dance Party 8-9:30pm - Ballroom, Latin.
July 23, 2007 Spy Report: Julia Maluta's Tuesday parties continue to draw well. A combo package of a Latin dance lesson, format, varies weekly at request of attendees, plus practice party is a great bargain. Some Tuesdays the floor has almost become crowded.
March 10, 2010 Spy Report (thank you L.): I went to Dance North county. Your 2007 spy report is the same as today. About 30-35 dancers more women than men. Played ballroom, latin, swing, plus argentine tango and WCS. Group is friendly. Age group 20s and up. Very comfortable place to dance for a beginner.
Wednesday afternoon - 1-3pm - Seniors Social Dance Party.
Friday - 8-10pm - Ballroom, Latin, Swing Dance Party.
Saturday evening - varying parties
- 1st week - 7-11pm - Ballroom, Latin, Swing Party with lesson. Hosted by USA Dance
Admission $7, $5 students, $4 USA Dance members
First visited December 3, 2005, younger crowd (post boomer gen XY), but all are welcome; good mix with a slight Latin slant, several Hustles had rather fast tempos.
- 2nd week - 7-11pm - Hustle Party. Host by Melanie Roberts & Archie Dawson with lesson.
- 3rd week - 7-11pm - Beginner's Social Dance Party. Hosted by Christy Johnson with lesson "dance format varies monthly", DJ'd by Keith Salyards. August 16, 2006 Spy Report: There is a nice mix of music for Ballroom, Latin, and Club.
- 4th week - 7-11pm - Swing / Lindy with lesson. Hosted by Margie Adams & Jim Cruzen
- 5th week - ?
Sunday evening - Not regularly scheduled, check Calendar as now and there is a Sunday evening Dance Party (for example, Tango or Salsa)

A major new studio by Yolanda Vargas. The largest dance studio in San Diego, 3900 square feet with one pole, plus two classrooms 250 and 500 square feet.

Dance Classes - Most of the smooth and Latin dances, see Calendar.

Dance Parties

Saturday evening -
- 2nd week - 7-11pm - It Takes 2 Dance Party hosted by Jonathan Lee.

Infinity's vast dance floor - opening night invocation February 26, 2010

Studio. General orientation is social dancing. Nice ballroom dance floor on the second floor, 1300 square feet; large classroom dance floor on the first floor.

Dance Classes - Group dance lessons during the week and Saturday (some entry level classes are large). Some classes advance fairly slowly, with quite a few progressive levels of instruction over the course of many months. Entry level classes renew just about every month. - I've taken *many* classes here.
Dance classes cover wide range of Ballroom, Club, Latin dances; private lessons available for beginner to advanced skill levels.

Dance Parties - dance partner mixability: high, except Saturday evening which has had very light turnout (all dance parties on the second floor)

Friday evening - See Tango

Saturday evening

All Saturday dances have a lesson from 8-8:30pm, Dance from 8:30-10:30pm. Admission $8.00 ($4 full time students with ID)

1st Saturday - Social Latin & Ballroom Dance Party

2nd Saturday - West Coast Swing Mania III

3rd Saturday - Hustle Madness Night Club Mix
October 2007 Spy Report: good turnout, with around 40 dancers. Attended February 16, 2008, about 60 dancers, this venue is becoming well attended and popular attracting dancers from around town. Mix is mostly Hustle, but with some Night Club 2 Step and maybe a Salsa or Cha-Cha mixed in. David extends his parties later into the evening when there is interest as there was this night.

4th Saturday - The Ultimate Everything Swing Event

5th Saturday - Special events - check the website

Sunday evening - Mostly Jitterbug / Swing - high energy, with a small sprinkling of other dances. 7-9:30pm.
Admission $7 ($4 full time students with ID)
February 12, 2006 - I showed up here on Sunday evening for the first time in many months - over 100 people attended. Quite a few intermediate to advanced dancers, but beginners welcome. Lot of fun - I enjoy this venue and I am a regular here. On September 3, 2006 facilities maxed out with 130+ dancers, overflowed to the first floor! One of the very few Sunday evening studio dance parties - a tradition since 1984 and still very popular. July 2008 update - record turnouts two weeks in a row with over ~140 dancers!

