- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
The Dance Brigade's Dance Mission Theater
Rating Details »
Category: Dance Studios
Neighborhood: Mission3316 24th Street
(between Mission St & Osage St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 826-4441
- Hours:
Mon-Wed. 10:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
69 reviews for The Dance Brigade's Dance Mission Theater
Down-home, local dance center. Not too much attitude, full of people who love to dance. Lots of color, culture, grass roots, earth tones. Small performance space to witness fantastic local talent. An open-minded, socially liberal place.
Great work launching new choreographers and providing home turf for amazing and bright dance teachers. I've tried hip hop, bhangra, and afro-haitian dance, all were a great workout, very engaging and welcoming to all levels.
The infrastructure could use a little work -- some drippy, peely, oldish surfaces. But it's fine, doesn't bother too much once you're dancing. The front desk kindly extended my pass -- a little flexibility goes a long way in my book! Thanks!
I took Alan Frias Hip Hop class and it was just Awesome! The staff there really made me feel comfortable and the classes are very reasonably priced. I now am routinely going there since its right next to the Bart 24th street station. I really feel the only thing is the parking situation. Other than that I highly recommend this place to anyone and all dance levels!!!
Ode to Allan:
You referred to our titties as "fruit" at 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning and didn't make it sound dirty. Plus One.
You choreographed some sick moves. I know they were sick because I saw some of the other girls rock them. Plus Two.
I left your class with a nice glow and a newfound desire to feed my t+a with chips and candy rather than punish them with rice cakes. Plus Two.
You didn't know, however, that the only thing whiter than a white girl is a white English girl. So when you say things like "pop it" and "contortion" and "work it till you're cute," you need to break it down a little bit for Margaret Thatcher in the back. Minus One.
But I'll keep practicing.
I don't think there is anything better than rediscovering something you were once passionate about. I've danced my whole life, and yet somehow as the years progressed I just stopped finding studios and instructors that inspired me. When I moved to this part of town, I had no idea that this studio would be so incredibly close- and that I would be thoroughly excited about it as I am now.
All of the instructors are all amazing- super friendly, wickedly talented and patient...something I need as I'm getting reacquainted with the tricky choreography.
It's been awhile since I took dance classes here but I keep telling myself that I really need to get back into it. I had such a blast and not only are the instructors really good but they make it fun for you to learn. Allan Frias is an awesome instructor and when I saw him in that show "So you think you can dance", I was not at all surprised to see him.
It has such a convenient location and the prices per class is not bad at all.
I went to watch my roommate perform in the CubaCaribe festival on 5.24. The theater is so cute! It reminds me of my college theater - intimate but with good acoustics.
I walked past it the 1st time - you walk in the door, up an old flight of stairs, then get to the landing w/ the stage to the right & the ticket "desk" to the left. Not much room for "milling around" but that's not the point, right? The theater has the older chairs, stadium style seating, not completely comfortable, but doable for a 2-hr performance w/ a 20 min. intermission to stretch one's legs. Probably seats about 75 max? You're right up there w/ the performers which was great but I'm sure a bit perplexing for them!
Only bad thing - only 2 stalls in women's room & 1 was out of order night of the show.
I'll definitely go back & give them more support for future shows.
Sup, guys?
I live in Sydney, Aust nowadays, but often I reminisce the days I used to take dance classes with Alan Frias before he went to compete at SYTYCD first season. After reading the reviews of others, I could just hear him yelling out "asses and titties!"
You are blessed to have Alan as a teacher. Don't waste it!
Peace y'all!
More about the teachers than the studio though the studio is very nice and spacious. Kind of a maze to get through but that's just because it's so big.
I did enjoy all the hip-hop teachers when I used to attend about a year ago. Allan is awesome, and funny and personable. He will literally call you out but in a very playful manner. There wasn't a time that I left the studio in higher hopes and pressed determination ever. I would even practice outside like a fool waiting for BART. Which also is awesome because it's perfect for commuters. Just get off at 24th and walk across the street. Nothing could be better.
