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Alonzo King LINES Dance Center
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Education Specialty Schools Dance Schools Performing Arts, Dance Schools [Edit]
26 7th St,5th FlSan Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhoods: Civic Center/Tenderloin, SOMA
(415) 863-3040
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
87 reviews for Alonzo King LINES Dance Center
87 reviews in English
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Review from Jeanie C.
4/28/2012
I was visiting SF for the weekend, so I thought, sure, why not take a ballet class while in town? I surfed Yelp and thought LINES was the best prospective spot, and then when I asked my regular teacher (former principal with SF Ballet) for a recommendation for where to take a drop-in class, the first word out of his mouth was 'LINES' so I knew this was the place!
Walking here was a little sketchy, sure, but I already knew the area and expected that. Just walk with purpose and headphones on and people won't bother you. The elevator was super cool with the grates and the elevator operator! The guy at the front was very efficient getting me signed up for my drop-in class and I was ready to go in no time.
The class - I took the beginning ballet class with Kathy, since the only other class at that time was the intermediate class. She was really wonderful - she introduced herself to me at the beginning, and actually took the time to give me lots of corrections even though I was just visiting from another city. I could really feel the love that she has for her students - you could tell she knows everyone and really cares about them. Besides that, she gave lots of constructive corrections and tips for everyone. It was an extremely positive and wonderful (and waaaaay harder than I expected!!) class.
I know that whenever I am in SF in the future, I will make time to visit LINES - this was a really special experience! I just regret I could not go back for more classes, the price is really great, too! If you dance, please make an effort to check this place out and support them!! -
Review from Inigo M.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2012
Studio 3 gets hot-- two small windows you're not supposed to open and two ceiling fans fit for a room twice as small.
Sketchy location.
Elevator a throwback. -
Review from Donna H.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2012
Best workout you can get!!!! I take hiphop here with D and he is fantastic, fun and original. His choreography is always different and challenging. This is a great class if you have a little dance experience and like hip hop. Most difficult part of the class is the first 30 min omg his ab routine is deadly but amazing!!
Get your groove on! -
Review from Aubree W.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2012
I hadn't taken ballet since I was a child, but always wanted to get back into it. I saw an online ad for LINES $5 All You Can Dance, so I went and fell in love with the studio. The administrative team helped me take a few classes to find one that was the right one for my skill level and that's when I found Kathy Mata's Sunday morning Basic Ballet class.
I can't explain how incredible Kathy's class is! The studio is beautiful, there's a live pianist, and best of all, there's Kathy Mata. Her class is perfect for me and she couldn't possibly be a better instructor. It's amazing how Kathy can pay attention to everyone's form during packed classes. She teaches at just the right level and even knows everyone's names. I'm now a member of LINES and have just purchased my 3rd class package. Kathy and her class have truly changed my life. I feel better, look better and look forward to her class all week long. I can't believe that after more than 20 years without taking a single ballet class, I'm already improving in just a few short months. I look forward to continuing to work with Kathy and the lovely staff at LINES for a long time to come.
Thank you Kathy Mata and LINES for all that you do! -
Review from Mayra L.
10/19/2011
I spent my teens wearing leotards underneath every outfit I wore and my hair in a bun. I had impeccable posture for a 15 year old and I loooved ballet. It was my life.
Now, many many years later, life took over and I stopped dancing. But I never got rid of that itch to dance.
I came to Lines ballet because I felt like it was time to dance again. the first time I came here, I stepped off the Civic Center station and had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. Firstly, I couldn't find the studio and was kinda freaked out my all the homeless people around. When I finally stepped inside the elevator and was greeted by a man who guided me to the 5th floor, I was more at ease.
I stepped in, registered and paid ( TIP: you get a packet with a coupon for half off your next class!) and walked down the long hallways to get ready to stretch. all around me were other dancers, doing the same. I was with my people again! Ballet shoes, pink tights and leotards galore.
I was intimidated because it had been so long since I've danced but I walked up to the instructor, introduced myself and explained to her that even though I danced for years I signed up for Adv. Beg. for reasons. She was really nice and helpful, welcomed me to the class and told me I wouldn't be the only beginner there.
The studios are gorgeous! The are huge, white studios that overlook Civic Center and the have a piano player that plays the music for the exercises(I felt like I was in Center Satge!)
1/3 of the class is barre work, 1/3 floor work and the last section is dedicated to doing leaps across the studio.
