John's Ballroom / Latin / Swing Dance "Studio" Page

N O T I C E
This Website now has four pages:
Ballroom (this page)
Studio instruction and parties
Ballroom, Latin, Swing
SD DanceVibes
Glenn Walker's Newsletter
Ballroom Parties
Club
Nightclubs, bars with dancing
Ballroom, Latin, Swing
Tango
Argentine Tango
Totally

This webpage is a repository of San Diego Dance Studio links.
Here you can find answers to: Where can I learn to dance? Where can I find a ballroom dance party?

This webpage is maintained by John Stokes

Popular Studios & Dance Clubs
Balboa Park Champion Dance For 2 Dance Motion Dance N County Infinity Pattie Wells Smooth Dancers Starlight Synergy Whirl
More indices
Competition

Dance Focus

• Ballroom - Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Quickstep and Viennese Waltz. These dances are sometimes referred to as the "smooth" dances.
• Latin - Rumba, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Bolero, Samba, Mambo
• Swing / Club - Hustle, Jitterbug / East Coast Swing, Nightclub 2-Step, West Coast Swing, Country Western 2-Step
• For Argentine Tango go to Tango - all references to Argentine Tango venues on this page have been moved to Tango

I have added some links for other popular dances (Bachata, Lindy, Hip Hop, Reggaeton and Zydeco) per request. Dance styles not covered include Free Style, Balboa, Jive, Paso Doble, Polka, Folk (English, Irish, Scottish, etc.), Square, Line, Round, Contra, Cajun, various other ethnic dances, and various forms of Ballet, Modern Dance, Cabaret and Adagio.

Location Focus

My location focus is closer to downtown San Diego, but I have included some venues at more distant locations per request.

Venue Focus

The Venue focus here is on regularly scheduled activities, not one time events. Please do not request the listing of one night stands! The general format of each Venue entry is a description followed by my observations and activities, plus "Spy Reports" (experiences of other people) in italics. If you find something of interest here, check with the associated website, if available, to verify my information as schedules and venues change frequently. It's always good insurance to check the Calendar links I provide as even the most consistent venues may skip an event. If you find any errors, or that some links have changed yet again, I'd appreciate a note! Know a place I don't have? Tell me. Find something out of date? Tell me.

Misc.

All logos © the respective studios. All photographs taken by me unless otherwise noted. All listings are free; I accept limited descriptions by studio and other establishment owners at no charge and from time to time will help someone out with a special request.

There will be a new picture of me here someday to replace this KUSI picture....

Here's a picture of me and partner of the moment stepping to a Cha-Cha at the Cheek2Cheek dance studio while being interviewed by roving morning news reporter Rod Luck of San Diego's KUSI channel 9.

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!



Popular Studios and Dance Clubs
(Listed in alphabetical sequence)

This part focuses on major venues with regularly scheduled group classes and dance parties.
Updated January 2, 2010


Balboa Park Dancers Ballroom Dance Club (website completely redone late September 2009)
Balboa Park Club building (or sometimes at the War Memorial building, check the Calendar)
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA (Map) (Calendar)
619-685-3659

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.


Champion Ballroom Academy
3580 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103 (map)
(619) 291-7722

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.

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

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

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.


Dancing at Champion Ballroom on May 27, 2006 - Chinese Club of San Diego - a lot more people than shown here, at least a 100 I think.


Dance For 2
7528 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92111 (map) (Calendar) (Alternative Calendar)
(858) 565-9575

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 - 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


Dance Motion Studios
12120 Alta Carmel Ct, Suite 410A, San Diego, CA 92128 (map) (Calendar)
"Corner of Carmel Mountain Road and Camino Del Norte just of the 15 freeway in Rancho Bernardo"
(858) 451-3775

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.


Dance North County
535 Encinitas Blvd. Suite 100, Encinitas, CA 92024 (map) (Calendar)
North Coast Business Park
(760) 942-6362

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.
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)


Infinity Dance Sport Center
4428 Convoy St. Suite 288, San Diego, CA 92111 (map) (Calendar)
(858) 292-1300

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 - Grand Opening Ballroom Party - February 26, 2010


Pattie Wells' Dancetime Center
1255 West Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110 (map) (Calendar)
(619) 275-3533

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


San Diego Smooth Dancers
Champion Ballroom Academy (map) (Calendar) Note: see the primary Champion Ballroom Academy entry, above, for Champion Ballroom Academy venue detail.
3580 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.

