So much fun!!! Ladies, there are plenty of great dancers for you to dance with. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned dancer, you will get swept off your feet. If you come partnered already, be prepared to share. They have the ladies switch men every few minutes so that every guys gets a chance to have a partner. Great teachers, and on thursdays there is a great dance party afterwards to show off what you have learned. I'm a beginner but it's pretty easy to pick up the intermediate class. Guys, don't be shy, this is a great way to meet new ladies!!! read more

I have been to Allegro Ballroom for Salsa a few times. I like the place since I'm there to dance and practice my moves. The dance floor is big and there aren't people stepping all over your toes (i.e Montero's. . .don't go there for dance. . .EVER). I've been there on Thursday nights for the lesson but the rotating with other partners (yes, I know your supposed to learn better that way), but sorry it's just a bit gross on the girl's end when some guy with moist hands is trying to dance with you. So I like to go afterwards and dance when the music is playing. Sunday there is a pretty substantial crowd. The average person there is pretty good and there are some really good dancers also. I'm not sure how the ballroom is for any other dance. I'd give it one more star if the ceiling was nicer decorated. read more

I like this place for salsa right after Cafe Cocomo. It has less of the "it" vibe, probably cuz it's a bit more antiseptic without alcohol and it's in Emeryville & not SF. Still, it's a great place for salsa practice. For beginners like me, the dance class and instructors are thorough and helpful. The main dance floor is super spacious (plus 2 private dance rooms in back to get away from the crowd), folks are friendly, and it's got a nice, relaxed vibe on a Sunday nite. Girls were never wanting for partners - in fact, if we wanted any rest at all, we had to run away & hide. Great place if you want to just salsa, salsa, salsa! read more

Allegro's Salsa Sunday nites are the best! Ladies: If you are an intermediate, I suggest you skip the lessons and come right in for the salsa party. Guys: If you're a novice I'd recommend taking the beginner/intermediate lesson to get some moves under your belt. Sunday nights are crowded and lively so be ready to have high energy and dance the night away! read more

Allegro Ballroom is my favorite place to dance in the Bay Area. Sunday night Salsa is alive and well. 6pm-8pm are Salsa/Bachata lessons and then open dancing goes on until about 10pm or 10:30pm. Plenty of space to dance and DJ Carlos is great! No alcohol, so people are really there to dance. As of November 2021 they check vaccine cards at the door and require masks. Because of Covid there are fewer and fewer places to social dance. As I write this, it's Saturday night and I could not find any place to dance, not just salsa but anything! So that inspired me to write this review. Allegro Ballroom is an oasis in a sometimes deserted Bay Area dance scene. Come on y'all, let's dance! read more

I'm a fan, too. I'll be honest, I'm a lindy hopper at heart, but it's hard to find lindy near public transportation in the East Bay, so I settle for WCS and the company satisfies my palette. All of the regulars are friendly and the big hotshot dancers don't mind dancing with the intermediates so there's no good/bad dichotomy going on. I usually arrive near the end of the ballroom time, because 1) I can't really get there sooner and 2) I like the small room when it's moderately crowded, as opposed to the ballroom when it's insanely crowded. If you're inexperienced, there are lessons before the social dancing starts, often taught by highly experienced amateurs or professionals. It's like a big family. Or a cult, but I prefer the family idea. read more

Although I'm new to this place, seems like they have a lot going for everyone at all levels of dancing. The staff as well as the dance instructors are very thorough and making sure that all individuals are okay with what they need. You get to meet a lot of people from different walks of life and they're here to relax and enjoy. I think that I will make this my exercise place. Not only that you'll burn carbs and calories but you get to enjoy meeting people. read more

I went to Sunday night salsa and I got 3 dates out of it! It was definitely happening with a BUNCH of good dancers. Also, there were some okay dancers so I didn't feel too out of place. The best part is that they will take a pause for Rumba and Cha Cha and you can see the professionals get out there who know what they are doing. I totally want to go back as I'm currently in a dancing with the stars obsession. read more

Lots of space for dancers committed to their practice. read more

Allegro - *FREE* youth ballroom classes (10-18 years). - Dance Clubs Near Me - Richmond, California