It's a great dance center, with very professional instructors and they are pretty much welcome to everyone. I can't wait to finally get up to workshops again!
I left the class feeling happy, sweaty and ready to come back again.
TIP: buy the 4 (monthly) classes, it's cheaper then drop in. -
Review from Justine K.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2012
This review concerns Breton Tyner-Bryan and her intermediate/advanced class on Friday at 9:30 am.
I have learned more about my body as it relates to ballet in the past 6 weeks, taking Breton's class, than I have in my entire ballet experience beforehand!
THE END.
BRETON RULES! -
Review from Danielle M.
Seattle, WA
2/19/2012
I love going here when Im in sf because of their unique style of ballet. They have a great selection of classes, including advanced, and some wonderful teachers. They all have something great to offer, and everyone is so friendly and shares a love and appreciation for dance. Its very inspiring when company members come to class!
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Review from Lois A.
New York, NY
1/8/2012
The space is really beautiful and captivating to be in.
The instructors are gifted and skilled, definitely encouraging!!
Taking class here is the best way for me to stay in shape while I'm on a break at home.
I remember years ago taking my first Horton class here, and there were like, 4 people in a huge studio...amazing!
best of the best in terms of drop-in rates and classes. -
Review from Fian L.
San Francisco, CA
6/24/2011
I remember walking into the elevator with the old-fashion sliding gate and pretending I was in Fame as I went up to the 5th floor. I just love the overall environment! The studios aren't anything like the silent, prim & proper SF Ballet studios -- my ballet class with Kathy Mata consisted of an SF Ballet ballerina, a few senior citizens, and -- believe it or not -- a middle-age man in pointe shoes. That just goes to show the wonderful diversity you can find within these classes.
Saki Suto and Dexandro are definitely my two fav teachers. D's hip hop makes you feel like the baddest kid on the block -- not to mention the sweatiest. It may be intimidating for non-dancers to try these classes, but the beauty of this dance center is that it is not a competitive environment, and everyone is just there to have fun! -
Review from Gracie L.
San Francisco, CA
8/17/2010
Cost?
Totally reasonable and comparable to all other studios in the area.
Live music accompaniment?
Yes and one of the reasons for getting 4 stars vs 3. There is an AMAZING musician named Dennis that plays all originals and switches off between playing the piano and violin for the different combinations. Dancing for his music alone is worth every penny of the class! Even when someone other than Dennis is playing, they all seem very in tune with the tempo necessary for the dancers and play unoriginal, fun music to dance to. A+++++++
Classes for everyone?
Maybe. I would say that LINES requires more background in dance than some of the other adult classes... and even if the class itself isn't rigorous, the adult classes seem to draw a younger crowd that's more knowledgeable as a whole. This has its benefits, but if you are trying to find a class with a warm and competitive-free environment, there are better places (ODC).
Good timing/class schedule?
Yes, definitely. LINES offers almost all levels of ballet class every day - after normal business hours.
Location: SKETCHY area! I have definitely watched someone urinate outside my car as well as an overt drug deal take place. Not the best studio if you have kids....
Parking: best to park in one of the surrounding garages and pay the $4-8 than try the street parking (see SKETCHY area)
Facilities: OK as a whole except in these 2 cases:
(1) on a warmer or sunnier SF day, you will hate the air that you breathe and being on the 5th floor - studios are older, without A/C, fans, or blinds
(2) crowding can be an issue if you are going to a popular teacher's class that was not given one of the bigger studios -
Review from Jennifer H.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2011
I've been taking dance classes here since their old location (back on Gough and Oak, remember?) and have taken probably a couple hundred classes in that time. Don't be skeezed out by the bad smell in the elevator --which has a human operator old-school style --or the funky bathrooms, or even the gross floors. (In modern classes you're always rolling around on the floor --just take a shower immediately after, you were going to anyway, right?)
But all of that is not important because the dance trumps all.
Of course, it depends on who the teacher is. If you want to fix your alignment, I recommend Liezl or Kathy Mata for ballet. If you want to get strong and do modern, Kat's Horton class will make you sweat and challenge your mind. Really want to challenge yourself? Saki Suto's jazz class. (Or Robert Moses!) I love D's hip hop class, I am taking Jenny Bregman's performance workshop, I even dabbled in tap a bit. Like others here have said, shop around to find the class and the teacher who fit your level and goals --and as you develop, try out others. It will make you stronger, grow your brain in new ways, open your world, and in general make you a better person. -
Review from Christina C.