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)


Starlight Dance Studio
6506 El Cajon Blvd, Suite H, San Diego, CA 92115
Aragon Plaza, northwest corner (map) (Calendar) - The online party announcement section is not regularly maintained, some classes not included.
(619) 287-9036

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


Synergy Dance Zone
7480 Miramar Rd, San Diego, CA 92126
On the same block as the "Pyramid" - to the right in the shopping center (map) (Calendar) Note: Click on the schedule page which comes up to get the calendar for current month.
(858) 268-4011

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
New Entry as of December 7, 2009
2670 Via de la Valle, Suite A-215, Del Mar, CA 92104
Flower Hill Shopping Center (map) (Calendar) - Note: the Google Map is off - the Flower Hill Shopping Center is to the west of San Andres Dr. The studio is on the second floor towards the west end.
(858) 350-9447

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


Other Dance Clubs and Dance Studios

To be listed in this section, there has to be regularly scheduled group classes and / or dance parties.
Freelance private instructors or studios with private instruction only, are listed under Dance Instructors.

This section re-validated January 2, 2010

Absolutely DanceSport
930 West Washington St., San Diego. CA 92103 (Click on Calendar on home page)
(619) 725-0700

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

A Time To Dance Studio
Two locations:
• 3982 30th St., San Diego (North Park), CA 92104 (for Calendar, Click on Classes)
(619) 297-6401
• 565 Pearl St., San Diego (La Jolla), CA 92173

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

Center for the Moving Arts
2906 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
Sunset Temple

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

Culture Shock Dance Center
2110 Hancock St., Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92110 (Calendar see Class Schedule on home page)
(619) 299-2110

Modern floating dance floor

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

Danceology
16625 Dove Canyon Road, Suite 105, San Diego, CA 92127 (northwest of Poway, east of Rancho Santa Fe)
(858) 613-1155

"Focused on Kids, Like Family"

Classes
Ballroom class Friday evening 7pm; many other classes

Elks Lodge - Escondido
Escondido Elks Lodge #1687, 2430 S. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA. 92025 (map) (Calendar)
(760) 745-1687

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!

Fred Astaire San Diego Dance Studio
8303 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92111 (Click on Calendar on the home page)
(858) 499-0180

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

Saturday evening - Dance Party, 9-10pm

Hustle San Diego
P.O. Box 235552 Encinitas, CA. 92023-5552 (Calendar on home page under "Classes")
Classes and Parties held at Dance North County 535 Encinitas Blvd. Suite 100, Encinitas, CA 92024 (map)

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".

Majesty in Motion
619-917-1721
Classes held at various studios (Calendar)
Dance Company

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

M. V. Dance Parties
Locations vary but mostly at 7202 Suite A, El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115. (Back door entrance). Studio environment.

"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

Patricia Rincon Dance Collective
Performing Arts Workshop Dance Studio (Calendar)
1105 Second St., Encinitas, CA 92024 (map)
760-632-5340

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

Rhythm Dance Romance
Christy Johnson, "Master Partner Dance Instructor and Romance Coach" (Calendar)
Locations vary according to day in the week, check Calendar
Carlsbad - Harding Recreation Center, 3096 Harding St., Carlsbad, CA 92008 (map) 760-602-7510
Encinitas - Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr., Encinitas, CA 92024 (map) 760-943-2260
Vista - Art Dance Academy, 1850 Hacienda Drive, Suite 17, Vista 92081 (map) 760-757-4470

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.

San Diego Dance Beat Productions
858-735-4159

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


San Diego Swing Dance Club
El Cajon Elk's Lodge
1400 Washington Ave., El Cajon CA 92019 (map) (Calendar)
(858) 274-6422

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.

2 To Groove Dance
Pacific Beach Woman's Club - 1721 Hornblend St., San Diego (Pacific Beach), CA 92109 (map)
Dance North County 535 Encinitas Blvd. Suite 100, Encinitas, CA 92024 (map)
(for Calendar click on "Classes" on the main page)
619-291-3775

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.



Dance Instructors
You are an independent Dance Instructor based in San Diego County
Your focus is on one or more of Ballroom, Latin or Swing. For Argentine Tango see tango
If you wish to be included here, contact me. You must have your own website, if not then a Facebook link is OK.

