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Allegro Ballroom
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Dance Studios Dance Studios [Edit]
5855 Christie Ave(between Powell St & Shellmound Way)
Emeryville, CA 94608
(510) 655-2888
- Good for Kids:
- No
47 reviews for Allegro Ballroom
47 reviews in English
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Review from Charlie D.
San Francisco, CA
10/28/2011
Mionga de Nora is always a great time. Lovely space, lovely floorcraft. Yep. Argentine tango in a grand ballroom is a win for me.
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Review from Ron L.
Concord, CA
1/22/2012
Well, it's okay, I guess. Has its good points and its bad points.
Location looks pretty spectacular - the first exit off the Bay Bridge. Takes a lot of left turns to get in there, though. Parking lot is good sized, but it gets crammed when the Allegro gets busy.
Prices are normal, offerings are large. Nora D's Argentine Tango class and Sunday night salsa are renowned throughout the Bay Area. Run more as a co-op than an Arthur Murray dance studio; offers membership that lowers the price of the walk-in classes. Parties are okay.
The crowd, you get a wide mixture. The times I've been, there have been pretty young thangs, elegant ladies, men of all ages, more Asians and Caucasians than anyone else. Many are nice and supportive, others have appointed themselves as volunteer teachers and practice their craft when you're dancing with them (not cool - and it seems there's comparatively more of them here than in other places).
And if you want to end the night filling your stomach with friends, just walk across the parking lot to Denny's!
Yeah, it's all right. -
Review from Tito Y.
Emeryville, CA
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Directions
Come Sundays.
Walk through door
Show them your 2 left feet.
Pay money
Listen to music beat
Take the dance class from the instructor
Pick a partner, Dance
Dance till one of your left feet turns right
Partner will pick you - maybe ask you for a date or visa versa
Dance with one left foot and one right foot
Smile
Head home.
Plan on coming next Sunday -
Review from Grace C.
12/15/2011
This is a review of Kelly Buckwalter-Casanova's Sunday night West Coast Swing beginner class (held every 2nd Sunday of the month- regular time on Thursday nights starting at 6:30p). I'm familiar with Allegro - having once been a 4x a week salsera and Sunday night at Allegro is where all the "serious" dancers go.
I was a little worried at first because when class started the group was 99% women (I even checked with the front desk if I could switch over to salsa if there weren't enough leaders for swing - the answer: not without paying for the salsa class as well).
We introduced ourselves to Kelly - she likes knowing people's names - it was a small group of 13 and she magically found some followers to dance as leaders. In one hour, we covered the sugar push, the pass through, the inside turn and the whip. Swing is 6 counts and Salsa 8 counts. When I had a good leader (dancing with Kelly) , I felt my steps were effortless. When I was paired with a weaker leader (or person with a very light lead), I had to think more about my steps.
Kelly is a terrific instructor. She has a great sense of humor and explains not only basic steps but common mistakes for both leader and follower. I always chuckled when she would do a demo and then preface practice time with "OK, it's time to fake it!!"
The crowd is a little older than the salsa crowd. I don't think I elevated my heart rate when I danced post lesson. (When I dance salsa with a partner who likes to twirl me, I start sweating as if I am in a bikram yoga class.)
The guy who asked me to dance for couple songs post lesson had been dancing for 20 years and proceeded to try to teach me how to dance. He would stop every few minutes and tell me, "you're doing this wrong." I kept smiling, though, because I believe in being a pleasant follower. After we stopped dancing, I told him I was accustomed to dancing salsa. He then asked me for my phone number in case he wanted to get back into dancing salsa (not swing).
I smiled sweetly and said I was sure I'd see him around.
Bathrooms: clean, though people tend to throw hand towels on the floor
Parking: plentiful especially if you arrive early
I really liked Kelly who is a 2 time US Open Swing Dancing champion. She has a low pressure but detailed style of teaching. Perhaps I'll check out one of her Thursday night classes that will hopefully have more people. I do enjoy learning new things but it makes me appreciate the years I have spent dancing salsa - like a familiar old friend. -
Review from corey G.