San Francisco, CA
2/24/2011
I came here for the "All you can dance" special and it really is a steal - four hours of dancing for 5$! The only bad thing was that the classes were overpacked and teasers (they were only half an hour long). Nonetheless, I enjoyed my time at Alonzo! The studio is beautiful and the prices for drop ins or for a pass seem reasonable.
Plus, the studio is one for all types of dancers (with different styles, and it also addresses dancers who have been dancing for a while and also newcomers who want to learn more about dance).
The only bad thing is that it is located in the heart of the Tenderloin. Luckily Bart is only about a block away? -
Review from Melissa B.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2007 ROTD 10/9/2008
Let me just say: I used to be in kick-ass shape. Like, ridiculously tight, toned, can-wear-anything-and-look-hotter-then-you shape.
And that was because I did ballet. A lot. I was never going to become a professional dancer, but I loved doing it, I was serious about it, and I had an amazing, incredibly inspiring teacher (and by "inspiring", I mean he thwacked people with his cane and hurled tear-inducing insults - which inspired me to not fuck up again and incur his wrath. But all that came from a place of love).
Then I went away to college and everything fell apart. Up until Sunday, I hadn't taken a class in 8 years. And while I haven't turned into a complete schlub, I am no longer at peak physical form. And more than that, I haven't been truly challenged and motivated by anything workout-y in years (I did have a good run with yoga, but it's just not the same).
Enter Basic Ballet with Kathy Mata. Not exactly basic - I wouldn't recommend this for someone new to ballet. But it was a fantastic reintroduction to dance. Frustrating, because I remembered what it looked and felt like to do the exercises properly - and now, my body can barely remember what a sissone is, much less perform one.
But all that will change. Because as before, I am inspired. The studio's environment is professional. Kathy is extremely professional, and extremely detail-oriented: she'll notice the incorrect alignment of your ribcage and you will change it. Ballet is all about these tiny details in technique - and I'm confident that by training here, I'll get mine back.
And the quarter-bounceable ass. I am determined to get that back too. -
Review from Berna T.
Updated - 1/9/2007 1 Check-in Here
I used to work here, so I kinda know this place well. Yes, it's in a kind of icky neighborhood (7th and Market) but you get used to it and learn to ignore and walk fast.
This space has six studios of various sizes, and offers classes seven days a week in a multitude of genres. Since it is the home of Alonzo King's LINES Ballet Company, there is a huge selection of ballet technique classes, from Intro to Dance (Sally Miramon) to Advanced Ballet (sometimes taught by Mr. King himself). There are modern classes in all levels, jazz, tap, lyrical jazz, and fusion (a mix of all of the above), plus Feldenkrais and Gyrokinesis classes. Sorry, they don't have hip hop - they discontinued the hip hop program this past year. This facility is definitely #1 in the Bay Area for dancers. Plus, SFDC offers studio rentals for those who would like rehearsal space during non-class times. SFDC is also the dance space for the LINES Ballet School and the SF School of the Arts (SOTA).
Just a note about the levels: "Beginner" is for newbies and those who have some experience but want to work on refining and refreshing their technique. The "Advanced Beginner" classes are almost like Intermediate classes, whereas the "Intermediate/Advanced" classes are for more serious/experienced dancers. Often times, the afternoon Int/Adv classes have professional dancers in them. The morning Advanced Ballet classes are for truly advanced dancers - many of the members of LINES Ballet take these classes on a daily basis. There are no placement tests - you are free to take whatever class you feel you want to take or feel comfortable in.
Classes are $13 on a drop-in basis, or, you can buy a yearly membership (either a Basic $20 or Star $50) that allows you to purchase a class card. The class cards offer a discount that increases with the number of classes you purchase.
And remember - you're never too old to dance.Listed in: Try This!, Working it out.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/21/2006
I came to San Francisco straight outta college so I could come and take classes at the SF Dance… Read more »
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Review from Jaime C.
6/15/2008
Ok, here is a heads up--I didn't ACTUALLY dance yesterday. SHOCKER! I know.
But you don't just drop into a class not knowing how the teacher teaches, or what they are learning, how far along into it they are, etc. It's just a generally bad idea, unless you can pick things up with absolutely no effort and have previous knowledge of said teachings.
So I sat through their Beginners class and their Intermediate/Advanced class. I bet they thought I was so strange--I didn't talk to anyone and just sat there, watching.