Totally impressed!!!!!
I went for a friend's hip hop dance show and was completely blown away! The place is very deceiving giving off essences of being an old elementary school auditorium, but enter with no expectations. The "Lock Down" performance was amazing! At first I thought I was back in grade school watching a low budget show, but once the show began, I was completely taken! The music and dancing was great! Watching everyone, you knew it required a lot of skill and practice. They were all great performers and artists. Thank you all for such a great night!!!
So I've got rhythm. Mad rhythm. Seriously. I've taken dance classes off and on since I was around 8, not to mention all of the musicals and chorus lines I've been in. Funny thing is, apparently with hip hop dancing, rhythm is not really enough. You've got to have soul. And apparently I have no soul. :(
I mean, I have a lot of other things going for me. I mean, rhythm doesn't hurt. And I've got some badunk. So, like that helps, having something to shake. But so does everyone else at Dance Mission. Seriously. The people in Allan Frias's beginning hip hop class mean business. There are people in there that I feel like must be total sandbaggers I mean honestly! MOVE UP TO THE NEXT LEVEL YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK BAD.
But the best part of the class is the spirit of it. Which isn't to downplay how awesome it is in every other way. Like how awesome a workout it is. The best workout of my life, to be specific. And the moves are sick (well, they look sick when other people in the class do them....)
But those facts STILL pale in comparison to my being able to go in there and try to jazz-hands my way through popping and locking and STILL not feel embarrassed (and believe me, despite my bravado, I HATE to look stupid in front of other people.) It's an awesome testament to both Allan's teaching and the no-judgments vibe of the people there to get down. And GOD Allan is so funny - I can't think of many times when I've enjoyed having someone call me a "trick" or refer so frequently to my "titties" and "ass." Even being one of the dorkiest people in the class, it's impossible to not want to just bust out and I STILL END UP FEELING HELLA SEXY AFTERWARDS! How many times do you get to be the worst at something and STILL walk out feeling like you're the hottest sh*t on two legs? The power of titties and ass I guess, diyaaaaaamn.
At $12 for a drop in and $44 for a four-class pass, this 1.5 hour workout is a freaking steal, and conveniently located by the 24th and Mission BART station.
And one day I'm going to stomp that yard. Mark my words.
I came here for the Monday hip hop class with Allan Frias and I have to admit that it was both an amazing workout and super fun. I had never taken any type of dance training before (as was probably obvious when we started), but I'd like to think I have some sense of rhythm. Despite the fact that the routines were super challenging for me, Allan still took the time to break things down. Personally, I probably could've used even a little more simplification, it being my first class and all, but it was still fun. The studio is pretty spacious and the room well lit. I just wish there was a little better ciculation in the room because it was pretty hot. But I'd definitely like to come back and check out another class or two.
Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the whitest girl of all?
When I took Allan Frias' beginner hip-hop class at Dance Mission, I discovered that it was me. Okay, okay, to be fair, it wasn't the moves that thwarted my progress. I do, in fact, have some junk in my trunk, which I have been known to shake on occasion.
Aaahhh yeaaahhhh.
To start the class, a woman came in to warm us up with some hip shakin', arm stretchin', and shoulder rollin'. Totally my speed. I was feeling smooth and sexy and talented.
Enter Allan. He started off slowly for the 'hop impaired among us. It quickly became clear that he is not only hilarious and a fabulous teacher, but also a dance genius. Once he was in his choreography trance, there was no stopping him, and his pace increased at an alarming rate.
He added move upon move, each one more rapid, and I found myself frantically shaking body parts I hadn't used in years in an effort to keep up. Eventually, others in the class assumed I was having a seizure and called an ambulance. When the paramedics came, I was grateful because my heart rate had climbed well above the normal range and I gasped for air, my broken body only a shell of what it had been previously.
Okay. That last part might be embellished a little. But, today I can barely walk, and that is the truth.