$8 or $12 with class Sunday Salsa dance classes in Emeryville, Beginning class 6 pm, Intermediate 7 PM with Gary and Isabelle. The classes are huge There are 2 rooms and 2 large dance floors. Dancing starts at 8 pm This salsa sunday has been going on for at least 15 years and his always crowded in the beginning. If you want space prepare to stay up late. Plenty of parking. AC transit and Emery-go-round buses you from MacArthur BART but last bus is at 9 or 10. read more

It was like being in a high school gym, except instead of punch, you get bad wine. And instead of being an awkward teenager you are surrounded by even more awkward adults. There were even giant bowls of chips. And it was freezing the whole time. Staff was nice though. read more

Wow I was looking up salsa dancing on yelp and Allegro poped up. I call them but no one picked up the phone so I just decided to stop by. I said what the heck I want to dance some salsa so I'll go check and see if they're open. I got there and seen some dancing Thur the window so was in the rush to get in. As I'm inside non member I was charge $10 yay and started dancing some salsa hahahha there was bachata and tengo to and today was a Sunday night ! Grate I had fun . read more

Allegro - I'm a beginner lol I needed that . - Dance Clubs Near Me - Richmond, California

Not a big fan of Allegro Ballroom. Went on a Sunday nite with a Friend and we both did not find it that great. Not very many good dancers on the nite we were there. Too hot, not the greatest atmosphere.....feels more like a high-school basketball court converted to a dance floor. Again, too hot, not enough fans and I would not go again....especially because I live in the city...its not worth it. read more

Great spot to practice your skills. They hold various classes throughout the week and open dance Sunday nights. Everyone is always friendly, there are just there to dance. Safe and clean with no alcohol served. Crowd is of various ages, everyone is welcome. read more

I came here for a Friday night salsa dance class. The ballroom has a large main floor and multiple smaller rooms. I had a good time. I have been salsa dancing for years and enjoyed this class. The teacher, who has his wife in the class, operates a rotation of dance partners via the large circle we dance in. The teacher demonstrates in the middle of the circle. I liked that I danced with a variety of abilities in dance partners. I will come back for some more classes. read more

lovelovelove Allegro Ballroom! Welcoming atmosphere, challenging group classes, and beautiful decor to dance the night away (ok, dance, like, 2hrs away, b/c it's tiring!) I've taken Arentine Tango on Sun afternoons (with Julian), and on Tues nights (with Nora) , and have always walked away having learned something new. The instructors are so knowledgeable and attentive, and their technique is breathtaking! The teaching styles are very different-Julian has a great sense of humor, and focuses a lot on the rhythmic aspect of the dance, and Nora is a bit more serious and intimidating, and is very embrace-technique-focused, although both teachers really go over everything. I've also taken a couple of Friday night ballroom dance classes with Scott, where he basically teaches half hr group lessons of various techniques (they change each week), and then the opportunity to practice them at a dance party afterwards. This is ideal if you'd like to try out different dances, and decidedwhat you'd like to pursue and what just may not be for you. For example, I had no idea the hustle was so fun, or that the cha cha was soooo difficult! Friday nights are also a great way to learn the basics of every ballroom dance, so you never have to sit out, you can strut your stuff with any dance and to any song! Highly highly recommended. A safe, comfortable, welcoming dance studio, so glad I found this place! read more

This is for the Thursday night salsa class. I've gone several times in the last few months. Solid, thorough instruction in basic through advanced moves. Do not expect ANY help after class, though. They expect you to pay for additional classes before even answering the question, "How am I doing?" I usually have more fun learning at any other salsa club (Monteros in Albany comes to mind). Plus, you get to watch great live bands and drink (if you want), for basically the same price. Allegro is strictly for learning how to dance. read more