The beginners class is good--reminded me of the classes in Roswell I used to take private lessons from--slow paced, fun, and she made sure that everyone knew the steps. What I loved about it was she made sure the warmup exercises were relevant to what they were learning in the dance, and that is a sign of a very, very good teacher.
It was definitely a class I could have just picked up (I never said I'd be fucking fabulous, just said I could pick up the moves even though it was obvious I just dropped in)
The intermediate/advanced class, however, requires that you have a more intimate knowledge of Flamenco, and yes, quite a bit of natural ability to pick up steps after only watching a few times. Thankfully, they were learning Solea, which is one of my favourite dances. I was watching them and remembering my teacher in Spain, and it brought back the scent of Spanish air again. Enthralling, to say the least.
They were getting ready for a performance, though--some of the moves I could have done, but the steps after a while gradually got difficult and requires me to take a couple private lessons before getting into, since they wouldn't have been able to slow down the class for me, and I wouldn't have asked them to.
I think I found my new dance studio :)
But parking is a bitch. -
Review from Mike K.
4/23/2009
My 200th Review!!!
***
Stunning.
I walked into this modern chamber of performing arts and had a blank canvas on which to throw my thoughts onto. By the end of the show, I can say that my blank page was speckled with vibrant images of what was a gorgeous display of human communication.
I am in no way a follower of ballet, but this performance was awe inspiring and down right beautiful.
Each piece was perfectly choreographed, and it was amazing to see just how much movement can communicate the story line without a single word uttered.
The dancers are phenomenal. Elegant, strong, and defined grace.
The hall is intimate, yet very modern, and if you have a free night in San Francisco, take the time to see this dance troupe.
This night turned out to be a San Francisco night I will remember forever.
Town Hall, Lines Ballet, Closing out Water Bar. Thanks for the night M! -
Review from Holly F.
San Francisco, CA
1/24/2007
For:
Robert Moses
Stacey Printz
Lee Wei Chao
etc.
For:
- years of dancing
- friends
- enchanting, unbelievable performances of Lines Ballet
- 50 Oak St.
- teaching new generations of talented, skilled, beautiful dancers
- carrying on the love
When I planted my body in New York a few years ago, I guess, I left my heart in San Francisco, so of course I came back home. This place was only one of many reasons, but an important one.Listed in: Here I Am, My Habits... err... Addictions
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Review from Sascha O.
Updated - 2/20/2009
Just wanted to update my review...
I am still going to Kathy's ballet class and loving it. To my amazement, since taking her class just once a week, my back has evened out in appearance quite a bit (I have a mild case of scoliosis...no crazy bends, but twists) I feel more balanced, healthier and stronger. Kathy has had multitude of personal physical challenges herself and it is amazing to here her stories and how she copes with them. She knows about how human bodies work, she pays attention to physical challenges you might have, and she helps you overcome it. I strongly encourage anyone with back problems to try coming to her class.... although her "beginner" class is not beginner at all and you need to know all the ballet basics... so if you are a complete novice, I suggest you try the "intro" class first for a while.
Anyway, encouraged by my own progress, I started going to D's Hip Hop class as well. I used to do hip hop for a few years in NYC and missed it dearly. His class is a completely different vibe (obviously) than classic ballet, and involves a lot of stretching and crunches for warm up. Every single time I've taken his class, I break a good sweat, I feel pumped and sexy, I get a work out, and I am sore the next day. I do need to be careful about crunches because of my back... and the last couple of times, I have been noticing that my back did get a bit spazzed out after hip hop... this may or may not be a good thing for my body so I am going to monitor myself and see how it goes.
Having said that, I love the hip hop class. D is so fun and friendly and the choreography is so spunky. Definitely energizing. If you love calorie burning booty shaking and you love hip hop, definitely, try his class out!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/18/2008
I started coming here for ballet classes upon invitation from my friends. I haven't been taking any… Read more »
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Review from Rayleen T.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
2/5/2010
This is specifically for Kathy Mata, who teaches ballet 7 days a week at sfdc:
Kathy is an awesome teacher who really loves ballet. Her combinations from barre to centre are created to build on a few certain things that she wants everyone to focus and work on for the class. Her students range from beginner to advanced and Kathy will tailor the level of difficulty based on who shows up to some degree. Generally though, i've noticed Mon, Tue & Fri are usually more advanced than Wed & Thu. Mon is pointe-centric, Tue is turns-centric & Fri has the longest grand allegro combinations from the corner (b/c its 2 hrs, perhaps?)
