Home 100 Puzzles

John's Dancing in San Diego! Dance Page
In 2004 I discovered dancing and I am still at it!

This webpage is a repository of San Diego dance studio and club links I use for monthly scheduling; and quite a bit more.
At this website you can find answers to: Where can I learn to dance? Where can I find a ballroom dance party?

My Fast Scroll
Balboa Park Champion Cheek 2 Cheek Dance For 2 Pattie Wells Smooth Dancers Starlight Synergy

My Dance Focus

My dance learning focus and categorization here is:
Ballroom - Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz; Quickstep and Viennese Waltz. These dances are sometimes referred to as the "smooth" dances.
Latin - Bolero, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Salsa and Samba (and Mambo if one of "my" studios would teach it!)
Swing / Club - Hustle, Jitterbug / East Coast Swing, Nightclub 2-Step, West Coast Swing and Country Western 2-Step
Argentine Tango - A world of its own.

Within the Ballroom and Latin dance categories, my dance focus is mostly on the "American" style, but occasionally on the "International / Standard" style. I have added some links for other popular dances (Lindy, Hip Hop, Reggaeton and Zydeco) per request. Dance styles not covered include Jive, Paso Doble, Polka, Folk (English, Irish, Scottish, etc.), Square, Line, Contra, Cajun, various other ethnic dances, and various forms of Ballet and Modern Dance.

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

The general format of each Venue entry is a description followed by my observations and activities, plus "Spy Reports" (experiences of other people) in italics.

If you find something of interest here, check with the associated website, if available, to verify my information as schedules and venues change frequently. It's always good insurance to check the Calendar links I provide as even the most consistent venues may skip an event. If you find any errors, or that some links have changed yet again, I'd appreciate a note! Know a place I don't have? Tell me. The event focus here is on regularly scheduled activities, not one time events.

Note: All logos © the respective studios. All photographs taken by me unless otherwise noted. No paid advertising accepted. I do accept descriptions by studio and other establishment owners at no charge and from time to time will help someone out with a special request.

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

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

Source picture © KUSI News
January 18, 2006

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



Part 1 - Dance Studios and Major Dance Clubs: Classes and Parties
(Listed in alphabetical sequence)

This part focuses on venues with regularly scheduled group classes and dance parties. Updated October 14, 2007

Part 1a - My Studios and Clubs

Balboa Park Dancers Ballroom Dance Club (website nicely improved August 2005)
Balboa Park Club building (or sometimes at the War Memorial building, check the Calendar)
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA (Map) (Calendar)
619-685-3659

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

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

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

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

There is general dancing before and after the classes:

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

Studio. Impressively large studio ballroom dance floor, one of the best dance floors in San Diego, 3300 square feet. Also a smaller classroom dance floor (with some very slippery spots!). Dancers tend to be fairly advanced, focusing on competitive dancing rather than social dancing, but some beginner / intermediates will show up for the weekend parties, particularly if Balboa Park is closed. More Ballroom and Latin oriented than Club. Studio owner, Mary Murphy, is a judge and choreographer for the hit Fox TV series So You Think You Can Dance. The muddy sound system needs upgrading. While adequate for most tunes, during softer Waltzes and Rumbas there are areas on the dance floor where I and others have had difficulty picking up the beat.

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

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

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

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

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

4th or 5th Saturday - 8-11pm - Chinese Club of San Diego - Admission $7. Ballroom with Chinese music and many members of the local Chinese community - normally the last Saturday of the month except in October, then the second to last month. Wide range of dancers.


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


Cheek2Cheek Dance Studio
909 Grand Ave., San Diego, CA 92109 (map) (Calendar)
(858) 270-7100

Studio. One of the finest dance floors in San Diego, 2500 square feet. Also a large classroom dance floor to the side. When I started this dance page, this studio didn't exist, it then became one of most popular in San Diego for weekend dance parties, before Synergy came along.
Focus is on "Ballroom (Smooth and Standard), Latin, Rhythm, Salsa, Swing, Country and more". Some advanced dancers here at the weekend parties.

Wide range of group dance classes during the week.

Dance Parties - Dance partner mixability: Mary Manzella's high, the studio parties low to moderate.

Wednesday evening

8:00-10:30pm - Ballroom Dance Party hosted by Mary Manzella, Keith Salyards - DJ
Admission $8.00, North County Swing and Ballroom Dance Club members $7.00
Dancers range from beginner-intermediate to advanced. October 4, 2006 update - I attended for the first time in many months, due to class rescheduling: the music mix here has changed from mostly West Coast Swing to a broader mix of Swing and other Club dances, Ballroom and some Latin. This venue remains popular, typically 45-70 people will show up, sometimes more. I'm a regular here now.
Preceded by introductory lesson in one of the popular dances 7:30-8:00pm.

1st Friday Dance Party
Admission $8, $5 for Majesty in Motion members
8:00-11:00pm - Monthly Salsa Dance Party
Hosted by Majesty in Motion with performance.

2nd Friday Dance Party
Admission $7, $5 for Cheek2Cheek members
7:30-8:00pm - Intro dance class
8:00-11:00pm - Monthly Studio Practice Party (Ballroom, Latin, Swing)
Visited October 12, 2007 - Very light attendance, perhaps 7 couples on the floor, maximum at any one time. Little opportunity for finding a partner, plenty of room to practice your Foxtrot!

2nd & 4th Saturdays Dance Party
Admission $10, $7 for Cheek2Cheek members
7:30-8:00pm - Intro dance class
8:00-11:00pm - Monthly Studio Theme Party (Ballroom, Latin, Swing).
February 23, 2008 - Spy report - Quite a few people showed up. Lady's got in free (this may continue, check Calendar), there was a bit of a shortage of Men, music mix pretty good.