5/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Moving to the Bay Area would SO be worth it, if only for places like this on a Sunday night.
Wow.
As I pulled into the parking lot, I knew I was at a serious salsa place. I mean, you had a parking lot filling up fast, people dressed to the nines, and people who just oozed dancing skills by the way they looked and strutted in the parking lot. Needless to say, I was practically cowering in my vehicle as I watched this from inside my rental.
Fuck it.
I went in.
Oh man, it was everything I envisioned, but way more. The place is HUGE. As soon as you open the door you are on the dance floor (well, you're at the place to pay first, and then you're on the dance floor. The dance floor was hanger like, BUT it was super-packed.
I quickly walked away from the entry (after I wiped slobber on my sleeve)---I didn't want to be caught gawking like a rookie! So, I did my usual: I scoped the joint and checked out every nook & crannie (like what I do at any new bar...or strip club). There were a couple of other dancing rooms; in one people were practicing, and the other was an honest to goodness bachata-only room!
Whoa.
Back to the salsa room. I had fun just watching all the dancers. You had every skill level on the floor. There were lots of people watching, it looked like the ratio was fairly even, so if you were in want of a partner, you could probably find one. When all is said and done, I only watched. Not one foot was stepped, or hip sexily strutted. That's ok, I still liked the joint!
I see it in my future again. -
Review from J C.
Palo Alto, CA
8/2/2011
Review for salsa on Sunday ONLY.
Friendliness: 5/5 -- This being a ballroom instead of a bar really helps with people being chill and not being skeezy.
Skill: 4/5 -- Pretty all over the place but plenty o' good folks
Music: 2/5 -- I hate to say it but I'm not a huge reggaeton fan, particularly when I want to salsa more. The romanitica is also not the best for me. (I guess I'm more of a fan of artists like La India or Marc Antony and less of Grupo Niche and whatevs.)
Between this place, HSF, Cafe Cocomo, El V., and The Beat, the Bay Area salseros have their bases pretty much covered. I'd say this is *the* spot to go to if you're an East Bay social dancer... The Beat has excellent on2 and skilled troupey folks but the vibe is nowhere near as nice as it is here. -
Review from Jessica D.
Oakland, CA
7/4/2011
I went to Allegro for the first time tonight, since my regular salsa spot was hosting an outside event. Here's a semi-organized list of impressions:
Parking lot was already pretty full when I arrived around 8:15. I managed to squeeze into a spot encroached upon by careless parkers on both sides (hooray for my little car).
The lady at the counter literally said not one word to me--the cover fee was on a written sign, I paid it, and she silently slid a ticket across the counter. Odd, but whatever.
Lots of places to stash my purse and water bottle on/under the benches around the edge. First person asked me to dance within about 30 seconds of putting my stuff away, and four others asked as I made a circuit of the room, exploring.
A mix of styles and abilities among the men I danced with, who were all friendly and respectful. There were a rather surprising number who were difficult to follow, either inconsistently on/off the beat or vague in their gestures. That being said, I didn't feel there were many real beginners. I found a few guys who were great leaders and spent most of the time dancing with them.
The floor, though large, started full and became truly crowded as the evening went on. Not everyone was nice about the inevitable collisions, either. However, the quality of dancing definitely went up as it got later and most people were spatially conscious enough to stay in their slot.
IT WAS SOOOOO HOT. This led to some gross, awkward dances with men whose shirts were absolutely soaked through with sweat. Ugh. Ceiling fans were on, slowly, to no effect whatsoever.
Not my favorite venue but definitely worth a return visit. -
Review from Sandra S.
9/27/2010
Why have I been searching for salsa lessons all up and through SF when there is something in my backyard????
My friend has been saying she's been going salsa lessons for months.
No way did I think it was like this until I finally decided to get out the house on a Sunday night.
$8 to get in and boy was I happy I went :)
This place was totally not what I had dreamt of in my head.
Yea there were a lot of older folks there and with everyone dancing all around you it can seem pretty intimating but you get the hang of it and learn to love it.