Pattie Wells, New Year's Eve - December 31, 2008

Dance Club. For those with intermediate to advanced skills. Someone with light experience can do fine if persistent.

Dance Classes - Sunday afternoon / evening - Two 1 hour classes: 5-6pm and 6-7pm with a short intermission in each class. The focus is on choreographies and technique. Snacks provided between classes and dinner after the second class. If you stay for dinner on a regular basis after the dance classes are over, you may be asked to contribute some food now and then.

I occasionally take classes here if not overloaded with other commitments, the instructors have been excellent.

Dance Party - dance partner mixability: high
Saturday - 1st Saturday of the month at Champion Ballroom Academy 8-11pm.
Admission $7
Showed up on July 1, 2006 for the first time - Huge turnout, at least 150. I was told the turnout was higher than usual due to the July 4th celebration theme and associated dinner. While the focus was naturally on the smooth dances, particularly Waltz and Foxtrot with two extended mixers each featuring one of the two dances, there was a generous sprinkling of other dances. A convenient notice board indicated which dances were coming up. The age range skewed toward boomers, 50 and beyond, but some younger dancers were there. Very friendly atmosphere. Mostly intermediate level dancers on the floor with some long time polished advanced dancers; some less experienced. Lot of people on the sidelines, socializing; at other times the floor required considerable navigation skills during the traveling dances and toning down fancier sequences. I noticed quite a few people I've seen at Starlight, none from Pattie Wells.

Annual Event - National Smooth Dancer's State Convention
Convention Website

December 2, 2006 - Performed an International Foxtrot dance class "demonstration" routine as member of a 10 couple ensemble!

San Diego Smooth Dancers Christmas Party - December 2, 2006 (at Champion Ballroom Academy)

Studio. Nice ballroom - 2880 square feet with three poles, the "North Star"; large classroom dance floor on the left side of the studio, the "South Star".

Dance Classes - Some of the group classes here, including ballroom (Waltz, Foxtrot, American Tango, etc.), are amongst the most advanced group classes in San Diego and quite popular. I occasionally take classes here. West Coast Swing, a popular dance at this studio, is taught at levels ranging from beginner to advanced.

Dance Parties - dance partner mixability: low to moderate.

Friday evening - 8-11 pm - hosted by Innovations Club Dance, preceded by a class 7:15-8pm.
Admission $7, $5 Members or Sister Club Members
Attended on May 11, 2006. Music about 60% West Coast Swing, rest Country 2 Step, NC 2 Step, Hustle. Around 40 people or so, mostly very experienced dancers well versed in the Starlight method of teaching WCS using open position, syncopated footwork. Newbies and old school "straight slot" dancers can be intimidated, so take this as an opportunity to learn about a new form! Nice party food on the side. Venue still going strong as of a June 15, 2007 visit.

Saturday evening - Varying parties

1st Saturday - 8pm - Innovations Club dance, usually preceded by a workshop from 6:30 to 7:45pm, check the Innovations website.
Admission $7, $5 Members or Sister Club Members
Slanted towards West Coast Swing with advanced dancers.

2nd Saturday - 8pm - Studio Nightclub Party Hosted by Michael & Dawn - "Swing, Hustle, Country & More"
Admission $7

3rd Saturday - 7:30pm - Studio Ballroom Party Hosted by Michael & Dawne - High end Ballroom.
Admission $7
I attended this for the first time on July 15, 2006 - undoubtedly the highest average level of ballroom dancing I've seen at any of the studio parties. Nice turnout with familiar faces from San Diego Smooth Dancers and elsewhere. Excellent mix of music with Waltzes being the most played. A Jack & Jill contest was included with nine couples participating (out of the 60 or so dancers who showed up) - the participating couples were randomly paired for one randomly chosen dance (in this case a Foxtrot picked from four possibilities: American Tango, Bolero, Foxtrot or Waltz) - really excellent dancing here. Note: Jack & Jill contests are not a regular feature of this venue. Michael & Dawne danced a few numbers: a real treat to watch.

4th Saturday - No dance - check calendar for special events

5th Saturday - No dance - check calendar for special events

Studio. Nice ballroom - 2100 square feet with one pole. Smaller classroom. Raised spectator area along the side. One of the best studio sound systems in San Diego.