Dancing at Cheek2Cheek on June 7, 2007 - Mary Manzella's Wednesday Party.


Dance for 2
5150 Murphy Canyon Rd. #107, San Diego, CA 92123 (map) (Calendar)
(858) 565-9575

Studio. Founded in May 2005. Nice dance floor, but the smallest of the major studios, 900 square feet. More suitable for Latin and Club than Ballroom. Classroom dance floor to the side.

Dance classes during the week - Ballroom, Club and Latin. Some group classes extend well into intermediate level steps. I have taken some classes here.

Dance Parties -
Saturday evening

1st & 3rd Saturdays - Ballroom-Latin Mix Dance Party 7:30-10pm, with complimentary mini lesson 7:45-8:15pm.
Admission $7
Dance partner mixability: moderate, lower if light turn out. Showed up on April 1, 2006 - Light turnout, good music mix.

4th Saturday - 10:30pm - 3am -Tango Milonga, hosted by Linda Garwood, Argentine Tango instructor.
Admission $10

Sunday evening - 2nd Sunday of the month - 8:30pm-midnite - Tango Milonga, hosted by Linda Garwood, Argentine Tango instructor.
Admission $5


Dancing at Dance For 2 on May 19, 2007 during their second anniversary party.


Pattie Wells' Dancetime Center
1255 West Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110 (map) (for Calendar, click under "Class Schedule" on the home page)
(619) 275-3533

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

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

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

Thursday evening - "Funky Swing & Blues" dance party hosted by Jane Hance. 8-10pm. Mostly West Coast Swing with an occasional NC 2 Step or Hustle tune.
Admission $6 (3 full time students with ID)
First checked out on August 18, 2005, this an excellent venue for trying out your dance moves - beginner to advanced. At least one and sometimes two friendly roving teachers are present to help with moves on request - probably the best deal out there! Show up in the first 15 minutes for a chance to win a free CD. Lots of floor space available as turnout is usually fairly light - but workable, not crowded like La Mesa. January 1, 2007 update - after being a regular here for more than a year, I've now switched to Thursday evening classes at Starlight - for Night Club 2 Step. Attended May 10, 2007 for the first time in many months, A record number of people present, over 40!

Friday evening - Tango Milonga 9:30pm-12:30am - Hosted by Milonga Sin Nombre.
Admission $7 (5 full time students with ID)
Argentine Tango. July 20, 2007 - I showed up for the first time - A well organized venue - The music is played in the traditional tanda format (music of the same variety [tango, milonga or valse] played in groups of three). I'm new to this dance and was content to watch the dancers, some quite skilled.

Saturday evening

1st Saturday - Salsa & Latin Practice Party: Lesson 8-8:30pm, Party 8:30-10:30pm, hosted by MaryBeth Hughes.
Admission $7 (4 full time students with ID)
October 2007 Spy Report: very good turnout, with around 70 dancers. Attended February 2, 2008. Pretty crowded, about 1/2 were MaryBeth's college students, the rest middle aged regulars.

2nd Saturday - Latin & Ballroom Party: Lesson 8-8:30pm, Party 8:30-10:30pm
Admission $7 (4 full time students with ID)

3rd Saturday - Hustle & Night Club 2 Step Party: Lesson 8-8:30pm, Party 8:30-10:30pm, hosted by David Nguyen.
Admission $7 (4 full time students with ID). A separate Intermediate Hustle workshop precedes the 8pm lesson, 7-10pm, $15, taught by David Nguyen.
October 2007 Spy Report: good turnout, with around 40 dancers. Attended February 16, 2008, about 60 dancers, this venue is becoming well attended and popular attracting dancers from around town. Mix is mostly Hustle, but with some Night Club 2 Step and maybe a Salsa or Cha-Cha mixed in. David extends his parties later into the evening when there is interest as there was this night.

4th Saturday - Latin & Ballroom Party: Lesson 8-8:30pm, Party 8:30-10:30pm. Attended February 23, 2008, about 60 dancers, this venue has picked up quite a bit in the past few months.

5th Saturday - Argentine Tango Practice: Party 7:30-10pm, host Yvonne Bello, short lesson after Party begins.
September 2007 Spy Report: poor turnout.

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


Dancing at Pattie Wells Dancetime Center on May 28, 2006 - Sunday evening Jitterbug & Swing dance party before evening darkness. Over 100 attended.


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

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

Classes
Sunday afternoon / evening - Two 1 1/2 hour classes: 5-6:30pm and 6:30-8pm with a short intermission in each class. The focus is on choreographies and technique. Snacks provided between classes and dinner after the second class. If you stay for dinner on a regular basis after the dance classes are over, you may be asked to contribute some food now and then.

On March 12, 2006 I attended my first class here, for Nightclub 2 Step. I did not consider myself to be a "strong intermediate" in any dance at the time, so I wasn't sure how I'd fit in. Turns out that the class was quite large, I'd say at least 50, and the experience range was wide enough. I occasionally take classes here if not overloaded with other commitments, the instructors have been excellent.

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

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

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


Starlight Dance Studio
6506 El Cajon Blvd, Suite H, San Diego, CA 92115
Aragon Plaza, northwest corner (map) (Calendar)
(619) 287-9036

Studio. Nice ballroom - 2880 square feet, the "North Star" (one quirk: watch out for the three pillars); large classroom dance floor on the left side of the studio, the "South Star".