As one gentlemen said to me while asking me to dance, you can't learn unless you get up and do it :) -
Review from Woodspy T.
San Francisco, CA
2/18/2011
wowww It was all girls out on a Thursday night, and we went to the beginner swing dance class.
The tutor is funny, and experienced to teach the intermediate group, even when us the newbies crashing in the middle of the class.
We are unskillful, and not to mention, have no idea how to put our hands on the stranger partners. Yet we all had a good time while we were spinning around the crowd in a packed dancing room.
$12/session for nonmembers - It's a OK-price but definite would become a member to get a cheaper rate if I come back again! The fourth star gives to the location - we went to Bay Street afterwards.
If you feel so routine for having a dinner only with your friends, getting into the classes would definitely are icing on the cake to your night! -
Review from Robin W.
Emeryville, CA
8/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had a great time learning Tango!
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Review from SALSA with T.
Emeryville, CA
1/25/2011 1 photo
BACHATA CLASSES on Wednesday Nights 7:30-9:00, with dancing afterwards are a total blast.
Once a month Bachata Party, 3rd Saturday of every month, too.
8pm - Class
9pm on...Party!
Bachata, Salsa, Cha Cha, Merengue music...
Check it out! -
Review from Zoe Z.
Berkeley, CA
6/25/2010
$8 or $12 with class
Sunday Salsa dance classes in Emeryville, Beginning class 6 pm, Intermediate 7 PM with Gary and Isabelle. The classes are huge There are 2 rooms and 2 large dance floors.
Dancing starts at 8 pm This salsa sunday has been going on for at least 15 years and his always crowded in the beginning. If you want space prepare to stay up late. Plenty of parking. AC transit and Emery-go-round buses you from MacArthur BART but last bus is at 9 or 10. -
Review from Amy C.
1/30/2007
Allegro saved me from being a "City Snob."
I live in SF, work in SF, and have lots of yumminess and fun right outside my doorstep. Also, I ain't gonna lie, I am one lazy mofo. All the ingredients for Insta-City-Snobbery.
Thank god for my salsa friends and instructors who encouraged me to check out Allegro Ballroom. I would gladly cross bridges and tunnels to get here!
The instructors for Sunday's salsa lessons were great. I caught the end of the beginner class and all of the intermediate class ($12). The class was WAY too large for my taste (maybe 60 people?) but the space was large enough to accommodate.
And after the lessons - Salsa Party Time! Like my beloved Cafe Cocomo, the crowd here is friendly and diverse.
Cafe Cocomo is the place to go for the live-band-&-dress-to-kill-&-show-off-yo'-salsa-mov es thing. But the learn-and-improve-your-salsa-game thing is hot too and Allegro is definitely the place to do it. I got some great tips from fellow dancers and had tons o' fun.
Who knew Emeryville was so happenin'? (IKEA doesn't count).Listed in: Bay Area Bootyshake, East Bay Faves
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Review from Jill O.
Hayward, CA
7/17/2006
I have a hard time dancing in couples. I am a one-woman show and a control-freak...you want me to...{gulp}...SUBMIT... to a man!?!?
Here I was, strutting into this club as if I knew what I was doing, cuz gosh darnit I've danced to salsa music a gazillion times before...um...BY MYSELF, and WHAM, I get asked to dance by a few unsuspecting guys. I tried to warn them: "um, I've never done this with anyone else before, I'll need your help," and they just smiled all cute with disbelief as they whipped me out to the dance floor. Slowly their smiles turned to looks of horror when they realized I wasn't kidding.
At any rate, even though I wasn't the prettiest or the skinniest, and certainly not the most skilled, I didn't feel judged. In fact, I was my own worst critic. I definitely plan on going back here, but first I need a few lessons... -
Review from Eddie H.
New York, NY
7/15/2006
I took a class here a while ago (intermediate) because my salsa partner made me (I wanted to take the beginner class). It was challenging but fun (they insist you have mastery of 11 basic moves before taking the intermediate class).