I am NOT a good dancer. I have two left feet. The person who is stepping on other people's toes--that's me. But part of my resolution to change has been to get out of my comfort zone. And, going down my list, dancing has been an item that's been continuously avoided. But I finally swallowed my pride, put on my cutest outfit, and slunk into a Sunday night drop-in Salsa dance class with Garry and Isabelle. Can we say intimidation factor?! There had to have been 50 people there, all of whom were light years ahead of me. This whole counting and moving to those counts--they lost me completely. I couldn't hear a beat to save my life. But . . . Isabelle is amazing. I could have watched her all night. She took pity on me and helped me out, and, voila, I was dancing like crazy! Ha, yeah right! I can't say that I'm becoming a great dancer, much less a good one. But I AM gaining confidence, and I AM getting better. I'm gritting my teeth and hoping I'm not as red as I feel, but I'm determined to stick with it. With Isabelle and Garry teaching, I actually think there might be hope for me. At least I can almost hear the beat now! read more

The Salsa rocks...then Tango is just OK. Salsa is my true love, and boy is the Sunday class perfect for the beginner, or intermediate. I love the laid back atmosphere. It's a great price, clean, and the people are friendly. Most everyone accepts the fact that I think I'm a great Salsera...but really just a very good beginner. The tango class was much smaller and it was all couples. I recognize this is a less common dance, and it certainly wasn't bad...just not as big as I would have liked. read more

If you are a salsa dancer, this is a great place. It's pure dance, no alcohol, no posers, just full on salsa on Sunday evenings. Everyone who is here is here to DANCE. The dj is the BEST. Go. You won't regret it. read more

This place is really nice for tango dancing. It is clean, has a lovely atmosphere, large dance floor, lots of people willing to dance and complimentary wine. I went here a few times with a friend and even though we didn't know anyone, there were plenty of friendly leaders to ask us to dance. It was a bit hard to find, you have to walk behind a building through the parking lot to get to it. Once you navigate through the parking lot it is worth it for a night of tango! read more

Went to Allegro for 1st time last night for salsa lessons with Gary and....LOVED IT! A serious, chronic illness had curtailed all my dancing for decades but I am so happy to be able to dance again, occasionally, and....at Allegro! Really enjoyed Gary's teaching style and class AND fellow dancers. Nice crowd, mixed dance levels, great price. The floors are a dancers dream. I am so happy mty friend introduced me to Allegro. I hope to return when I can. Thanks so much Gary for great teaching and for your creative step sheets. read more

Very Cool!! $8 cover for non-members Water/Coffee/Tea available inside in the back near the rest rooms No alcohol served here, and trust me you don't need it here! Free Parking! HUGE dancefloor. We left Jelly's and came here afterwards! Salsa and Merengue! It was a very mixed skills crowd. from Super professional to those dancing for fun and not giving a damn! A great place to just people watch too. The saturday morning salsa lessons were OK. no partnering up. just basic timing and steps, no patterns. I suggest going to lessons where you have to partner up! read more

i love to dance! A good place to visit once in awhile. Not weekly, unless you bring a group of your friends with you to dance with. As a newbie, not many people asked me to dance :( read more

They need better intermediate classes. It's so hard to follow with the class being too popular. Bad enough that I am trying to follow the instructors that I have to duck from my fellow classmates. The set up of the room is intimidating too. Could use more resting/hang out areas. read more

wowww It was all girls out on a Thursday night, and we went to the beginner swing dance class. The tutor is funny, and experienced to teach the intermediate group, even when us the newbies crashing in the middle of the class. We are unskillful, and not to mention, have no idea how to put our hands on the stranger partners. Yet we all had a good time while we were spinning around the crowd in a packed dancing room. $12/session for nonmembers - It's a OK-price but definite would become a member to get a cheaper rate if I come back again! The fourth star gives to the location - we went to Bay Street afterwards. If you feel so routine for having a dinner only with your friends, getting into the classes would definitely are icing on the cake to your night! read more

This studio has plenty of floor space in several ballrooms plus some top notch classes. As others have reviewed the salsa and tango, I will recommend in particular Jeff Chandler's beginning ballroom classes (that term includes Latin and swing) on Tuesday evenings and his intermediate level classes on Friday evenings. Everyone who takes them has a great time, because he makes the classes fun, and everyone who actually pays attention to what he says becomes a very good dancer, and will learn skills that will translate to almost any other form of dance. There tend to be a few more women than men in the classes, so men who learn to lead well are highly sought after. (However whether you choose to lead or follow is up to you.) By the way, regarding break-ins: for years, there was a very diligent security guard, possibly hired by the bank in the same lot, who spent the entire evening patrolling the lot both in his car and on foot. I have not seen him lately. However, the only damage to my car has been from careless parkers. read more