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

Dance Parties - dance partner mixability: low to moderate

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

Saturday evening - Varying parties

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

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

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

4th Saturday - 8-11pm - Pure Energy Disco Ball preceded by beginner / intermediate level class 7-8pm. I attended the opening event on January 27, 2007 - fairly well attended with 35-40 people at the peak. Music about 50% Hustle with many classic Hustle tunes and some techno, 35% WC Swing and 15% other, for example Cha-Cha and NC 2 Step - overall a good mix, although the NC 2 Steps were a bit on the fast side. All levels of dance experience (beginners welcome), with maybe a dozen very advanced dancers. Refreshments including chocolate fix on the side.

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

Sunday evening - 7-9pm - Hustle Dance Party. DJ'd by Don Seidenspinner. Preceded by Hustle dance class 6-7pm.


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

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

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

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

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

Dance Parties - dance partner mixability: high

Friday evening - 8pm until 11pm - Practice Dance Party. Preceded by lesson from 7:30-8:00pm.
Admission $5, $3 Students
May 5, 2007 Spy Report: After large turnouts initially, this venue has stabilized with a moderate turnout, with quite a few UCSD students. The music tends to be more Latin and Club than ballroom.

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

1st Saturday - 7:00-11:00pm - New May 3, 2008 - not clear if this will be a monthly venue - Hustle The Night Away - "Hustle, Social Two Step, Latin & WC Swing". DJ'd by "Da Island Boyz".
Admission $7, Students $5

2nd Saturday - 8:00-11:00pm - Rob G - Ballroom Dance Party. Preceded by lesson in Ballroom Technique and Etiquette by the always elegant Rosemary Ward 7:30-8:00pm.
Admission $7
Rob G's three hour Ballroom party has a nice mixture of DJ'd Ballroom, Latin and Club tunes with an embedded 3 song Foxtrot mixer. Flyers are distributed at the party, listing all songs to be played, the type of dance, with room for feedback for each song. Considered to be one of the best ballroom dance venues in San Diego. Attended October 13, 2007, very popular almost to the point of being too crowded, an excellent time.

3rd Saturday - 8:00-11:00pm - Danz Option w/ Lou & Amante Reyes - Ballroom Dance Party. Preceded by dance lesson 7:30-8:00pm.
Admission $7
This event is quite popular, dance floor can get pretty crowded. Many of San Diego's advanced ballroom dancers go to Starlight's ballroom party also held on the 3rd Saturday.

4th Saturday - 8:00-11:00pm - USA Dance - Ballroom Dance Party. Preceded by simultaneous beginning and intermediate lessons 7:00-8:00pm.
Admission $7
September 22, 2007 - Nice crowd here perhaps 100, good dancing, had fun. The DJ had persistent problems with his equipment, the only negative - perhaps migrating to all digital instead of CDs would help.
--- 5th Saturday - no regularly scheduled event

Sunday evening - 1st and 3rd Sundays - 6-10pm - Swingin' Sunday - hosted by Mary Manzella, DJ'd by Keith Salyards. Mostly West Coast Swing.
- 6:00-6:45pm - Beginning West Coast Swing dance lesson
- 6:45-7:30pm - An intermediate workshop - extra charge of $5 "due to additional studio floor charges".
- 7:30-10:00pm - Dance Party - I attended on July 15, 2007 - nice sized crowd (90 or so) and good music.
November 4, 2007 Spy Report: very light attendance, Spy fled and went to Pattie Wells Jitterbug.


Dancing at Synergy on June 10, 2007 - at Rob G's popular Ballroom Dance Party, first time at Synergy after being at Cheek2Cheek.
Hey Rob, I'll see what I can do about color some day, this one was a toughie.

Part 1b
Other Studios and Clubs

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

This section last fully reviewed and updated on September 17, 2007

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

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

Arthur Murray Dance Studios
8303 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92111 (Click on Group Calendar on the home page)
(858) 499-0180

Nationally franchised learning system.
Tuesday evening - Dance party 9pm (just 45 minutes)
Friday evening - Dance party 9pm (just one hour)

February 2007 Spy Report - edited: There are two parties: Tuesday 9-9:45pm; Friday 9-10pm; they have a good mix of music. Tuesday night is more a beginner night so they play just the basic Foxtrot, Swing, Cha Cha, Rumba, Tango and Waltz. As for the age range I've seen as young as 16 and all the way up. There is a good mix of guys and gals, although there are some couples who stay together. Casual dress for the most part. There are three dance skill levels: bronze, silver and gold. In each level there are four sub-levels. Most of the dancers are in the first three levels of Bronze. The dances are for Arthur Murray students only, free of charge. On Friday nights, the parties may have mixers in Fox Trot, Polka or Country Western 2 step. They have different events during the year including themed parties. They have a great group of people there and the teachers are all wonderful. I have found the studio a great place to learn to dance.

2005 Spy Report - edited: The studio's overall pace of instruction, while thorough is quite slow, with many class required, and seems to be organized to extract the maximum about of $ from people who want to learn to dance.

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

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


Salsa class students, April 2007 at the North Park location

Salsa promotion at youtube.com

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

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

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

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

Modern floating dance floor

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

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

Studio. Ballroom - 2100 square feet.

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

Group classes - planned

Dance Parties
- Friday evening - Dance Party - 8pm to "late" - Preceded by lesson from 7:15-8:00pm. A steep $12.00 admission for non-Studio Members.
- Friday evening (last Friday in Month) - Monthly guest party - students may bring family, friends and acquaintances

Dance-O-Rama and Bert Velasco
The Growing Place
13242 Pomerado Rd., Poway, CA 92064 (Calendar link on home page)
(858) 748-5790

Tiled wooden dance floor, echoey acoustics, but fun

Some dance lessons
Sunday evening - Class 6:30-7:30

Dance Party
Friday evening - Dance Party (Dance-O-Rama) 7-11pm, with one hour dance lesson 7:15-8:15pm

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

Studio. Moderately sized ballroom. 1300 square feet.