Once you start showing up regularly, Kathy will start to gently give you your own, personal items to work on. I can see why Kathy has students who have stayed with her for decades! She pushes each student at their own pace, level and style.
Kathy works 365 days a year - when sfdc closes for a few holidays (mostly around christmas/new years) Kathy continues to teach at other locations in SF. Kathy is a great option if you're looking for a steady ballet class that can fit into a shifting/crazy life. -
Review from Jennifer K.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2008
Clap, Clap, Clap. At least I think.
I went to the Liens Ballet last night, and still don't know quite what to think of the performance. It was well done, but different.
There was a brief per-performance talk, and it was announced that Alonzo King has recently won a number of national & international awards & commissions due to his creative & unique choreography. Indeed, even to my untrained eye, the choreography was incredible innovative & very unique- a new take on modern ballet.
The music was really good and the dancers displayed awesome athleticism- which was awe inspiring. They all (men & women) had muscles on top of muscles in locations I didn't even know you were supposed to have muscles. They were graceful when they were supposed to be graceful & stylized when they were supposed to be stylized.
The program said the performance was trying to illustrate how the body can make art in the same way a musical instrument, when played, can make music. I came away with an appriciation of the body, especially the dancers bodies, and what it can (or I want) it to do. -
Review from Claire S.
San Francisco, CA
8/13/2010
I love coming to this studio and shaking it out.
There was some initial reticence on my part to branch out into different classes as I was/am extremely rusty.
But challenging yourself is a part of the fun. And what fun it is!
I especially love Dex's hip hop class, holy sh*t its hard.
And MJ's performance workshop(s). They're a hoot! And very accessible for beginner dancers.
A word to the wise: most of their beginner classes are challenging.
Its been 10+ years but I trained and danced for a long long time, albeit casually.
Don't get discouraged, it gets easier each class. You won't even realize you've been working out for an hour and a half. And its way less expensive than Pilates or yoga.
that is all :) -
Review from Ali L.
12/7/2006
I LOVE this place (minus the supremely sketchy area - and, yes, I did say supremely. Which is why the following review will take place in Bill and Ted lingo.) Alright dude, we're off.
This place totally rocks! The ballet classes are fantastically awesome but sometimes it's gnarly going to class with crazy good dancers when you kinda suck. But rock on, SFDC is all about dance and good, wholesome fun. Try Austria, she's tubular!
Dude, short on cash? Try a dance card! They save you mad cash in the long run.
And, we're out. (because I've embarrassed myself enough) -
Review from Edward A.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/5/2011
Just an update - in recent months I have been attending Breton Tyner-Bryan's Saturday class. It is wonderful.... extremely well thought out and the choreography is beautiful. This is a smart class. I always think that I have really experienced something great each time it is over.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/17/2009
This is a great studio. The three largest studios are huge, and the others are large.
SFDC offers… Read more »
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Review from Nomey T.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 8/5/2007
Wouldn't know what I'd do w/o SFDC...
A great selection of dance forms, a ton of classes throughout the day, unbeatable cost (esp in bulk), and fab teachers, accompanists, and staff. They're open almost all the time, except for Thanksgiving, X'mas, and New Years day or something crazy like that. So don't worry about w/drawals or anxiety during holidays. They're AMAZING!
Teachers and classes are a matter of personal preference IMO -- check out their bios online or on the wall-of-teachers when you sign-in. You can PM me if you're interested in ballet stuff, but definitely check it out for yourself and ask around in dressing rooms. and BernaDiva's review for details!
They really deserve all my stars, but there's the building and cleanliness issue for me, which is totally not SFDC's fault. The maintenance of the Odd or Old Fellows buildings is a little on the slow-side -- it took a very long time for the bathrooms to get an upgrade (though I'm clueless about bureaucracy, funds, etc. But thank you for the new functional 'oilets!) Also the fact that people walk into studios with street shoes makes me cringe after marinating on the floor... but I try not to let it bother me.
I absolutely love the adult classes that are open for anyone to drop-in. However, you must do so at your own risk. Not much of a concern for modern but in ballet, lack of proper class etiquette can be dangerous to everyone else. Spacing and "birding" during traveling combinations are where the hazards are high. Just be on the look out -- even if you're doing your thang, stay alert and make sure someone isn't about to cut you off or run you over!!Listed in: Dance, Dance, DANCE!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/12/2007
Wait, my understanding is that Lines is a contemporary ballet co., so it makes sense they don't… Read more »
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Review from Love X.