Instructor Website Notes
Mel Carrillo Mel Carrillo Dance
North County
Ballroom, Swing, Latin
"Patience, Quality, Experience: 35+ years of full time teaching experience"
John "JD" Daugherty JD's Country Dance Co. Social dancing - WC Swing, Two-Step, Cha-Cha
Rebecca Grohowski Dancing Together
Pacific Beach
Ballroom, Latin, Club, Weddings
"Private dance instruction in a friendly, relaxed environment."
Carrie Kloss Carrie Kloss Social, American Smooth & Rhythm, Medal Programs, Competition and Showcase.
"Helping you to become the champion of your life."
David Kessel David Kessel
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District
Ballroom, Lain, Swing.
"Dancing is a social asset that will last you a lifetime."
Kasia Kozak Kasia Ballroom Dance World Academy
Cheek2Cheek dance studio.
Dance World Connections
Private dance instruction program for people who would like to become Ballroom Dance teachers.
"A true vocational program working towards accreditation"
Boot Camp and Kozak Originals clothing.
Porfirio Landeros & Laetitia Santore Ballroom Dance San Diego Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Swing
"We're active professional competitors in Smooth Ballroom. We're also available for private lessons, wedding couples and shows."
Nicole Lewis Nicole's Dance Blog Waltz, Rumba, Foxtrot, Cha-cha, Tango, Swing, Salsa and...
I provide one-on-one instruction to leaders, followers and couples; also group classes.
Valerie J. Pennington Passion 4 Dance Latin, Ballroom, Club and Dance Fitness.
" I teach at Synergy, Tango Del Rey, Southwestern College and my home studio in Chula Vista."
Mary Pinizzotto and Eric Fillion Dance Lessons San Diego
Dance For 2 / Dance North County
International and American Ballroom, Latin, West Coast swing and Salsa.
"We use our Dance Mastery approach to teaching."
Valerie Ortiz Wallace Salsa California I teach Social Dancing; Salsa, Cha-Cha, Bachata & Merengue at Cafe Sevilla and Dancing Unlimited
"Add a little spice to your life with Salsa"
Rosemary Ward • The Ballroom Dance Experience
• Wedding Dance San Diego
Ballroom
"Specialty: International Standard / International Latin; Shows and Dances for the Senior Community", DJ, Weddings and more.





Other Dance Party / Class Venues
This section lists other organizations such as churches, outreach groups, and specialty dance clubs.
Must host or are associated with regularly scheduled dance parties and other dance related events.
Entries in this section mostly added per request.
Please restrict your requests to regularly scheduled events, not one time events.

Bon Temps Social Club
Calendar: Click on "Dance Schedule"
- Weekly - Zydeco events at Tio Leo's
- Monthly - 2nd Saturday - Zydeco at the Recital Hall in Balboa Park (Click on Balboa Park Map at the Bon Temps website)
- Annual - Zydeco at Gator By the Bay - http://www.sandiegofestival.com/

• Christian Singles Dances (no website)
Dance North County 535 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, CA.
"Social Dancing with a Heavenly Focus North San Diego Christian Singles Dance sponsored by Classic Christian Events.
Join 80-100 Christian Singles from all over San Diego County for Social Dances on 3rd Saturday of every month beginning June 21, 2008. Various music and dance styles. Beginning lessons and refreshments included. $12.00 in advance $15.00 at the door. Info: 800-795-8955 or info@classicchristianevents.com".

La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center
8450 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa, CA 91941
Friday Night Dances
Live bands, refreshments and friendly people, every Friday night. Band vary each week. Admission $4 (including refreshments). Volunteers always needed & welcome for set-up, check-in table, etc. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Contact E-Mail: jstern@ci.la-mesa.ca.us. Phone: 619-464-0505
Spy report: June 1, 2009 They always have a live band and its mostly retired people, who dress up quite nicely and the dancing is all old time big bands stuff.

San Diego Viennese Waltz Club
Casa del Prado, Balboa Park - upstairs in room 207 or 206
Viennese Waltz classes, workshops, dances, special events
Friday evening - With San Diego Vintage Dancers and the Performing Folk Dancers - class 7:30-10pm - "Classes and practices include various Vintage Ballroom Dances and European ethnic dances from the Victorian age to the Swing era."