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

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

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

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

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

"Focused on Kids, Like Family"

Classes
Ballroom class Friday evening 7pm; many other classes

The HEP Spot
Veterans Museum & Memorial Center, Balboa Park
2115 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 (Calendar on home page)

Swing dancing and classes on the second Saturday of each Month. Confirm with Calendar.
- Evening
--- 7-8:00pm workshop (dance varies based on vote, may be Lindy)
--- 8:15-9pm Jitterbug Class
--- 9pm-midnight dance party with live music

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

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

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

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

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

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

MacVittie's Dance Studio
7036 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, CA 92115 (map)
619-465-3411

Perhaps the oldest dance studio in San Diego, since 1959. Very little information on the website, no classes listed, perhaps all private lessons? Feedback welcome.

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

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

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

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

Pure Energy Disco
Starlight Dance Studio (Calendar)
6506 El Cajon Blvd, Suite H, San Diego, CA 92115 (map) Aragon Plaza, northwest corner

Classes
Sunday evening at 6pm - Beginning / Intermediate Hustle

Parties
4th Saturday - Pure Energy Disco Ball - 7pm - Confirm by checking the Calendar

San Diego Dance Beat Productions
858-735-4159

Mission Valley Resort
875 Hotel Circle South, San Diego CA 92108 (map)
(Mission Room on second floor, stairway immediately to left in lobby) - Tiled wooden dance floor. Bar downstairs, OK to bring drinks upstairs.

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

Look like this venue is shut down as of March 2008

Dance Parties
Monday evening - Country Dancing 7-10:30 pm (check web page - not every week), with Luis Sumaya (Line Dancing, Country 2-Step, Waltz, Swing, Cha-Cha / Latin) - Cancelled 'til further notice.

Wednesday evening - Rocking Blues & Swing - 7:30-11pm, with 1/2 hour class at 7:30pm Brick Robbins. - Cancelled 'til further notice.


San Diego Swing Dance Club
New Location as of March 2, 2008
El Cajon Elk's Lodge
1400 Washington Ave., El Cajon CA 92019 (map) (Calendar)
(858) 274-6422

Dance Club.

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

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

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

2 To Groove Dance - this entry updated April 18, 2008
Pacific Beach Woman's Club - 1721 Hornblend St., San Diego (Pacific Beach), CA 92109 (map)
Dance North County 535 Encinitas Blvd. Suite 100, Encinitas, CA 92024 (map)
(for Calendar click on "Classes" on the main page)
619-291-3775

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

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



Part 2 - The Real World - Dancing at Nightclubs / Eateries / Bars


San Diego, December 2005

Included here are night spots in San Diego I know have dancing and places that say they have dancing. There are many places downtown not included in this section, but I do include all of the places I've visited. Check for my comments in italics, these are places I have visited or for which I have received "spy" reports. If you have been to a location here - you too can become a spy - drop me an email - be sure to mention the day of week, time, type of music, observations on the number of people dancing and caliber of the dancers. Also if you have found a good place to dance not listed on this webpage, let me know!

Disclaimer: Some of these places have dancing on days of the week not listed here. Some places go out of business, move somewhere else, or radically change their venues and I may not find out for a long time. Be sure to email me if you have an update! Also, some of these locations have rather small dance floors - Don't expect to do sweeping Waltzes at these venues, that's for the studios!

Fast Index: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z (If a place name begins with "The", use the first letter of the second word in the name.)

This section last fully reviewed and updated in September 2007



Bayview Restaurant at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) - use Gate 4.
My spies in the field (thank you Nick) inform me that there is live music here, with mostly seniors (and up, lol). Formerly an officer's club. Swing, Foxtrot, etc. This place was invaded by the San Diego Swing Cats on March 24, 2006 and I heard much fun was had by all - live swing music by "The Recruits".

Belly Up
143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, CA 92075 (map)
(858) 481-8140 (box office)
I've been here a few times but before I started dancing. Popular venue with cover charge. Always room for some dancing; music varies considerably

Belo
919 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
Restaurant, Bar. DJ'd - "house, hip hop, R&B, mash-ups and 80s'" - sounds like there may be some much needed Hustle music here. To be investigated.
Dance in the "electric green room" or relax in the "moody more intense red room".

The Blind Mellons
710 Garnet Ave., San Diego CA 92109 (Pacific Beach) (map) (Calendar)
(858) 483-7844
Frequent live entertainment, check calendar.


Cafe Sevilla
555 Fourth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
Open 5:00pm - 2:00am, 7 days a week
My spies say popular for late night Latin dancing
Salsa dancing past midnight Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday with live music, come early for a free dance lesson

Chuey's Restaurant and Cantina
1901 Main St., San Diego, CA 92113 (map)
(619) 234-6937
Thursday evenings is "Blues Jam Night". 7-11pm.
Good for WC Swing and if the music is slow, a nice Night Club 2 Step. Hope to get back here when my schedule permits.
Friday evenings - Rock & Roll - If you have been here on Fridays please contact me.