FYI I went to the Thursday night class. I liked this place because after class, you can practice afterward for several hours in the large dance hall, or you can sneak off to the private room and practice in front of mirrors.
The really good salsa dancers come out on Sundays as they play some merengue and cha cha cha as well as salsa.
Most girls I talk to love this place since there is no alcohol served and people are there to dance for the most part...
Oh yeah - class sizes are way too big here.
===============
For more salsa recommendations:
http://www.yelp.com/li...
For more salsa info:
http://www.facebook.co...Listed in: San Francisco Salsa Dancing
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Review from Hong K.
San Francisco, CA
10/13/2006
This review is for Allegro's Sunday night salsa party.
Allegro = timba all night.
Timba is kinda what you might call Cuban salsa except they mix in hip hop and songo and all sorts of other elements. What you end up sounds kinda like salsa's younger scruffy, edgier brother. If you listen to bands like Los Van Van and NG La Banda, and then listen to groups like El Gran Combo and Oscar D'Leon, you should be able to hear the difference, even if you can't quite articulate it.
DJ Antonio, who DJs the party here, spent years in Miami spinning so that is what he brings to the Bay Area. He is himself a good Cuban style dancer - I always enjoying watching him on one of his short breaks getting down.
This is a dance studio/ballroom. The floor is much nicer than your average club, and there are no spilled drinks. The dancers are mostly clean and well-scrubbed people (there are of course always a few exceptions to this). There is seating all the way around the ballroom for you to take a break and catch your breath. In addition, there are two back rooms where you can get a little more privacy (whether it's because you're self-conscious, or you want to get down with your honey). Clean restrooms with a variety of supplies (breathmints, mouthwash, deodorant).
Dancers - Cuban style is definitely the vogue here, although there are also standard LA on 1 dancers and NY on 2 dancers as well. The "slot dancers" tend to stay on the far wall (farthest away from the main entrance) in the corner.
Garry and Isabelle teach Cuban style salsa. The class is huge and will give you the chance to rotate with many, many partners. Isabelle is one of my favorite followers in the Bay Area and will make any leader, from beginning to advanced, look like a star with her. I've never danced with Garry but it looks like fun. ;-)
Allegro offers lots of free water. It's not cold, unfortunately, but hey it's free! They also have a soda machine.
Cover is $10.
Parking can get a little crowded. I often end up parking near the Kinkos a little further down and walk over, just to avoid having to search in the parking lot.
The -1 star is because I sometimes get tired of Timba all night and would like to hear some more mainstream salsa (there are some nights that Antonio does indulge me though).
On holidays (i.e. Monday is a holiday), this place can get UNBELIEVABLY PACKED, like line out the door down the block. For a huge dance studio this is crazy.
If you are coming from the city - keep in mind that with all the Bay Bridge construction there are frequent closures which make the commuting a pain.Listed in: Salsa Dancing
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Review from Jon P.
Berkeley, CA
7/3/2011
Friendly staff and patrons, parking is tight but it's affordable, fun and has a good age range. Worth checking out or taking lessons.
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Review from El K.
Portland, OR
4/3/2007
Best Salsa Sundays anywhere in the Bay Area !
I am reviewing only their Salsa nights...although I hear that the tango lessons here are also worthwhile.
Being a ballroom, as opposed to a club, it's nice to dance at a place where folks aren't anywhere from buzzed to blasted (although personally, a Margarita in me usually increases my bravery to ask ladies to dance...). Also, one of the few venues an underage person can learn how to salsa.
The best thing about Allegro:
~ the teahcers....flat out, if you wanna learn to Salsa and cannot afford private lessons, go here ! Gary and Isabelle on Sundays are the BEST group teachers anywhere in the Bay Area. They connect with the crowd, are genuine and warm people, and really teach the moves clearly and very well.
One of the FEW group salsa lessons where the woman teacher/partner actually gets to (gasp) SPEAK !!!! (What the hell's up with that anyway ?)
These two have a great system developed...start with the footwork...then get into the entire move. Very personable...they stick around and invite you to ask them for one-on-one help throughout the evening.