West Hollywood, CA
Updated - 7/25/2010
Been to a few more classes. I may have been harsh with my original review. The classes are solid. They exhaust me which I'm thankful for. They allow students to take the barre (or full class, or center only) on pointe, which is great. The exercises are challenging. These classes are TRUE to their level- aka intermediate moves fast. Advanced is truly advanced. The levels of the students in my last few classes have been more even, so perhaps my first couple of classes weren't typical in that regard.
My only big gripe with this place is that the classes feel more like company classes than actual curriculum. If one attends an Intermediate class, it is to be assumed one still has a way to go before hitting their peak form. That is when corrections should come in. None of the teachers in these classes correct anyone either personally or as a class.
These are great for the dancer wanting to stay in shape if they're already in a company, or simply as extra classes for someone going to another studio. I do however maintain that since none of the intermediate and up classes (can't speak for the lower levels as I haven't taken them) corrects you on anything, these cannot be your main classes if you hope to progress.
I'll keep taking classes at LINES as a drop in, it's just a shame that with such a vast number of daily classes, that this school doesn't have a curriculum for adults to actually study in and progress through.Listed in: Dance schools
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/23/2010
Good class, beautiful and airy studio, skilled live pianist.
Things I liked:
1. Friendly teacher
2.… Read more »
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Review from Carla P.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2007
I went to my first ballet class in over 14 years today, and it was AWESOME. So much fun. Kathy Mata was super friendly and fun and was very good at helping newbies feel welcome and save. I am absolutely going back to her class again.
I attended the Beg Ballet. It was pretty fast paced and you do need to know the names of different steps or else you will be completely lost and over whelmed. I was surprised at how quickly certain things came back, stored in muscle memory I guess. Other stuff, not so much. So next time I'm going to take the lower level class, Basic Ballet.
Most classes are drop ins and are $13. They have classes everyday, mornings and nights.Listed in: Getting jiggy with it (do…
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Review from Alberto V.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2008
Since I couldn't really learn how to fly, dancing seemed the next best thing. But being a bit shy growing up, I was always intimidated by the thought of a classroom full of people watching my clumsy attempts at leaps and turns. I used to walk by San Francisco Dance Center on the way to/from work, and one day I just said f**k it and marched right in.
And march I did, right across the floor trying to keep to the beat of the music while everyone around me did luscious jazz walks and dizzying double turns.
"Don't pay attention to anyone else. You're here for you, to discover yourself and have fun. If walking is where you're at, that's perfectly fine. We all walk before we can fly," cheered the instructor as she practically took me by the hand during the across-the-floor part of class. That was in 2000, and thanks to Cecilia Marta and other amazing teachers I still come back a couple times per week to shimmy, twirl, roll, and get my 35-year old groove on. The teachers have been so inspirational, and the other students are so encouraging.
Currently my "regular fix" consists of Contemporary Jazz with Jenni Updenkelder and Modern with Heidi Schweiker. It's too bad their classes are at the same times! =(
Jenni clearly loves teaching and her positive energy is infectious. Her style of jazz is definitely influenced by modern dance and a bit of hip hop, so don't expect too much Fosse or "jazz hands." She also has a wide taste in music, and we've danced to the likes of Britney, Imogen Heap, and The Gossip. In addition to giving feedback on technique in a friendly way, she also takes time to encourage style and "letting the dancer out."
Heidi's class is beginning level, but it moves pretty fast if you have never danced before. Class starts standing in center and she leads a brisk warm-up that focuses on alignment and technique that appear in the choreographed phrases at the end of class. Ever encouraging, Heidi is also great at explaining/demonstrating her technique which I find immensely helpful.
I would give SFDC 5 stars, but the location, though convenient to BART/MUNI, is a little too close to the mayhem of 6th/Market for my tastes. Walk with a buddy if you're leaving class at night. Also, they just moved to a computerized registration system, so arrive a little early as both staff and students are on the learning curve. -
Review from Vonnie L.