Ciao Bella Caffe Bar e Ristorante
5263 Baltimore Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942 (map) (Calendar)
619-337-0238
Monday evening -
6:00pm - intro Argentine Tango
6:45 pm - Beginners Argentine Tango class
7:30pm - Intermediate. November 2007 Spy Report - edited: The class had more women.
Tuesday evening - 8:30pm until 11:30 - West Coast Swing, DJ - Brick (this night has its own website, see here) Tuesday March 6, 2007 Spy Report - edited: Dance floor is a good size for a small restaurant - room for 12-16 WCS dancers. Dancers started to come in at 8:45-9:00 and most were from Starlight's intermediate WCS class. Age 20s-50s total of 10 girls and 8 guys. No cover charge. The DJ's music was good, mostly West Coast Swing, some Night Club 2 Step, a Cha-Cha and Salsa. All the women I asked to dance were friendly and more advance than me, also younger (I am in my mid 50's and have 2 years of WCS). I left at 11:00pm. This is a good place for a dinner and dance date. Not a good place for a single beginner, unless you know some of the people. The owners said on Thursday there are more advance dancers (including some dance teachers). You too can be a spy, just email me with your experience!

I visited for the first time on Tuesday July 3, 2007 - The March Spy Report was pretty accurate - Brick's music is excellent. Some advanced to very advanced dancers here, quite a few whom I recognized from elsewhere. I was going to sit this one out but several women dashed that plan.
Wednesday evening - 8-10:30 pm - Argentine Tango - Milongita - Jan Wilcox DJ
Thursday evening - 8:30pm until 11:30 - West Coast Swing. Visited on Thursday July 12, 2007 - Very advanced West Coast Swing dancing here, drawing good dancers even from Los Angeles!
Friday evening
- 1st and 3rd Fridays - 9:30pm-12:30am - "Corner Boogie" - East Coast Swing, Lindy, Balboa. Visited on Friday September 7, 2007 - Pretty much Lindy the whole time; just watched as Lindy is still on my "to learn" list. Dancers mostly in their 20's and 30's, some older.
- 2nd Fridays - Blues and Soul dancing - 9pm -1am
- 4th Fridays - 9:30pm-midnight or whenever - Hustle - Ron DJ; preceded by Beginning or Intermediate lesson by David Nguyen 9:00-9:30pm - Visited August 24, 2007 - Had a nice time, more women than men, considerable range of dancers.

Clays La Jolla (formerly Elario's Bistro & Sky Lounge)
7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, San Diego (La Jolla), CA 92037 (map) (Calendar - Click on "Jazz")
Hotel La Jolla, 11th floor
858-551-3620
Wednesday 6-10pm, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, some nights to midnight - Live Jazz or Latin Jazz. Note: occasionally this venue will be reserved for private parties, check the website or call to make sure the place is open to the public!
There is a small dance floor - I have yet to check it out

Club Caribe (website takes a while to load)
5080 Bonita Rd., Bonita, CA 91902 (map)
619-472-2400
8pm 1:30am (2 dance floors) dress to impress, 18 on up
Thursday evening - Reggaeton / Hip hop.
Friday evening - Lady's night
Saturday evening - Rebentón Tropical - Merengue, Salsa, Bachata, Reggae

Club 66
901 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

Dancing Unlimited
4569 30th St., San Diego, CA 92116 (map)
Thursday evening - Tango Addicts' Milonga 9-12pm

Decos
731 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
Dress to impress and bring $
One cover charge for three dance rooms: Latin, Hip Hop and Progressive
Thursday-Saturday

The Element Dance Center
5917 Severin Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942 (map)
Thursday evening - Tango class and practica 8-10pm

El Mundo del Tango
6904 Miramar Rd. Suite 110, San Diego, CA 92121 (map) (Calendar)
Argentine Tango Milonga
First visited Friday November 2, 2007 with dance friend. A nice, popular venue. The classes being conducted at the time were quite advanced; I should have investigated the schedule ahead of time. At the Practica, my friend had the advantage of many friendly advance leads being available. Despite some scuttlebutt floating around, I personally found the place to have good vibes and plan to return someday when I feel more confident about my Argentine Tango.
As of April 2008, I started taking some classes here - to my knowledge the only Argentine Tango classes being offered with a well defined syllabus.

Etta's Place
6179 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Blues - Sundays, 4-8PM

Excelsior
1025 Prospect St. #210, San Diego (La Jolla), CA 92037
Dress fashionably
Various music - Jazz, Salsa, Hip-Hop, Electronica

Firehouse
La Jolla YMCA Firehouse
7877 Herschel Ave., San Diego (La Jolla), CA 92037 (map)
(858) 459-1640
Lindy Hop dancing Thursday evenings (produced by CafeSavoy).
Live music 1st and 3rd Friday evening, not sure on kind of music or sponsor link.

Le Fontainebleu Restaurant at The Westgate Hotel
1055 Second Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
(619) 557-3655
Very high end restaurant with Ballroom and Latin on Saturday nights, 6-10pm.
First visited Saturday April 29, 2006 with dance friend. Superb French menu, service. Excellent piano player with singer. Four half hour sets with long breaks in between. About half the music is danceable. More empty tables than occupied. The small dance area comfortably accommodated the few couples who danced. Foxtrot, Rumba and laid back Jitterbug the mainstays, with one or two Cha-Chas and Night Club 2 Steps. The dining room is richly decorated in the French style, very high class. Bring lots of $. There is underground parking at the Hotel, but you will be charged for it.

Henry's Pub
618 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 (Gaslamp district) (Calendar)
(619) 238-2389
Rockabilly & Swing on Tuesday evening; music every night but doesn't start until 9:30pm
Scoped out July 18, 2005, good size line to get in on Monday; most other places in the Gaslamp district are pretty slow on Mondays.

Hot Monkey Love
6875 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
Lounge and dance area on second floor
Sunday - Salsa - class at 8pm (Ross & Camille), dance 9pm
Monday - Argentine Tango - class at 8pm, dance 9pm
Tuesday - Hip Hop - 6pm
The Argentine Tango venue has a loyal following - bring potluck and wine for the lounge area - dance to DJ'd or live music.