It's a great cardio workout for the price of the $12 drop-in fee. You can use the classes at Dance Mission to change up your boring workout routine or just go shake your thang for fun. Easily accessible via many bus lines and BART. Class gets full, so get there early.
This is more a review of some hip-hop classes than the studio itself. However the studio is conveniently located right next to the BART station and has very large classrooms.
Enough people have are ready commented on the usual suspects: Allan, Micaya, David; so I won't bore you there. However there are two new young hip-hop teachers on Wednesday night who seem to have their act together (Algin Ford-Sterling and Tania Larot). Their routines are fun and not overly complex, but always seem to be full of energy/musicality. I would say that their style is closer to something that you might learn at Funkanometry, but a little less intricate (in a good way).
In short, if you are looking for a good intermediate class with a nice change of pace from the "more seasoned" teachers and overcrowded dance floors, then you might want to try out the UFO Movement (as they call themselves) on Wednesday nights!
What, you dance?
Hells to the yes I dance...my favorite move is reminiscent of Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" with Justin Timberlake....oh wait, sorry, that was a dream.
So yeah maybe I need a little work on my moves...or maybe I just want to get a good work out. And Alan Frias' is definitely good for that.
The man can obviously dance (and was even on the first season of So You Think You Can Dance) and creates intricate routines that really make you work hard. You sweat your ass off in part by the quickness of tempo/moves and in part from the amount of people crammed into the room. Which is my main beef about this place. There doesn't seem to be a cap on admission. This is a class anyone can drop in on (for the deal of $12/class) but it gets to the point of where you can barely dance because you're running into other people. It's also frustrating when there are so many people that you can't see the teacher showing the moves.
The other annoying part of it is that his dance troupe dancers are always up front. Even when he asks for lines to switch (to allow people in back to be closer) they just move from one side to the other. I'm assuming this is so people can watch them to try and learn the moves. But they're learning the moves at the same time the rest of the class is - so watching them isn't that helpful for me. I think if they want to be helpful, they should move around the room and allow more people to be up front.
So yeah, Allan gets 5 stars as far as I'm concerned - for his talent, his choice of music, and his teaching style. But the theater fails in the way it's managed. As much as I've enjoyed going to these classes, I'm not 100% sure I want to continue if the class continues to be packed to the gills. Hopefully they'll add another Saturday class or move the class to the bigger room.
FYI, this theater offers a ton of different types of classes and obviously this review is only for one - I would definitely check out other classes because the price cannot be beat!!
Took the bart from South City to Mission straight. The directions said the studio would be right across the Bart Station, but stupid me couldn't find it for a good 10 minutes. The front of the studio is really small. Location is convenient though in the day because of all the Mexican food surrounding it!! What's better than a steak burrito and mango refrescos after a day of dance?
Small lobby, 3 studios. Everyone seems to know each other.
I took the $12 Hiphop class with the great Allan Frias! (He was on So You Think You Can Dance, choreographs for the Warrior Girls, Mind Over Matter) I had tons of fun despite the overcrowded studio. I didn't think Allan would be able to see me since it was PACKED, but during a short water break..he went up to me complimenting me on my dancing/asking about my prior experience/background. I felt flattered. Not only was the room hot, but his choreography was hot too! By the end of the class I was sweaty as hell. He's such a funny nice guy & teaches so well. I'm going back for another class!
I started taking Hip hop there almost 4 years ago- first with Allan (and he makes everyone LAUGH) then switched over to David's class. All I can say now that I moved out to Chicago a month ago is how I miss this GREAT place of like minded people!!!!!! David was the man and ALWAYS made it such a invigorating and up lifting 90 mins every time. And he switched up his styles every other weak keeping us on our toes- wanting more.
For those that live there- take advantage of the GREAT $$$$- as classes out this way cost $5-10 more and I have yet to find the another match.
Sweaty. Hot. Crowded.
You just gotta know how to make your own space. But it's worth it. I took a $12 hip-hop class with Allan Frias who was on SYTYCD 'cause my friend told me to give his class a go since she had such a fun time. His choreography was hot, and the piece I was lucky to learn on Saturday was smooth & sexy. Funny guy too & teaches at a very comfortable pace.