And Isabelle's outfits, alone ...not to mention her occasional unintentional double entendres and freudian slips.... are worth the price of admission right there....
Sundays beginner lessons are at like 6:30, intermediate at 7:30 then it's a dance party from 8:30 'til 1 usually. A very well-attended venue.
As the night progresses, beginners tend to filter out and hardcore dancers tend to filter in.
However, all in all, the people here do not have attitude...it's a very safe and inviting place to dance...the crowd is diverse in all meanings of the word....age, skill level, culture/race, you name it.....
Dancefloor is huge, plenty of seating, free water/tea/coffee...nice place.
Only drawback is...on Thursdays...which is a way, way, way smaller salsa night (sometimes leaning towards "not happenin' ")...Allegro double-charges you, basically. They charge for each group class separately (if you come for beginners and wanna stay for intermediate, you have to pay both for beginner and intermediate) while on Sundays, if you pay for one or the other lesson, you are in for the entire night..... -
Review from Louise G.
San Diego, CA
8/8/2006
I have been to Allegro Ballroom for Salsa a few times. I like the place since I'm there to dance and practice my moves. The dance floor is big and there aren't people stepping all over your toes (i.e Montero's. . .don't go there for dance. . .EVER).
I've been there on Thursday nights for the lesson but the rotating with other partners (yes, I know your supposed to learn better that way), but sorry it's just a bit gross on the girl's end when some guy with moist hands is trying to dance with you. So I like to go afterwards and dance when the music is playing.
Sunday there is a pretty substantial crowd. The average person there is pretty good and there are some really good dancers also. I'm not sure how the ballroom is for any other dance.
I'd give it one more star if the ceiling was nicer decorated. -
Review from Marissa P.
Vallejo, CA
7/6/2010
I am NOT a good dancer. I have two left feet. The person who is stepping on other people's toes--that's me. But part of my resolution to change has been to get out of my comfort zone. And, going down my list, dancing has been an item that's been continuously avoided. But I finally swallowed my pride, put on my cutest outfit, and slunk into a Sunday night drop-in Salsa dance class with Garry and Isabelle.
Can we say intimidation factor?! There had to have been 50 people there, all of whom were light years ahead of me. This whole counting and moving to those counts--they lost me completely. I couldn't hear a beat to save my life.
But . . . Isabelle is amazing. I could have watched her all night. She took pity on me and helped me out, and, voila, I was dancing like crazy! Ha, yeah right! I can't say that I'm becoming a great dancer, much less a good one. But I AM gaining confidence, and I AM getting better. I'm gritting my teeth and hoping I'm not as red as I feel, but I'm determined to stick with it. With Isabelle and Garry teaching, I actually think there might be hope for me. At least I can almost hear the beat now! -
Review from Bill B.
5/5/2008
Hot, hot, HOT! The dancing, the dresses, the decor, and the deal were all smokin'.
My roommate suggested we come last night for a Cinco de Mayo salsa dance and, despite having been out salsa dancing the night before, I agreed. (Today my hips are reminding me that I overdid it a bit.) The ballroom is only a couple blocks off I-80 at the Powell St./Emeryville exit, so very convenient.
The deal was great--$12 for lessons and dancing. The beginner lesson was 6:15-7:15, followed by either a review or an intermediate/advanced lesson until about 8:30. Then the dance runs until at least midnight. Can't say I was too impressed with the lesson, however. They moved really fast and tended to skip over steps in the directions; also, the instructors keep including fancy flair moves into their demonstrations of how to do stuff. That's just distracting!
Decor was nice, with streamers and dark red lights creating a sultry, nightclub atmosphere without the hook-up pressure or drunken idiots.
Dresses were very hot, by and large. The ladies were dressed for show (and some were showing quite a lot) with high heels and flaring skirts. There was certainly a range from summery to classy to downright sexy. Vivre la difference!
And of course, hot, hot dancing! Most of the beginners clear out by about 9pm, since 3 hours of dance is enough for most folks. So by that time it's mostly intermediate and advanced dancers who came after the lessons. Most were patient and willing to dance with a beginner at least once, and I certainly had a great time just watching them play and work each other over.