House of Blues
1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 (Gaslamp district)
Bar, Restaurant, Music Hall
December 4, 2006 - Saw the "Fab Four" a super excellent Beatles tribute band. The concert area is standing only, cement floor, seating costs more and is not as close as the stand area. Didn't see any dancing during this concert.

Humphrey's by the Bay (click on "Backstage Music Club" to get more info) (Calendar)
2241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92106 (map)
Live music every evening, expect a cover charge each evening, except Mondays usually no cover.
Note: This is a large sprawling complex of buildings so you may have to ask for directions to the Backstage Music Club (formerly Backstage Lounge)
First visited May 30, 2005, place was packed and the smallish dance area limited movement.
• September 2007 - I visited on a Saturday for a birthday party - nice crowd, great band, dance floor too crowded for partner dancing.

In Cahoots
5373 Mission Center Rd., San Diego, CA 92108 (map) (Calendar)
(619) 291-1184
Mostly Country dancing
Spy Reports: Popular location for country dancing.
• June 2007 Spy Report: Free dance classes 6:30-8pm Tuesday through Saturday. Partner and line dancing. Waltz, Jitterbug Swing, 2 Step, and Cowboy Cha Cha are the most repeated couples dances.
• July 2007 Spy Report: The action seems to have shifted to Friday and Saturday nights. The last times I've attended on Thursdays activity has been a bit slow, this could simply be summer slow down though. Still, an uncrowded floor was nice for a change. There also seems to be an increase in the number of West Coast Swing Dancers. They generally stake out the corners during the right music. Night Club Two Step now appears on the teaching calendar, usually on the last lesson day of the month.

Jimmy Loves
672 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 (Gaslamp district), CA 92037 (map) (Calendar)
Live music / dancing every night. Tuesday "Jazz & Rhythm and Blues", Wednesday "Dinner Jazz"; Fridays and Saturdays Disco / Top 40

Kava Lounge
812 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Soul Swing every 1st and 3rd Wednesday (produced by CafeSavoy).
Street Swing on Sunday evenings
Other music other nights.

Lucky Star
3893 54th St. (southeast corner of 54th & University), San Diego, CA 92105 (map)
(619) 229-8228
Ballroom themed Chinese restaurant with a large dance floor for a restaurant, complete with lots of disco lights.
Thursday - 7-9:30pm - Moonlight Serenade Orchestra (big band) plays American standards, Swing, Waltz, Foxtrot, etc. The "all volunteer" big band may be out of tune at times, but fun is had by all! Cover charge $6.00 and one drink.
First visited July 14, 2005, mostly seniors dancing but some young people too; had a lot of fun. I was a regular here on Thursdays for about six weeks but then started going to Pattie Wells for the West Coast Swing / Night Club 2 Step party; later I switched to a Night Club 2 Step course Starlight! Expect to do a "step-step" to slow stuff. Floor can get crowded. On September 7, 2006 I visited for the first time in around a year - still quite popular and the band really played well - mostly EC Swing, but a few Rumbas and other tunes mixed in. On February 22, 2007 I visited for the whole program, the band again played very well. Too crowded for a good "ballroom line of dance", but still an excellent venue for those who want to dance to a big band!
Friday - 9pm-1am - "Salsa Friday" - Starting February 16, 2007. Free Salsa Lesson, Live Band and DJ. $12 cover.

Moonlight Serenade Orchestra at Lucky Star - Photo courtesy Xu Li-Jones

Margarita Rocks Beach Club
959 Hornblend St., San Diego (Pacific Beach), CA 92109-4045 (map)
Multi-level dance floor, dancing to 2am (Wed-Sat?).
Their web page markets to the hot beach babe set

La Jolla Marriott
4240 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego (La Jolla), CA 92037 (map)
(858) 587-1414
Salsa Friday and Saturday nights
Cover charge $10.00 as of September 2006; includes Salsa & Cha-Cha or Merengue dance lessons from 8:30-9:30pm, dancing until 2am. Make sure to get your parking ticket validated for free parking as the rate is steep.
I finally visited for the first time on Friday, September 8, 2006. This place is a massively popular Salsa venue, with non stop music. Many of the music tracks are quite long, so be prepared. The sound system is excellent and loud. Mostly Salsa, with a Merengue or Bachata mixed in now and then for a change of pace. I did hear one Cha-Cha and one Samba. I arrived just as the dance lesson ended and stayed for a couple hours. The level of dance expertise increased during the course of the evening. The place is good sized and there are many nooks and crannies off the main dance area where all levels of dancers can thrive. Dance space was pretty tight in the main area and the whole place became crowed, so keep your arms in! I counted at least 300 people, certainly the most of any regular dance venue I've seen in San Diego! Some very advanced, just plane cool dancers here. Many 20 and 30 somethings here - I was certainly one of the older ones present, but no problem. A large liquor bar is to one side with stools, and some seating elsewhere, but get in early or plan to spent most of your time on the dance floor if not standing. The women really like to dress up here, men a little more casual, but some bling-bling and hair gel evident, particularly with the later arrivals. Several pool tables around the far edges.

Martini Ranch
528 F St., San Diego 92101 (map)
(619) 596-8350
New venue as of February 5, 2008:
Martini Ranch's Shaker Room Dance Lounge - Jumptown Swing Event
"Every Wednesday night, come enjoy a complimentary Jitterbug / Lindy Swing lesson with Meeshi at 8pm followed by live Jitterbug / Lindy swing music from 9pm to midnight. We've got some of SoCal's best swing bands playing for us."

Mulvaney's Wagon Wheel
8861 N. Magnolia Ave., Santee, CA 92071
(619) 448-855
Country venue; restaurant, bar; country dancing five nights a week Wed-Sun. Live music Friday and Saturday. Big dance floor.
Bring your ten gallon hats and boots!