As an update: patrons of Allegro continue to be robbed via frequent automobile smash-and-grabs. As a response to Endee: placing things in your trunk doesn't work--the woman who was robbed after me placed her things in her trunk, so the robbers broke the driver's side window and opened her trunk using the manual release; placing things out of sight doesn't work--nothing was in view when my car was robbed. I live in the City, so you don't have to lecture me--your comments and victim-blaming are condescending to say the least. Allegro management, and you, apparently, continue complacent complicity . . . same advice: do not go to this venue unless you carry all your belongings with you, and even then, you may be vandalized. read more

It my first time dancing and everyone here are so friendly! I have a hardest time dancing because I have never dance before. However, I was very surprised how helpful everyone was. Very friendly and welcoming here. Love it! read more

Allegro - Dance Clubs Near Me - Richmond, California

BEGINNERS OF ALL DANCES (not just salsa) Now if you feel intimidated reading these reviews try looking for the classes that are in the JUNIOR BALLROOM. On the Allegro website calendar the beginning classes are marked with a star and those are usually smaller classes taught in the JUNIOR BALLROOM (not always). Most are taught in series so come all month for best results. Each month a different dance is taught. I've only taken one class from Gary and Isabelle and I liked them no doubt. No doubt there are other instructors I would like but I don't know them yet. In addition to Gary and Isabelle I do know three I can recommend. They also teach advanced level but my review here is about how they teach we beginners. You will feel good about yourself and won't be intimidated by... Scott Patterson Diane Lowe Arthur Calandrelli Classes in the "JUNIOR BALLROOM" - smaller classes that are perfect for beginners (and those somewhere beyond but not comfortable in the large classes). Seems like all the reviews are about the larger classes in the MAIN BALLROOM. I took the Salsa Sunday class and I did alright. Most of the ladies were satisfied but a couple of ladies donned unkindly expressions. Whatever, moving on. Certainly the instructors were good and I encourage attendance. As you rotate through partners just be prepared to help some and be helped by others. Be nice to each other... Tip for Leaders - work FIRST on a gentle but clear lead so the follower gets to complete thier part. Don't ignore your own steps but worry less about that than leading the follower because your steps will fall more or less into place naturally as the follower moves around you. Once you can lead then work on making your steps look cooler. Oh, and if you make a mistake try try try not to STOP, try to pick it up further along and finish or even if you do it different just get to the end. Sometimes your mistakes turn out to be just another step (albeit not the one you wanted to do just then) so follow through. Tip for Followers - refer leaders to the above tip and please try not to look disgusted with us - pretty please with sugar on top. Of course there are limits to what you can put up with. Some of us are just dolts, pity us ;-) read more

An amazing dance ballroom. The salsa is great every Sunday. As a women you feel very safe to come by yourself and have a great time. Most man are gentlemen's and respectful. No alcohol so people are coming to dance and have fun with the music and company. Salsa class are great learning start. I have met nice people and enjoys my Sunday night salsa dancing. I recommend going there for everyone that love to move to the sound of music. No meter your age or status. Just show up and enjoy!!!!!! read more

Great place to salsa dance. Lots of great lessons prior to a fun filled evening of Latin dancing.

I love this place. Both my bf and I are regular customers. For tea dance on Sunday just the experience worth 5stars. ONE star for being greedy. We had to bring my bf son (12 y.o) along with us so we can dance. Not the first time and they never charged for a minor just sit there for doing nothing. This time the young Chinese heavy man made us paid for the kid entry fee even he knows the kid just sit there and plays his cellphone the whole time. The fat young man said "this is a business". Well, I thought Allegro is for non profit! This is not the money issue. $5 or $50 made no different. Is the way to practice the business. If you really want this extra $5 we will pay every time. But, why? You are greedy and just made a regular customer angry and left a negative comment! read more