Sunday nights are salsa nights, with other ballroom styles throughout the week. Group and private lessons for kids and adults are available. All in all, a good night and a fun, inexpensive way to celebrate the holiday.
Trivia: "Allegro" is a musical tempo meaning "fast and bright" or a "march tempo". It's characterized by 120-168 beats per minute. Dancing at that pace is sure to be a good workout! (And my hips will attest to that fact.)Listed in: ZZ Top 10 list
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Review from Zain K.
7/25/2009
(This review is specifically for the post-lesson salsa party on Sunday night.)
It's all too easy to focus on the glass-half-emptiness of this place, which is that the music leaves much to be desired. To do so, however, would be unfortunate, since it's one of the most popular salsa venues in the Bay Area (and has been for a very long time), and since it has a refreshingly diverse, casual, all-accepting and laid-back vibe. For one thing, it's really the only salsa night in town where Cuban-style and LA/NY-style dancers are both represented in large numbers (though it might be an exaggeration to say that they mix freely).
The reason I can't give it more than 3*, apart from the music, is that it's no longer a good place for advanced LA/NY-style dancers to go and expect to have a high-calibre night of dancing. Though it's close to home, I tend to come here no more than once a month now, and more to socialize than to dance. -
Review from Whitney F.
Oakland, CA
1/28/2010
So much fun!!! Ladies, there are plenty of great dancers for you to dance with. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned dancer, you will get swept off your feet.
If you come partnered already, be prepared to share. They have the ladies switch men every few minutes so that every guys gets a chance to have a partner. Great teachers, and on thursdays there is a great dance party afterwards to show off what you have learned. I'm a beginner but it's pretty easy to pick up the intermediate class.
Guys, don't be shy, this is a great way to meet new ladies!!! -
Review from Kat C.
Boulder, CO
2/16/2006
I went to Sunday night salsa and I got 3 dates out of it!
It was definitely happening with a BUNCH of good dancers. Also, there were some okay dancers so I didn't feel too out of place.
The best part is that they will take a pause for Rumba and Cha Cha and you can see the professionals get out there who know what they are doing.
I totally want to go back as I'm currently in a dancing with the stars obsession.Listed in: Dancing with my hump, hump
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Review from deb n.
Palo Alto, CA
7/13/2006 3 photos
This is the best West Coast Swing dancing you can get for the month. This is California's State dance! Hosted by the Next Generation Swing Dance Club, http://www.tngsdc.org/ The dances draw over 300 dancers from across the bay area, from as far as Sacramento, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz, all converging in Emeryville at the Allegro Ballroom the 1st Saturday of the month.
You will see the best of the best WCSwing dancers from Northern California. These are some of the top competitive and social dancers. There are plenty of beginner and intermediate dancers too.
There is a WCS beginning lesson at the dance at 7pm and each month it is a different WCS instructor and different WCS DJ spinning the tunes. The dance starts at 6pm til 9:30pm in the front/large ballroom then moves to the smaller ballroom after 9:30pm til 12 am. Ballroom dancing takes over the large ballroom at 9:30pm.
If you like dancing to top 40's, Motown, Blues, R & B and jazz, you'll like West Coast Swing dancing. The dance can be smooth, sexy or funky, depending on the music, your style and who you are dancing with at the time.
Plenty of eateries nearby, including Denny's, in the same parking lot and hotels for out of towners. A food court at the Emeryville Marketplace a mile down the road.Listed in: The Places I Go Out to dance…
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Review from Krista L.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2007
I'm a fan, too. I'll be honest, I'm a lindy hopper at heart, but it's hard to find lindy near public transportation in the East Bay, so I settle for WCS and the company satisfies my palette. All of the regulars are friendly and the big hotshot dancers don't mind dancing with the intermediates so there's no good/bad dichotomy going on. I usually arrive near the end of the ballroom time, because 1) I can't really get there sooner and 2) I like the small room when it's moderately crowded, as opposed to the ballroom when it's insanely crowded.