On November 9, 2006 I received this report: They finally got smart and have hired an Entertainment Manager who is a dancer and experienced DJ! Fridays are now focused on couples country dancing (Two-step, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Cha-Cha, and Waltz). Saturdays are already switched to danceable country music from 6 to 9 pm. For now there is a drinking, pool playing crowd on late Saturday nights (about 9 pm and on) but starting December 2006, Saturdays will also be for country dancers - couples & line mix - with DJ JP. For the most recent updates, check the myspace page for the club - the regular website will be updated but the myspace page is updated quicker.

OC Tavern Concert Hall
"way up north"
2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672 (map)
(951) 695-1761
New "way up north" venue entry as of February 13, 2008:
Tuesday - night country music & dancing - sometimes live, sometimes DJ'd, check website. Large capacity. "The age range so far is 20 somethings to 50 somethings, and a bunch of friendlier people you won't find".
Sunday - 3:30-7:30pm - West coast jump / swing band, no cover.

Pal Joey's
5147 Waring Rd., San Diego, CA 92120-2705 (map)
First visited Saturday, October 26th, 2007 arriving quit late, around 11pm with a friend. Nice friendly borderline dive bar - lots of space, with two pool tables, classic bar, padded booths, with a good sized entertainment area in the back with enough dance floor space for four to six couples. The Blue Invaders were playing, a good dance band, we stayed until closing at 2am. The clientele, like most neighborhood bars, appeared to be mostly close nit regulars - wide age range. There were some dancers on the floor at times, mostly free styling, didn't stop up from doing a few WCS, Jitterbugs and even a nice Night Club 2 Step which brought compliments from one of the long time patrons who was familiar with the dance. I recommend coming with friends or a dance partner if you want to do a lot of partner dancing

Patrick's II
428 F Street. San Diego, CA 92101 (Gaslamp district)
(619) 233-3077
Live music & dancing 7 nights a week. Blues, Rock and Soul (cover charge Friday, Saturday evenings)
Bands start around 9pm.
More Bar than Night Club. Visited Friday January 6, 2006: the place was packed, the 145 St. Deluxe Blues Band was playing. The dance area is seriously microscopic to the point of being impractical - but free form dancers like it.

Second Wind Santee
8528 N Magnolia Ave., Santee, CA 92071 (map)
(619) 596-8350
Bar: Live music Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat
First visited May 11, 2005, mostly deserted dance floor (was a Wednesday), nice band though.

Squid Joe's
850 Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008 (map)
Live music and DJ'd music some nights with dancing, don't know details, was recommended to me, Thursdays mentioned.

Temecula Stampede
"way up north"
28721 Front St., Temecula, CA 92590 (map)
(951) 695-1761
Country Honky Tonk - Dancing Friday and Saturday evenings. "Club Envy" Wednesday evenings.
Large floor with outer track for two stepping.
Ride the mechanical bull! Yee-hah!

Tio Leo's
5302 Napa St., San Diego, CA 92110 (map) (Calendar)
(619) 542-1462
This used to be the spot for Jitterbug on Thursdays and Argentine Tango on Mondays, but those days are gone! There continues to be live music most nights with Zydeco on Thursday and frequently a Swing band on Fridays. The calendar's link keeps changing, so if my link doesn't work, go to the home page and root around.

The Tower Bar
4757 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105 (Calendar)
(619) 284-0158
Live music sometimes during the week, check Calendar
October 4, 2007 Spy Report: "I was at The Tower about a year ago and it is a small place not really open enough for dancing."

Trellises [Town & Country Resort & Convention Center]
500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108 (map)
(619) 908-5017
Ballroom / Swing and a little Latin - Friday evenings - smallish dance area (that piano can get in the way!). Live band (usually The Pier Group), no cover, but get parking validated with a drink or something.
A slower pace with a wide range of ballroom dances, excellent place to unwind. Mostly boomers and seniors, occasionally some younger people. Dress nicely. Dance area can get crowded forcing step-steps for the slower tunes, but thins out nicely for the final set. Nice opportunity here, especially when the 'zonies have left with the end of Summer! November 4, 2005 note: unusually crowded restricting dance movement to the point of being uncomfortable! In 2006 I've been here a lot less often due to scheduling conflicts, but now and then I still show up! Visited again for the first time in quite a while on October 5, 2007, the "Pier Group" still playing the same great classic songs, had a lot of fun here, and as usual, a lot more space to dance during the final set, welcome back Chris!

The Turquoise
873 Turquoise St., San Diego (North Pacific Beach), CA 92109 (map)
(858) 488-4200
Latin music bar / "San Diego's only 21 and over European Coffee House"

Tropicoso
1261 Garnet Ave., San Diego (Pacific Beach) - Fanuel cross street
Jazz Friday night
Salsa Saturday evening, free lesson 8:30-9:30. Latin dancing.


Part 3 - Dance Instructors
If you are an independent Dance Instructor based in San Diego County and your focus is on one or more of Ballroom, Nightclub and Latin and you wish to be included here, contact me.