I stayed a little bit after to wait for my friend who needed to talk to him 'cause she got offered to be a part of his company. Yee, that's my girl. Anyway, as he was talking to her, he was very hospitable and cracked jokes with me too and made me feel like we'd known each other for awhlie even though that was the first time I took his class.
Can't wait to go again & sweat oceans!
An intimate theater on the 2nd floor where arial dance, hip hop, modern, ballet and other styles of dance are performed.
Note: no elevator, only staircase.
It gets warm in here.
Drink water. Sit close.
You can here breathing in the wings.
Murmuring behind you.
Footsteps out in the hallway.
Crackling of light as the show begins.
You can touch the musician as he plays, and watches the stage, following every step of the dancer.
It is a truly warm theater, a joyous experience as a dancer and audience member.
Your MISSION if you choose to accept it, is to DANCE. (cue 007 music).
Location of your assignment: DANCE MISSION.
Necessary Supplies: $12 per drop-in class, Water bottle.
Contacts: David Schrag will be your go to guy as his beginner hip hop class is truly a beginner class. He throws some old school moves in there which is great but be forewarned, you will sweat buckets.
Micaya will win you over with her positive energy and huge love for her students. Her beginner hip hop class goes at a quicker pace than David's but is also loads of fun. Her intermediate class is tough (if you can handle it, bring your knee pads).
Allan's "beginner" hip hop class is fun as well but should really be labeled as an intermediate class. It is more challenging than the other 2 beginner classes.
Enemies: Boredom and Your Fat Pants. Also, the Dance Mission building. It is small, rundown and you can hear other classes going on at the same time. This may distract you from your mission but stay the course.
Good luck!
Elena S. managed to convince me to check out this place yesterday, so I did. I must say, of all the dance studios I've been to, this is what I expect a dance studio to look like.
With three different rooms, there are always 3 classes going on at anytime. From young kids to older adults, this place caters to all ages and dancing styles.
The beginner/intermediate salsa class with Ramon was quite intense. Most classes I've taken place more emphasis on partnering while this class places a heavy emphasis on free-styling and dancing on your own in pairs.
I definitely got my work out in last night as we just kept on going and going - no time for breaks. And yes, as Elena pointed out, counting on 3's was a little different for me as well, but I picked it up.
There were about 18 or so people in the class (mostly 20 & 30-somethings) and there was plenty of room (unlike other smaller dance studios I've been to). With a huge mirror running against the front of the class, it makes it easier to look at oneself instead of everyone cramming in trying to catch a sliver of themselves in the mirror.
All in all, this was a great class. I'll dress more casually next time as I came straight from work and I got a little too warm in my work clothes.
The salsa classes are ongoing and $12/drop-in. With class cards (valid for 3 months) you can pre-pay 4 classes - $44 or 10 classes - $100.
===============
For more salsa recommendations:
http://www.yelp.com/li...
For more salsa info:
http://www.facebook.co...
Flubby-folks-looking-to-get-in-shape...let it be known:
Treadmills are NOT inspiring.
Neither are stationary bikes.
Or a stairmaster.
Or even those trendy elyptical things.
Even yoga and spinning classes are getting old.
Alan Frias's hip hop class will make you SWEAT and look SEXY, even when you're just kind of faking your way through his very fast booty-shakin' routines. Plus, his sometimes R-rated humor (slide my hand across my WhAt?!?) makes your time there laugh-out-loud awesome.
Watch out for the groupies who stay close to the front and check themselves out continuously in the mirror. They're suposedly there to "model" the moves (I will admit, they kick a lot of ass at what they do), but you're better off asking the folks around you or Alan directly for help, most of the girls are in high school and have not yet realized that no one is judging their hair. Or outfit. Or general coolness. Except maybe me. Mwahahahaha...