Walnut Creek, CA
4/28/2009
So after 5-6 dance-less years I finally picked up my balls and took a couple classes here. I love to dance, but i'm insanely shy and self-conscious so the thought of dance class with unfamiliar faces always kept me from doing what I love. I finally took a beginning ballet class with Kathy and a beginning jazz class with Saki (take intro to dance if you've never danced because "beginning" classes here are closer to intermediate). Yes I was nervous and I was probably thinking too hard about the steps, but it was still a good release for me. A few more times dancing here and hopefully I won't be such a mess.
oh and by the way, if you haven't danced in awhile, i don't recommend taking two classes back-to-back like I did because I almost died...In my head i was thinking (I've danced 4-5 hours straight before, so 3 should be that bad...WRONG! My body is so out of shape and apparently I've been in denial.) -
Review from Kath R.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2008
I have been dancing (ballet) with Alonzo Kings SF Dance Center for four years, and have loved every minute of it. Although the uninitiated might be a little afraid of the neighborhood (7th at Market) and of the routine (buy at the front desk then wander around to find your classroom) the number of classes and quality of teachers is outstanding.
If you're a ballet nut, LeiWei's intermediate class can't be beat. Although there are professional and former professionals in the class, he is welcoming and an amazing teacher. His class is wonderful. On the weekends, Muriel Maffre has been spotted in his mid-morning class... :)Listed in: Awesome gyms
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Review from Puddy C.
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2009
I have been going to the SFDC since it was on 50 Oak St. and it is a phenomenal place for dance, highly recommended.
One star less for the rude and impatient black guy working the front desk, it is always rather unpleasant to be confronted with his lack of basic social manners, very 7th & Market. The elevator person has WAY more class. -
Review from Shawna S.
Oakland, CA
3/31/2008 1 Check-in Here
I'm a dancer at heart. By that I don't mean that I'll only be happy as a professional dancer because that's never happening, but my emotional well-being is pretty much directly tied to how much I get to dance.
I dropped into a few classes at SFDC soon after I moved to SF, but when I was really down this past summer (quarter life crisis) I started taking Jenni Bregman (nee Updenkelder)'s advanced beginning jazz class regularly. I started with every Tuesday and that's still what I can manage most days, but I'm trying to go twice a week when I can.
The membership plans are flexible (you get more a discount for buying more classes at a time, but you can go with your comfort level) and every person I've met at the studio (dancer, staff, teacher) is laid-back and welcoming.
The area is something to be aware of, but the studio is only half a block from Civic Center BART (exit 7th St) and there's usually someone to open the door for you so a) there's not a lot of street-interaction to worry about and b) the studio staff has an eye out for arriving dancers and loiterers who shouldn't be there.
I love the mix of professionals and hobby dancers and the teachers like Jenni who make dancing just plain fun while knocking technique into your skull. I've never been a better dancer and I've never enjoyed myself more. Coming to SFDC is my break every week.
"Take a deep breath and let go of your day. Welcome to dance class." -
Review from Magdelyn P.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2008
I've been taking ballet on and off for two years at Metronome (soon to be renamed). But, I wanted to take a more classes, so I found SFDC. Wow! What a great space. It feels like a total urban dance school. Fame could be filmed there. What other ballet school has an elevator operator to take you up and inside bicycle parking?
Anyway, the classes are great. The drop in price is negligible. If you buy a membership, you can buy a card that let's you drop in for $11. That is nothing.
And to get you guys into the spirit of taking ballet:
http://www.youtube.com...Listed in: Give yourself a tune-up
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Review from Vera D.
San Francisco, CA
4/21/2006
While I treasure the SF Ballet for classics and full length ballets, I treasure Alonzo King's ballet company for their vibrant performances of modern ballet.
I became a member of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts just because I wanted to support the venue that Alonzo King's Lines Ballet performs in. I have volunteered for the now defunct Oakland Ballet, and I am glad that King's Lines Ballet is thriving. -
Review from a r.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2011
An amazingly beautiful and engaging experience. I have attended the AKLB for the last four seasons. Each performance is unique and enthralling.
I find the dancers to be extraordinary. I always look forward to attending the AKLB. -
Review from domini a.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2008
the best part of this amazing organization is that they boast Enrico Labayen, whose ballet classes are unparallelled. Apart from that, Alonzo King and Lines Ballet doesn't suck to be working alongside either....
Hands down the best contemporary ballet offered in the city. If you're looking for good urban dance, house, hip hop, social dancing skills... no... not the place for you. However, a center that has this expansive a view of ballet, and some well established modern teachers as well, is not to be passed over lightly. Much of the best training in the city is contained within their building. -
Review from K H.