Instructor Website Notes
Mel Carrillo Mel Carrillo Dance / Lessons
North County
Ballroom, Swing, Latin
"Patience, Quality, Experience: 35+ years of full time teaching experience"
John "JD" Daugherty JD's Country Dance Co. Social dancing - WC Swing, Two-Step, Cha-Cha
Florentino Guizar & Isabelle Kay Tango Concepts
Instruction private residence; group classes at Dance Place NTC (Point Loma), Chula Vista, La Mesa, and Encinitas
Argentine Tango - Salon, Nuevo / Neo, Club, Show, Weddings
"Basic to advanced instruction. No Partner Required. Glowing references!"
Rebecca Grohowski Dancing Together
Pacific Beach
Ballroom, Latin, Club, Weddings
"Private dance instruction in a friendly, relaxed environment."
Carrie Kloss Carrie Kloss Social, American Smooth & Rhythm, Medal Programs, Competition and Showcase.
"Helping you to become the champion of your life."
David Kessel David Kessel
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District
Ballroom, Lain, Swing.
"Dancing is a social asset that will last you a lifetime.."
Porfirio Landeros & Laetitia Santore Ballroom Dance San Diego Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Swing
"We're active professional competitors in Smooth Ballroom. We're also available for private lessons, wedding couples and shows."
Nicole Lewis Nicole's Dance Blog Waltz, Rumba, Foxtrot, Cha-cha, Tango, Swing, Salsa and...
I provide one-on-one instruction to leaders, followers and couples; also group classes.
John Linares El Mundo del Tango "Argentine Tango: Salon, Nuevo and Improvisation"
Elena & Dr. Vic Pankey Tango CAMINITO School / Lessons Argentine Tango
"We are teaching an elegant, social Authentic Tango Argentine"
Ginger Sarmento Strictly for Fun / Lessons Ballroom, W.C. Swing, Latin, Hustle, Country
"Social Dancing Made Easy, emphasis on proper Lead and Follow"
Rosemary Ward The Ballroom Dance Experience Ballroom
"Specialty: International Standard / International Latin; Shows and Dances for the Senior Community", DJ, Weddings and more.




Part 4 - Supplements

Supplement 1 - Other venues
This section lists other organizations such as churches, outreach groups, and specialty dance clubs that host or are associated with regularly scheduled dance parties and other dance related events. Entries in this section mostly added per request.

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

Christian Singles Dances (no website)
Calendar: 4th Saturdays (May-September), 3rd Saturdays (October-December); 6:30-11:30pm. Swing, Blues, Country, Latin, Club & Freestyle; $15.00 cover charge
Harding Community Center Recreation Hall, 3096 Harding Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (map)
Free Parking: 1. Harding Street and nearby streets. 2. Municipal lot on Harding across from Community Center. 3. Carlsbad Community Church parking lot on the left just past Oak. 4. 1 block past the Community Center. 5. Carlsbad Senior Center near the SW corner of Harding on Pine. Email: info@classicchristianevents.com Phone: 800-795-8955.

La Jolla Presbyterian Church - Dennis Keith
Calendar: Click on "Free Dance Lessons" - Lessons on Monday evenings 7-9:30pm
619-583-2717
West Coast Swing is the focus from 7-9pm; Night Club 2 Step or Hustle from 9-9:30pm
La Jolla Presbyterian Church
7715 Draper Ave., San Diego (La Jolla), CA 92037.
A venue for learning and practicing some WCS steps. The first hour is for beginners, the next hour a little more advanced. Carpet, so leave your felt bottomed dance shoes behind.
Occasionally there may be a monthly dance party at the church, check the home page.

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

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


Supplement 2 - Academic Institutions
Colleges, Universities, Continuing Ed. If someone mentions a venue in this category to me, I'll make a note here. A requirement is that there is outreach to the surrounding community. Checking the calendar is important as class schedules are tied to the school year.

San Diego Community College District - Continuing Ed
3249 Fordham St. San Diego, CA 92110 (just off Midway near the Sharp Memorial Hospital)
Class locations vary; the above address as of February 2006
Beginner and Intermediate Ballroom Dancing
Classes - Look for Physical Education and click on that and then look for Ballroom Dancing

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


Supplement 3 - Other Lists and Resources
Links to free lists maintained by other list keepers. Links to lists that start charging $ will be deleted.

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

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

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

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

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

Tango San Diego - Nice list of Argentine Tango locations.

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

- - - - -

Ballroom Dancers - Has a learning center with video

The Dance Store Online - Has a learning center with video

- - - - -

S.D. DanceVibes - "Best San Diego Ballroom Parties" eNewsletter - Comprehensive ballroom party list updated each month by Glenn Walker with all events conveniently sequenced by date. Included is a description of the best ballrooms and the best studio parties, a "must read" in my opinion! Not a website, but an email newsletter. The newsletter also publishes a periodic list of the top 10 rated weekly and monthly dance parties in the San Diego area.

Inquire at SDDanceVibes*san.rr.com (copy / paste the address in your email program's "To:" address field, and change the * to @ - I'm listing it this way help keep automated spam list builders from mining the address).


Supplement 4 - Competition (San Diego, Los Angles, Las Vegas)
List of major annual events listed in monthly sequence - check websites for further information. Contact me with venues I don't have here.

Month Venue Name Address City,
State, Zip
Notes
January
and / or
May
SwingDiego Town & Country Resort & Convention Center
500 Hotel Circle North
San Diego,
CA 92108
"San Diego's Premier West Coast Swing Dance Convention"
May Emerald Ball Dancesport Championships Los Angeles Airport Hilton Hotel Los Angeles,
CA
Pro-Am & Professional
June San Diego Dancesport Championships Hortin Plaza Westin San Diego,
CA
Pro-Am & Professional
I was here for one evening in 2006, the first time I attended this type of venue. Really cool - if you are aspiring to high end ballroom dancing check one out some day.
July National Jitterbug Championships Los Angeles Airport Marriott Los Angeles,
CA

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


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

john@custompuzzlecraft.com
Puzzle Crafter
Webmaster
Artist & Dancer
Stock Market Analyst
Geometric Pattern Inventor
Permanent Student of Life
Knower of Many Things