This is where to go if you want some serious salsa dancing on a Sunday night. There is no bar here and they don't serve food or drink, so you are going here for the dancing. It's kind of a cool practice place. There are three rooms, one main dance floor room, one practice room, and another smaller room with different music. There isn't a dj or a band, someone plays music in a cd player. You can really practice here because there are some good dancers and some of the music they play, like cha cha cha, is really challenging to dance to. The water is ample and the atmosphere is very chill. One drawback, one of the reasons I like to salsa dance is the music. I love the music and hearing live music or awesome djs is exhilarating. You won't get that here. read more

Very nice looking ballroom space, good lighting, nice flooring, clean. They even had snacks like oranges and bananas. Not sure if that was only because of the West Coast swing event I attended our always. Kind of felt like going to Grandma's house with the old lady in the back cleaning up and arranging the oranges :) has a quaint mom and pops feel despite the bright lights and music :) read more

I'm a late bloomer. I didn't learn how to dance until I was 34. Sure, everyone can wiggle and do the two step, but to find the beat of any music, dance to it and make it look graceful and effortless, that's another matter. And if it weren't for this ballroom and its spacious dance floor and fantastic Salsa teachers, I may never have discovered that inner dancer. Allegro Ballroom is great for beginners as well as advanced dancers. When I was a Beginning Salsa dancer, I would attend their Thursday night Salsa class/party religiously and their Sunday night class/party less frequently. On Thursdays, the Beginner Class runs from 7:30 to 8:30 pm and the Intermediate Class runs from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. Now, both classes can be attended for the low price of $12. You are welcome to stay after 9:30 pm for some more dancing. Attending both classes is great if you're really serious about learning and getting better! My husband and I only attend the 8:30 pm class now and stay until about 10:30ish to dance with each other and different people. There is a regular set of people who come after the class just to dance. They are a friendly bunch, so don't be shy in asking them to dance even if you're just a beginner. Women, don't wait for the man to ask you. Everyone is there to dance! Gary Johnson teaches the Thursday night salsa class and co-teaches the Sunday night as well. Think of Thursday night as the practice night. There you'll learn new steps and patterns with different dancers and practice them in an uncrowded dance floor. Sunday night is a different matter. As large as the dance floor is, it will be packed and you will not have the luxury of having all that room to dance freely. It's a good night to see the really good dancers though. Watch and learn, I say. They really are inspiring! A crowded dance floor means a full parking lot on Sundays, so arrive early if you want to find good parking. We don't dance Salsa as much anymore, but when we do have time to dance, we mainly go to Allegro on Thursdays. It's a great place and it's fun to dance where people know you! read more

I've been coming to Allegro Ballroom since the beginning of the year. Their beginners classes are great, and the instructors are wonderful. You can tell they are passionate about dancing and have been teaching for a while. After a few classes, I decided to be a big girl and stayed for the Friday night dance party. My goodness -- these people know all the dance styles to every song! Unlike a pick-up joint, they are genuinely here to dance, which I like. Experienced dancers here don't look down on beginners. In fact, everyone I danced with was polite and helpful. Sunday Salsa classes are awesome. Isabelle is a really good and sexy dancer. She and Gerry make a good team. However, the classes always start 15 mins late. Wish they could start on time. This place gets packed -- so put your dancing shoes on and be ready to have fun! read more

Not your place if you want to drink, dance or have a general good time. Music is average, ambiance looks like a low budget high school prom. Staff is very rude, we were judged upon entering the building read more

I've been to Allegro a few Sundays now for Salsa lessons. The beginner lessons are at 6 followed by the intermediate lesson and it costs $12. The lessons are really good and you don't need a partner since they rotate you around. After the lessons, they turn down the lights and turn up the music for open dancing. As a beginner, it can be pretty intimidating but everyone is very friendly and it's a great place to learn. The dance floor is pretty big and it usually fills up around 9 or so. The music is decent, they play a lot of Cumbia and a lot of weird techno-salsa. I definitely like this place, that's why I keep going back! read more

Large dancing space, with multiple areas. I did the beginner lessons on sunday, $12 for two lessons, although the first lesson was way too advanced. read more