February 24, 2007 - I attended the Grand Opening Party. There was a huge turnout, too many people to count, at least 300 maybe 400 at the peak, totally overwhelming the facility with many dancers from the other studios as well as a swarm of students from UCSD where Peter Edwards, studio owner, coaches Dancesport. All indications are that the studio will succeed as an ongoing venture, as there is a strong need for a studio in the "near north of downtown San Diego" with a decent sized dance floor.

Dance Classes - Many of the classes are taught by Peter Edwards, studio owner. In March 2007, I took my first class here, an intermediate American Tango class, quite challenging. A decidedly younger mix of people here.

Studio Membership enables one to take all offered group classes for a flat monthly rate - nice idea.

Dance Parties - dance partner mixability: high

Friday evening - 8pm until 11pm - Practice Dance Party. Preceded by lesson from 7:30-8:00pm.
Admission $5, $3 Students
I used to show up here quite frequently prior to conflicts associated with Argentine Tango.

May 5, 2007 Spy Report: After very large turnouts initially, this venue has stabilized with a good sized turnout, with quite a few UCSD students when the college is open. The music tends to be more Latin and Club than Ballroom.

Spy report received October 18, 2008: I went to Friday socials at Synergy Dance Zone on 10/3/08 and 10/17/08. Friendly crowds on 10/3/08, number count according to owner, Peter Edwards, was 125, and 106 on 10/17. All age groups, good mix of music, quite a few waltzes and foxtrots along with everything else. Top quality dancers, many of whom trained by Edwards, including UCSD competition students. Spy intends to take lessons there as soon as possible. Quite impressed.

Saturday evening - 8pm until 11pm - Dance Party.

1st Saturday - No regularly scheduled event. Check the calendar.

2nd Saturday - 8:00-11:00pm - Klair Cristiani with High Society Ballroom - Ballroom Dance Party. Preceded by dance lesson 7:30-8:00pm.
Smooth dances given greater play.
Admission $7
November 14, 2009 - Large turn-out for the opening night of this venue. The format was similar to Rob G's venue (final dance held in October 2009). The music selection for the smooth dances was good. I felt some of the music was too fast for some of announced club dances, particularly one very fast Night Club 2 Step and Cha-Cha which had more of a Hustle rhythm. The floor was quite crowded at times, requiring considerable navigation skill for the Waltzes and Foxtrots. Overall the evening went well, and announcements were kept short. I didn't stay for the Waltz and Foxtrot mixers as I gave in to my Argentine Tango urge and finished out the evening at Linda Garwood's Milonga at Dance For 2. There were munchies on the side and free bottled water.

3rd Saturday - 8:00-11:00pm - Ballroom Dance Party. Preceded by dance lesson 7:30-8:00pm..
Admission $7

4th Saturday - 8:00-11:00pm - USA Dance - Ballroom Dance Party. Preceded by simultaneous beginning and intermediate lessons 7:00-8:00pm.
Admission $7
September 22, 2007 - Nice crowd here perhaps 100, good dancing, had fun. The DJ had persistent problems with his equipment, the only negative - perhaps migrating to all digital instead of CDs would help.

5th Saturday - No regularly scheduled event. Check the calendar.

Whirl Ballroom

Studio. A cozy ballroom. Not officially measured, perhaps 1000 square feet.

Dance Classes - for adults and children - wide range of dances

Dance Parties

1st & 3rd Saturdays - 9pm-1am - See Tango

Competitive dancing.
Some classes: Salsa, Cha-Cha and Swing.
William Valencia, accomplished instructor

Following text and picture provided by the studio: "Offers a wide variety of Latin & Ballroom dance as well as Belly Dance, Samba, Afro Cuban, Salsa, Swing, Hip Hop, Bachata & Reggaeton. Monthly memberships make group classes more affordable at $2 per class."