AND...if you're a beginner, start off slow in Micaya or Dave's class and just know that you WILL get better. Keep telling yourself that folks there have been attending religiously for years and you'll feel better. I'm 92% sure thats true, I asked around ;)
Great for drop-in classes ($12). Parking is pretty tough, but with a bit of luck you can land a 1-hour meter-free spot nearby.
I've done the hip-hop class with Alan, and he's fantastic! Just hilarious, and definitely knows his stuff. Beginners beware: you'll be hanging on for dear life the first time you go, but it gets easier after that.
The class can get a bit crowded, but just get there on time and sit your ass up in the front so you can get a good view of what you're supposed to be doing :)
I'm a regular at ODC, but I've taken a few classes here. The two are completely different places, but both seem to have excellent and reasonably priced classes which is the main thing.
I really like the feel of this place - tall ceilings, windows, huge studio (at least the one I've been in - love it when there's an area to put your crap out of the way so people at the edge of the studio don't trip over your stuff), and all round a great place to get your dance-on. Would like to try out some of the other classes.
I took Hip Hop here with Dave and it's awesome! As a beginner with absolutely no dancing experience, Dave walks through his routines and makes it fun for everyone. He's got a great sense of humor and all the other students are really cool too! If you're thinking about taking a class here, all I have to say is that it's a nice environment for beginners, people don't care what level you're at, and if anything, it's a good workout!
Minus 1 star for the building and crowded room.
Came here with a couple friends the other day for Allan's hip hop dance class. It was definitely a lot of fun, and he has a great sense of humor. His hip hop dance style allows for a lot of freestyle.
My only gripe is that the studios are freaking hot. They could use a few more fans in there!
I'll let you in on a secret: I'm a stud. Seriously, I am quite awesome in soooo many ways it isn't even funny. Go ahead, laugh. You may be thinking to yourself - "What type of freak goes around writing Yelp reviews that openly state 'I'm a stud'." Clearly - only two types of men: 1) those really creepy dudes who think they are studly AND 2) men very secure in their studliness (who are in fact studly). I fall in to the second category.
With all of that said, if you saw me tripping over my own feet, sweating buckets of perspiration, and inappropriately trying to fit a rock-step into my salsa - you'd totally be of the opinion that I fit into the "really creepy" category. Given the circumstances, you'd be forgiven for being such a poor judge of character.
The cuban style salsa taught here on Monday evening (or at least yesterday's class) involves dancing in a circle in which you switch partners quite regularly. The dancers are split into followers and leaders. I refused to let my girlfriend, who is a far better dancer than I, take the lead because it would have been too hard for my male ego.
I knew things were off to a bad start when I couldn't even get the basic footwork figured out at the beginning. As we watched ourselves in the mirror I couldn't help but notice that my girlfriend looked terribly embarassed for me. Her friends flashed sheepish concerned looks in my direction. In fact, her friend, in an attempt to solve the situation, helpfully whispered suggestions in my direction (thanks Katie!). Sadly, by the time I had that figured out, the rest of the class had moved on to mixing tricks into their dancing. It was clear I was in waaay over my head. Oh, and by the way, by adding tricks in that were waaay over my head - I'm only referring to stomping their feet on the 7th beat (or was it the 8th beat) or clapping their hands - not rocket science, but still too much for me.
I confess to you reader - I was THAT guy. The guy clapping his hands seconds after everyone else. Tripping on his feet everytime I had to try to turn to face the circle. Oh, and god forgive me for the damage I did to that one girl's foot when I tried to stomp too hard and on the wrong beat (sorry about that - just send me the medical bill!).
Indeed, my hyper-inflated ego took a hell of a beating when I realized that I was at least one of the two guys that probably inspired thoughts like, "Oh crap, this guy again!" whenever one of the followers had to dance with me. I will acknowledge, at least in the realm of salsa, I am a terrible lead and I get lost (and therefore confused) very very easily. That is to say: I am not a stud in this arena.
Nonetheless, I'll let none of this deter me! I'll be practicing at home and I'll be back - and when I am - get ready Dance Mission Theater - I'll be bringing sexy back!!! I'm going to stud your fucking pants off!!!!