If you're inexperienced, there are lessons before the social dancing starts, often taught by highly experienced amateurs or professionals. It's like a big family. Or a cult, but I prefer the family idea. -
Review from karl D.
Martinez, CA
2/12/2011
Interesting place to go for salsa classes and dancing in the SF/Bizerkeley/Oakland area. Great place for ear drum busting volume and monotonous timba. I removed my earlier positive comments as the place is no longer what it used to be.
Update 8/14/11:
The music is now heavily steered towards Cuban Timba music instead of Salsa. If you look at their website schedule, its titled "salsa dance party", ask the DJ, he says he plays "dance music", stick around and listen for a while, its overwhelmingly Cuban Timba type of music. Timba and Salsa are quite different so be aware of the difference in music if you have a preference or avoidance.
Update 1/1/12:
Place is not as enjoyable as it used to be in 2010 and earlier in 2011. The Sunday night DJ is a piece of work who could care less . Music is played at incredibly excessive volumes that you would only expect at a thumping night club. I thought this place was a dance studio ? Mostly lengthy timba tunes of monotonous infinite repetitions of a few bars of music. Many of the really good dancers that were worth watching no longer frequent Allegro. Complaints to the front desk and emails to the management are of no consequence. -
Review from Jackie G.
2/24/2009
Allegro's Salsa Sunday nites are the best!
Ladies: If you are an intermediate, I suggest you skip the lessons and come right in for the salsa party.
Guys: If you're a novice I'd recommend taking the beginner/intermediate lesson to get some moves under your belt.
Sunday nights are crowded and lively so be ready to have high energy and dance the night away! -
Review from Cassi J.
Berkeley, CA
4/20/2010
This place is really nice for tango dancing. It is clean, has a lovely atmosphere, large dance floor, lots of people willing to dance and complimentary wine. I went here a few times with a friend and even though we didn't know anyone, there were plenty of friendly leaders to ask us to dance.
It was a bit hard to find, you have to walk behind a building through the parking lot to get to it. Once you navigate through the parking lot it is worth it for a night of tango! -
Review from Nolwenn S.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2009
The Salsa rocks...then Tango is just OK.
Salsa is my true love, and boy is the Sunday class perfect for the beginner, or intermediate. I love the laid back atmosphere. It's a great price, clean, and the people are friendly. Most everyone accepts the fact that I think I'm a great Salsera...but really just a very good beginner.
The tango class was much smaller and it was all couples. I recognize this is a less common dance, and it certainly wasn't bad...just not as big as I would have liked. -
Review from Jennifer H.
Los Angeles, CA
2/13/2007
They need better intermediate classes. It's so hard to follow with the class being too popular. Bad enough that I am trying to follow the instructors that I have to duck from my fellow classmates.
The set up of the room is intimidating too. Could use more resting/hang out areas. -
Review from Kristina A.
San Francisco, CA
11/29/2005
Not a big fan of Allegro Ballroom.
Went on a Sunday nite with a Friend and we both did not find it that great. Not very many good dancers on the nite we were there. Too hot, not the greatest atmosphere.....feels more like a high-school basketball court converted to a dance floor. Again, too hot, not enough fans and I would not go again....especially because I live in the city...its not worth it. -
Review from Maureen M.
Hayward, CA
4/6/2009
Very Cool!! $8 cover for non-members
Water/Coffee/Tea available inside in the back near the rest rooms
No alcohol served here, and trust me you don't need it here!
Free Parking!
HUGE dancefloor.
We left Jelly's and came here afterwards!
Salsa and Merengue!
It was a very mixed skills crowd. from Super professional to those dancing for fun and not giving a damn!
A great place to just people watch too.
The saturday morning salsa lessons were OK. no partnering up. just basic timing and steps, no patterns. I suggest going to lessons where you have to partner up! -
Review from Sandy K.
Chicago, IL
6/20/2010
excellent if you're a pro dancer. which I am NOT, lol. but i still had fun.