WannaDance
1017 S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020
Christian dance club. Social dancing, usually the first Saturday of the month (check Calendar for confirmation and exceptions). Cover charge includes dance lesson from 7-8pm, open dance from 8pm to 11pm. "Modest" dress code.
German American Society



Academic Institutions
Colleges and Universities with their own physical buildings and full time students
Checking their calendars is important as class schedules are tied to the school year.
All entries by request

San Diego Community College District - Continuing Ed
3249 Fordham St. San Diego, CA 92110 (just off Midway near the Sharp Memorial Hospital)
Class locations vary
Beginner and Intermediate Ballroom Dancing
Classes - Look under Physical Education and then look for Ballroom Dancing

San Diego State University - Ballroom & Latin Dance Club
"Student-run non-profit organization committed to promoting and extending the benefits of ballroom and Latin dancing to the students, faculty, and staff of San Diego State University and to members of the surrounding community".



Other Lists & Resources
Links to free dance lists maintained by other list keepers. Links to lists that start charging $ will be deleted.
Commercial institutions with free video learning centers are accepted

DoYouOnlyWannaDance - Yahoo Groups San Diego ballroom dance calendar (need to sign in to Yahoo to see it).

Partner Dancing in San Diego - The website that may someday render this one obsolete! Some entries not kept up to date. Daily view at Partner Dancing Daily.

Salsa San Diego - Salsa class every day! A comprehensive integrated list of Salsa classes and parties in San Diego generically organized by time and day of the week

San Diego City Beat - Website constantly changing - Click on "Club" and or "Calendar" links - Comprehensive list of club events - dance and music.

San Diego Dancing - List of places to dance in San Diego sorted by type of venue, some links obsolete

San Diego Hustle Club - List of place to dance Hustle in San Diego and nearby

San Diego Swing Cats - Vibrant group of San Diego Jitterbug / Lindy Dancers maintain a calender of local venues.

SwingOrama - "San Diego's Swing Dance Headquarters" - Calendar of swing events, with associated discussion boards, normally up to date.

USA Dance - San Diego Chapter - Comprehensive list of San Diego County social dancing links

- - - - -

Ballroom Dancers - Has a learning center with video

The Dance Store Online - Has a learning center with video

- - - - -

S.D. DanceVibes - "Best San Diego Ballroom Parties" eNewsletter - Comprehensive ballroom party list updated each month by Glenn Walker with all events conveniently sequenced by date. Included is a description of the best ballrooms and the best studio parties, a "must read" in my opinion! Not a website, but an email newsletter. Inquire at SDDanceVibes*san.rr.com (copy / paste the address in your email program's "To:" address field, and change the * to @ - I'm listing it this way help keep automated spam list builders from mining the address).



Dance Competition
(San Diego, Los Angles, Las Vegas)
List of major annual events listed in monthly sequence
Check websites for further information. Contact me with venues I don't have here.

Month Venue Name Address City,
State, Zip
Notes
January
and / or
May
SwingDiego Town & Country Resort & Convention Center
500 Hotel Circle North
San Diego,
CA 92108
"San Diego's Premier West Coast Swing Dance Convention"
January / March David Patrone Swing Dance Competition Viejas Casino
Alpine,
CA
All levels - 10 weekly qualifying rounds leading to a final late March or early April.
May Emerald Ball Dancesport Championships Los Angeles Airport Hilton Hotel Los Angeles,
CA
Pro-Am & Professional
May Star Struck Dance Competition National Orange Show Fairgrounds Los Angeles,
CA
Associated with talent search
June San Diego Dancesport Championships Hortin Plaza Westin San Diego,
CA
Pro-Am & Professional
I was here for one evening in 2006, the first time I attended this type of venue. Really cool - if you are aspiring to high end ballroom dancing check one out some day.
July National Jitterbug Championships Los Angeles Airport Marriott Los Angeles,
CA

November Hollywood Dancesport Championships Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City Hotel Los Angeles,
CA
Pro-Am & Professional
November California Star Ball Dancesport Championships Los Angeles Radisson Hotel Los Angeles,
CA
Pro-Am & Professional
December Holiday Dance Classic
Las Vegas,
NV
Pro-Am & Professional
December Salsa World Championships Orleans Arena Las Vegas,
NV




John S. Stokes III
Custom Puzzle Craft
2350 Sixth Ave. #7H
San Diego, CA 92101

john@dancinginsandiego.com
Puzzle Cutter • Webmaster • Artist & Dancer
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