Yeah, so what can I add-on what hasn't already been mentioned? I will re-iterate that it can be a bit daunting for anyone who's an absolute beginner in ANY of the categories (Salsa, Hip-Hop, Modern), but they have such a fantastic variety of instructors at Dance Mission that you'll most likely find one to suit your style.
And here's a True Confession: as a guy, you couldn't have PAID me to take a dance class 10 years ago. Dance? Howdya keep score? Who gets the in-bound pass? There seemed to be no "utilitarian" reason to ever take a dance class.
But while I was dropping off my daughter at a class (ALL the kids classes are superb, BTW) nigh on 6 years ago, I peeked in to watch Allan Frias's Hip Hop class. Needless to say, I was mesmerized at the perfect synchronicity and the pure joy erupting from the room. I then went to check out the tap class, and I knew right then I'd found a new niche. Totally cool urban beats, almost Savion Glover-style.
Long story short, I've taken a little of everything here and I can't say enough about this place. And if that weren't enough, they put on awesome showcases/performances of all types here.
My only suggestion: If they'd start accepting credit cards, they'd get 5 stars...
I'm sure this is a great place to learn how to dance....if you already know how to dance. For me, a total novice, it wasn't so good. Suspecting that my lack of experience might hinder me, even in the "beginners" class, I called in advance to make sure that the hip hop class taught by Allan Frias would be suitable for me. After all, I wasn't looking to waste my time or make a total fool of myself. What follows is an approxmiate account of that call, in the obligatory "Me:" "Her:" format.
Me: Hi, I'm interested in your beginning hip hop dance class, but I'm really and truly a beginner, that is, I have no experience whatsoever and I'm afraid I'll make an ass of myself in front of the class. Do you think this class would be suitable for me, a total novice?
Her: You'll be fine.
So I went to the class. I made it through the warmup like a champ, which gave me a little confidence boost, but unfortunately when the actual dancing started, I was lost almost immediately. I was just getting the hang of the first 8 counts, but Allan had already moved onto the middle of the routine and showed no signs of slowing down. By the time he'd gone through the whole routine, I'd picked up only a couple of sections and basically ad-libbed the parts in the middle that I missed. I looked around the room for signs that others were struggling, but I instead I saw a room full of dancers flowing flawlessly through the routine. Naturally.
As if I didn't feel silly enough, Allan would mutter in a dissaproving tone, "Oh no, girrrrrrl..." each time he came to the back of the room to change the music. I was sure that "girrrrl" was me, but it's possible that I was just being overly sensitive.
Based on the other reviews, I'm sure this is a really good dance studio. And I will say that the people at the desk were very friendly and everyone else looked like they were having fun. But just beware, if you're looking true beginner's class, this may not be what you're hoping to find.
Dance Mission Rocks!
I've taken hip-hop classes with Micaya and Alan Frias. I've never had the opportunity to shake my ass like dat before and feel so comfortable about it. In fact it's encouraged to get all ghetto fab and shxt. Love it! It's an amazing workout and challenges your body in ways you can't imagine.
i once took a beginner's hip hop class, thinking i had enough rhythm to get through it. after all, i'd watched diddy's 'making the band' and had rehearsed the routines with the girls of danity kane... you know, in my head.
so how is it that i ended up looking like a two-left-footed fool in the ballroom? when everyone turned left, i turned right. when the others gracefully spun down into a sitting position, how was it that i was the only one left standing? after about 20 minutes of being a couple of steps behind, i sat myself down on the bench so as to not distract everyone else learning the routine. catching a glimpse of myself in the mirrors, sometimes with a grin because i was laughing at my own gawkiness and other times with a pained grimace at how ungraceful i looked, i was painfully aware of how awkward i was. nothing on the instructor, i just couldn't keep up!
i decided to stick with beginner's salsa instead, and over the past few years, have enjoyed every single class. though the male to female ratio is hit or miss, and you're likely to be paired up with someone who is still... uh... learning, it's a great workout, and you can consider yourself lucky if the instructor pairs up with you. the man can move! i like the format of the class too. 30-45 minutes of warming up and practicing basic steps, with the remainder of the class spent in partner work. nothing is better than being in the dance studio in the spring time when the ambient light streams in, the wind blows gently in through the windows, and the cuban salsa music beats in the background beckoning you to sway to the rhythm of the music. just thinking of it brings a big smile to my face =)
at just $12/class, and more reasonable if you buy a class card, it's a great way to spend 1 1/2 hours!