Fun class and REALLY fun and lively social/parties. high energy, good music.
the crowd is older (30 and up mostly) I am 18 however lol. The reason im giving it 3 stars is because A. it's IMPOSSIBLE to find at first. and B. there are HELLA creeps. more than I've ever experienced at any other studio so watch out! -
Review from Deidre Q.
Oakland, CA
8/11/2009
This is for the Thursday night salsa class. I've gone several times in the last few months. Solid, thorough instruction in basic through advanced moves. Do not expect ANY help after class, though. They expect you to pay for additional classes before even answering the question, "How am I doing?"
I usually have more fun learning at any other salsa club (Monteros in Albany comes to mind). Plus, you get to watch great live bands and drink (if you want), for basically the same price. Allegro is strictly for learning how to dance. -
Review from apple r.
San Francisco, CA
8/8/2007
This is where to go if you want some serious salsa dancing on a Sunday night. There is no bar here and they don't serve food or drink, so you are going here for the dancing. It's kind of a cool practice place. There are three rooms, one main dance floor room, one practice room, and another smaller room with different music. There isn't a dj or a band, someone plays music in a cd player. You can really practice here because there are some good dancers and some of the music they play, like cha cha cha, is really challenging to dance to. The water is ample and the atmosphere is very chill. One drawback, one of the reasons I like to salsa dance is the music. I love the music and hearing live music or awesome djs is exhilarating. You won't get that here.
Listed in: Salsa Dancing
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Review from Peg S.
1/30/2007
I like this place for salsa right after Cafe Cocomo. It has less of the "it" vibe, probably cuz it's a bit more antiseptic without alcohol and it's in Emeryville & not SF. Still, it's a great place for salsa practice. For beginners like me, the dance class and instructors are thorough and helpful. The main dance floor is super spacious (plus 2 private dance rooms in back to get away from the crowd), folks are friendly, and it's got a nice, relaxed vibe on a Sunday nite. Girls were never wanting for partners - in fact, if we wanted any rest at all, we had to run away & hide. Great place if you want to just salsa, salsa, salsa!
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Review from Lisa C.
San Francisco, CA
4/2/2010
I've been coming to Allegro Ballroom since the beginning of the year. Their beginners classes are great, and the instructors are wonderful. You can tell they are passionate about dancing and have been teaching for a while.
After a few classes, I decided to be a big girl and stayed for the Friday night dance party. My goodness -- these people know all the dance styles to every song! Unlike a pick-up joint, they are genuinely here to dance, which I like. Experienced dancers here don't look down on beginners. In fact, everyone I danced with was polite and helpful.
Sunday Salsa classes are awesome. Isabelle is a really good and sexy dancer. She and Gerry make a good team. However, the classes always start 15 mins late. Wish they could start on time.
This place gets packed -- so put your dancing shoes on and be ready to have fun! -
Review from Dela A.
Hayward, CA
4/16/2006
This is yet another one of my favorite salsa places. I like to go here on Thursday nights before I hit up Cocomo as a warm up place. On Sundays there are really good dancers in the back corner really doing their thing. Im not to big on the music but the scene is cool. What I like most is that they dont serve alcohol so it doesnt draw a club crowd and you wont be dancing with anyone thats totally wasted. Actually I was going to this place in 2005 as well and Garry, Viola and Isabelle were there at that time. So I really dont know what Kris was seeing. lol They are all extremely good dancers. Even Cheryl Burke of Dancing with the Stars has been at this place. Her autographed picture is ther on the wall. If you really want to learn salsa, this is a great start.
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Review from Megan M.
Berkeley, CA
1/8/2009
I've been to Allegro a few Sundays now for Salsa lessons. The beginner lessons are at 6 followed by the intermediate lesson and it costs $12. The lessons are really good and you don't need a partner since they rotate you around. After the lessons, they turn down the lights and turn up the music for open dancing. As a beginner, it can be pretty intimidating but everyone is very friendly and it's a great place to learn. The dance floor is pretty big and it usually fills up around 9 or so. The music is decent, they play a lot of Cumbia and a lot of weird techno-salsa. I definitely like this place, that's why I keep going back!