San Francisco, CA
8/2/2011
Tons of classes and times to choose from and great teachers! I've taken ballet with three different teachers and all of them were wonderful. They were Kathy Mata for beginner ballet, Liezl Austria for the absolute beginner ballet workshop, and Breton Tyner Bryan for the ballet choreography workshop. All give the classroom a very different vibe, but all are encouraging (no matter your skill level) and do their best to help you improve. The studios are fairly large, and the beginner ballet even had a live pianist (some classes, anyway). Classes are pretty cheap and if you want to, you can drop in on a whim and pay a one time fee or they give you classes for cheaper buying them in packs. Other than the location being along kind of a seedy part of Market Street, there's not too many faults about this place.
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Review from Deena L.
Berkeley, CA
10/24/2010
We just enjoyed an amazing evening of contemporary ballet - Lines Ballet at Yerba Buena Theater in San Francisco.
We saw Sheherezade by Alonzo King in collaboration with the composer Zakir Hussain. We have had the honor of witnessing a master piece.
The dancers were magnificent & the set was magical, etherial and dynamic.
We are so lucky to have such dedicated artists creating, performing & teaching the next generation locally. Thank you. -
Review from Justin M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/14/2007
Why oh why did they allow that baby into the ballet? I'm sure that my enjoyment of last night's performance with the Shaolin monks would have equaled or surpassed all previous LINES attended (each of which easily rated 5 stars), but try as I might I just couldn't get past the sound of the wailing child three rows behind me.
5 stars for the performance, 3 stars for the house manager who allowed babes-in-arms, and a big fat goose egg for the couple who thought it would be a good idea to attend opening night at a world-class ballet company with a baby!
Nothing against you parents out there, but at least you can turn a cell phone to "silent". -
Review from Dudley F.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2007
A gem in the San Francisco Dance Community. It has that big city dance center feel - elevator entrance, 5th floor view of the city, dancers stretching in the narrow-ish hallways, and classes and rehearsals happening simultaneously in 6 studios of various sizes.
It's a place that got a ton of dancers started in the professional level dance scene here in the city and continues today. I started going here when I was a jazz dancer with Cecilia Marta and Gina Gerrans. I also rehearsed here for a cheesy fun Las Vegas show (my first show ever). I continue to go there today for rehearsal and class, and it continues to be a vital place for emerging young artists, people who like to move, and the Lines Ballet.
One word of advice - parking is difficult in the area. You can park in the alley next to the building after 5pm for free. There is also metered parking on surrounding blocks. I suggest the outdoor parking lot on Mission St - it's pricey, but it's close and secure. Or, take your chances on one of the side streets if you are parking during the day. It's one hour parking - but, you can usually get away with 90 minutes. Sssh...you didn't hear that from me. -
Review from Lisbeth O.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2009
I first danced here when I was dancing with the Peruvian Dance Company - we sometimes held practice here. I love the space - the old building makes me feel like I'm in New York and that in turn makes me feel like I'm at an old dance company...which you kind of are since this is where Lines Ballet is based out of. Being here is kind of an experience.
The ceilings are high, and the rooms are ample with huge floor space. On a break, you can take a look out the window and overlook the city streets.
It's a little bit in a sketchy area, but it's not a big deal to me because my bus stop is just a block away. I never feel like anything bad will actually happen to me.
I now will take ballet classes here from time to time...if my budget allowed, I would probably be coming here at least 2 times a week.
I really loved the ballet classes I took. I'd say I'm advanced in ballet, but I haven't danced in a few years. I wasn't sure how I'd fit into the class -- but I took a few intermediate classes (i forget with who!) and it worked out really well. The class was technically/mentally challenging enough for me. My fellow classmates were all mostly advanced as well, and all mostly kept up. I did take a Beginners class where I noticed some people did opt out on some combinations after not being able to get it the first couple of times. Some were in slippers and some were on pointe. You can choose what you want, or even work at the bar on pointe and then switch.
I really appreciated that everyone was kind of at their own level, but they did not impede each other's improvement. The instructor paid attention to people's faults and helped them out with them and complimented those that did well.
I wouldn't let this discourage you if you don't consider yourself advanced or even if you are a beginner. Definitely try and see for yourself.
They also have a piano player! This is always good and better than records/cds. Wastes less time and tempo change is easier.
The prices are appropriate...about $12 a class, but if you get a monthly pass etc, it's less. They have a good variety of classes you can take...even Flamenco! It all seems well organized, and I didn't have any problems while I was there. I haven't kept up dancing there only because I don't have a normal income right now -- but once I do, you can find me there!