I totally wanted to be Paula Abdul when I was a kid. But my parents didn't have time to take me to dance class. And that's my sob story. I tried to make up for it in college by dancing hiphop in some shows. It was fun, so I thought I'd try it again by taking Allan's hiphop class at Dance Mission.
At first, I was scared that I was out of my league. Allan uses the same basic moves in his choreography so after the first few classes, it seemed to get easier. Now I feel much more comfortable (even though I don't always get it right).
A couple notes for newbies:
1) It's crowded. Allan's class is popular so be prepared to dance in tight quarters. I've tried Mon and Tues night classes and think Tues nights are less crowded.
2) Skill levels run the gamut. There are advanced dancers who just like to take Allan's class and then there are beginners who lack rhythm but deserve an A for effort. But there are so many people, it doesn't really matter what level you are since nobody's watching.
Located right at the heart of the mission, this place is oozing with culture and diversity.
I was going through old dance videos of mine last week and decided that it's been too long since I last danced. I decided to go online and search for good dance schools in the city. And let me tell you this--Dance Mission Theater DID NOT disappoint.
Right on the corner of 24th and Mission, the location's convenience is unbeatable. Dance Mission Theater offers a wide range of dances--from hip hop, to ballet, and salsa.
As I walked into the theater, I thought to myself, "This is exactly what a dance studio should look like." The studio had a good amount of floor space, mirrors all around, a couple of barres and huge windows that overlooks the area. It's a bit rough around the edges, but this is exactly what gives the place a kind of intimate feeling. Sort of like the setting in 'Honey', if you've ever seen the movie.
After i took the salsa class, I sort of wanted to kick myself thinking, "Why didn't I think of doing this before?" For $12/drop in class, you not only get dance classes and a workout, you get to meet a lot of really fun and interesting people as well!
So, if you're looking for a good place to do some serious dancing, Dance Mission Theater is the place to be. :-)
I haven't learned any new moves since MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice days (good times and killer moves not mentioning the pants and boots!) so I took some hip hop classes at the Mission Theatre. I enjoyed Mikaya's classes although the moves are more like "America's Best Dance Band" than moves you could actually use at a club. Nonetheless I had lots of fun and got a good cardio workout out of it. I have also taken some salsa with Ramon and that was fun too. It's not as challenging as hip hop in my opinion but still is tons of fun. You can either bring a dance partner or borrow one at the class (it's easier than one can imagine).
The crowd is mostly young kids from college for hip hop and slightly older for salsa. The vibe is very raw, artistic and collegiate. They offer variety of dances and you can check that out on their website.
I bought a book of tickets for $100 (package of 10) but didn't get to use all of it (it expires after a couple of months). If you just want to drop in it's $12.
FYI, ODC Dance Studio offers similar classes and their facilities are nicer, but they both have their distinct charms.
As it is located amidst the mission, the crowd that frequents it is as diverse as the neighborhood. People of all ages and a good variety of dance genres to choose from.
I take hip hop. David teaches a good beg/int class. I like it a lot, mainly because he's a good teacher and the choreography is put together in a way that is encouraging for people who don't have a dancing background. It's also fun! He always picks cool songs too. Alan also teaches a good beg/int class, although it's a lot more fast paced than David's. Both instructors are funny and nice, so if you're interested I recommend both.
Go. Challenge yourself. Even if you don't dance, sit in and watch a class/performance. Dancing's good for the soul.