Salsa class students, April 2007 at the North Park location

Salsa promotion at youtube.com

Friday evening - Dance Jam - 9pm-->?; Wide range of music for freeform dancing; contact dancing starts at 7:30pm on odd Fridays of the month. On April 21, 2006 I checked out this venue with a dance friend: both Contact Dancing and Dance Jam. V-e-r-y different than ballroom! Contact dancing does have informal protocols, knee pads recommended, maybe padding for the ribs as I was hurting days later; Dance Jam - free form interpretation of the music - most but not all people vertical - Gen X Free Spirits - alone together - I alternated between free form and a few Hustles and Night Club Two Steps - my friend and I the only ones doing that!

See their website for all locations and schedules - alternate dancing: solo, community, barefoot, contact, trance, improv, tribal dancing

Modern floating dance floor

Hip Hop, Jazz, Break Dance, Popping / Funk, More.

"Focused on Kids, Like Family"

Classes
Ballroom class Friday evening 7pm; many other classes

Parties
Occasionally there is music 7:30-11pm on Fridays, may be live. The Elks Calendar is frequently not filled in, so call for confirmation.

Spy report received February 2, 2010 - They are mostly doing WCS with free lesson by Margie & Gary E. They have alternating band (Mar Dels or Kicks) and DJ on Fridays at 6:30. $10 bucks, huge dance floor and draws some very experienced dancers. It's fun! Blessings!

Some group classes with follow-on practice party, primarily beginner, check the Calendar

Saturday evening - Dance Party, 9-10pm

Classes
Beginner Hustle workshop on fourth Saturday, occasional Intermediate / Advanced workshops are also held - check home page or classes.

Parties
Saturday evening - 8pm until late, preceded by Hustle lesson from 7:30-8pm - check the calendar as the parties are not held every week.

Organization founded in 2005 to bring Hustle "back" to San Diego. "San Diego's Premier Hustle Dance Club".

Mostly Salsa, some Mambo and Cha-Cha. Dance Team oriented - contact them if you want to audition for a team.

"This is a new business in San Diego, created to meet the needs of social dancers. Whether you are just starting to learn how to dance or are experienced, M.V. Dance Parties offers several parties at different dance studios around the San Diego area, where you can practice your skills."

Check their website for current parties

Discontinued July 2010

Classes
Friday evening - Salsa "The largest ongoing weekly Salsa class in San Diego"

Classes
Various dances, including West Coast Swing, Rumba, Salsa, Merengue, Jitterbug, and Night Club Two Step. Check Calendar

Parties
1st Saturday - First Saturday Dance Workshop and Practice Party

Private parties "in the 760 area code" may be arranged.

Produced by Hans ("Dancing Dutchman") and Spring ("Dancing Ducky"), "providing a place to practice dancing and socialize". This organization has been jumping around the calendar and trying different locations and formats. Venues and days of the week change frequently!

Check their website for further information

Dance Club.

Class
Sunday afternoon
- Beginner West Coast Swing 3-4pm. This class is free as the cost is included in the dance party immediately following.

Dance Party - dance partner mixability: high
Sunday afternoon - 4-7pm - Most of the music is West Coast Swing. Dancers range from first time beginner to advanced. Very popular, dance space can get tight. [Embedded dance club announcements starting around 6:00pm may d-r-a-g for a while.] Wear some red, white and blue on the first Sundays of the month. The organization has had some problems attracting younger people.

I was frequently here Sunday afternoons and really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, but in 2007 pretty much stopped showing up due to scheduling conflicts with the Smooth Dancer's program and because I like to go to the Sunday evening Pattie Wells' Jitterbug party - but I still show up now and then!

On June 8, 20008, I visited the new Elk's Lodge location - the facilities are impressive with a large studio quality ballroom dance floor, a giant seating area, nice stage and plenty of other amenities, including air conditioning. Good sound system too.

Dance lessons by Jim Cruzen & Margie Adams with Lindy as their speciality. Classes held at either the Pacific Beach Woman's Club or Dance North County. Classes include Lindy, Balboa and as of 2008, Jitterbug. This couple is reputed to be among the best Lindy dancers. Private lessons available.

Dance Parties
Monday evening - 8:30-10pm - Swing Huddle - Weekly swing dance party at the Pacific Beach location. Admission $4.00
4th Saturday evening - 8:30-pm-12:00am - All Things Swing - Monthly studio dance at Dance North County with out-of-town DJ and / or live music. Admission $8.00

Check out 2 to Groove's Links page for Swing resources.