Dance Mission is the greatest dance school for children. The staff is wonderful and the classes are relaxed while still offering instruction, socialization, and a chance to have fun and dance. The youth program offers classes for kidlets from 3 years old and up and the biannual performances are split, so that the older children have a more professional feeling show and the toddlers and small children have a very stress-free performance in the Dance Mission Theatre itself. My daughter has taken Creative Movement for over 2 years now and will be moving up into Modern Ballet in the Fall. She is excited to be going into "big girl classes" (she is 5), but sad to leave her earlier teachers behind.
When we were looking into dance classes when she was younger, I looked into a few places that felt like the ballet classes of my youth -- filled with snobby parents pushing their toddlers too hard, showing off their children's overpriced dance clothing, and teachers who expected perfection from teeny children. At Dance Mission, we found only adorable kids wanting to dance and have fun and teachers and administrators who wanted to provide that.
I've only gone here strictly because of Alan Frias's Beginning hip-hop class. As most of the other reviews have stated, Alan was third on the first season of "So You think You Can Dance".
Alan's class is amazing. The beauty behind his style is it doesn't matter what body type you have, his moves are made for anyone. Don't believe me? you can youtube his classes, just do a search on his name.
I will say though, that if you don't have any dancing experience, it can be very difficult to pick up. In fact, I know a lot of beginners may think his class is more of an intermediate type class. However if you can shelve your ego aside and just have fun, this is a great class. Alan is very engaging and makes the class fun with his humor. The regulars that attend are also very welcoming, all you need to do is talk to them.
The studio itself has a nostalgic feel to it and some of it is kind of run down. It does get very hot in here, but mostly due to the class size. There's two bathrooms, however it's single occupancy for the guys, and if you need it, you may have to wait a while as most people use it to change.
It's $12 for drop ins, and $40 for a 4-class pass.
Allan Frias, enough said. I've been searching the Bay Area for SO long for awesome choreography and I've finally found it.
Not only do his moves rock, but so does his style and personality. Going to his classes is one of the most enjoyable things I've ever participated in. The levels amongst the class range from beginner to advanced, so it's difficult to really feel out of place.
The people are friendly, drop in fee is $12 and $10 for 10 classes. It's a wonderful way to get your sexy on, burn those calories and feel like you belong at an Usher tour audition.
I took my first beginning hip hop class here last night. The place is this old looking building and the class was taught in a where house looking room that had bleachers in it, high ceilings, and mirrors on the wall, it had a very urban feeling to it which was great for setting the scene for a hip hop class. It actually kind of reminded me of the movies "flash dance" or "Save the Last Dance" with Julia Styles. The teacher was great too.
The class was great exercise, and the moves are challenging with out being too hard. The class appeals to all levels because the moves are pretty simple, so if you are new at it, you can follow along, and if you are a seasoned hip hop dancer, you can add a lot of your own style to the dance. The class is an hour and a half long and it is definitely a great workout.
This studio has had a number of reincarnations. I am glad that it is still deeply rooted in the community through the arts. I took Sidney's Salsa workout. She kicked my ass....non-stop dancing for 2hrs straight. She even ^5 me afterwards for stamina.
No wood suspension floors here. The floors are marley, so be sure to wear the appropriate shoes that won't stick when you turn, and your knees go one way and your body the other.
Being the tall, gangly white man that I am, my introduction into the world of hip-hop dance classes could not have happened at a better place. I tried Allen Frias's beginner class once and was a little overwhelmed, but David Schrag's beginner class is easy enough that even a true novice can handle it, yet sophisticated enough that you'll still feel like a rockstar by the time class is over. He's a a great teacher in terms of explaining routines well and encouraging beginners in a way that is truly reassuring and friendly.
Yeah, the place gets kinda hot sometimes, but there's always time to grab water mid-class. And yeah, the classrooms kind of run into each other, but I consider that part of the charm of the place, and after five minutes you won't notice much of anything besides your bad self tearing up the dance floor anyway.
