My teammates and I decided to watch Keone and Mari's last show for Beyond Babel. Coming all the way from the Orange County, we were pressed for time and drove 95 mph to get down to San Diego. Worth it? Most definitely. Although it's difficult to find parking, there is a nearby neighborhood that is less than a 2 minute walk from the theatre. This show is absolutely amazing. The storytelling is incredible and to weave it in with the movement and music is worth every penny and every mile that we drove. read more

Okay so this one is for my little dancers. Beyond Babel is as if your entire world was one giant dance-off. The dance moves as you would hope were phenomenal. Seriously I didn't realize the human body could bend, twist, shake, etc., like that. Maybe the cast isn't human? Maybe they are aliens from Dancetron come to teach us to lay down our guns and pick up the beat? The choreography is creative and the moves are very clean and tight. I won't lie to you, this wasn't exactly my jam. My daughters love this show and this was the second time seeing it. I was told it was a spin on Romeo & Juliet which is cool and I saw some common threads but sometimes was left just going "huh?" Still a lot of "wow" factor in the dance. The theater is pretty neat. Located off Imperial Avenue, it looks like this took over two houses? There is the front lobby which you have to exit to go around back to the theater itself. The first floor holds the majority of the seats which look comfy. The second floor where my wife and I sat was bar stool seats overlooking a balcony. I wasn't very comfortable after a while and kept fidgeting. Get seats on first floor. The dancers also move through the audience. It didn't happen this time but my girls and wife said the stage also moves. They also said this show was different at times which would allow it to be fresh even for a repeat visit. You could tell there were a lot of die hard fans shouting out at dancers by name. The creators, Keone and Mari, have a lot to be proud of and it would not surprise me to see this hit Broadway. If love dance and want to support local artists hit Beyond Babel. Okay, I'm done. Time to moonwalk my way off the stage. read more

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This is the best thing to ever happen to San Diego. The Beyond Babel Theater just outside downtown was a former boxing gym converted into an amazing theater and is already building a buzz!. This show will captivate every emotion. If you aren't really into dance, it is still a must see! They hold shows nightly except Mon and Wed. Sat and Sun they have 2 shows at 2:30 & 7:30. The choreography and dancers are just captivating. The dancing is so tastefully done and intricate to each scene. The emotions you experience during this show will leave a standing ovation every night. This is a MUST SEE!!!! Keone and Mari are just masters at story telling, but this show has gone above and BEYOND anything I have ever seen read more

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Caught the last show of this epic, immersive dance production. Shannon Kelly and Hugh Aparente were magnificent as the leads tonight. I don't know if this will be back or available on recorded media but I will definitely want to see future dance shows by the creators, choreographers, director and cast. read more

Beyond Babel - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

What an amazing show! I have been following Keone and Mari for years, and it was so incredible to see them perform live in San Diego. They have a stellar talent to engage the audience not only through an immersive performance, but also through their expressive energy, athleticism, and innovative structure in transforming urban dance to relate to all audiences. I have seen many dance performances over the years, but I would definitely recommend for dancers and the general public ! read more

Beyond Babel - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

Thank you Keone, Mari, and everyone involved at Beyond Babel for awe-inpsring time. I was sceptical of the setting of the theater at first, located seemingly in the middle of no where. There was, I think, a hardware store across the street? A home operated nail salon around the corner? Are we in the right place? My doubts left me as soon as we entered. The stage and seats are almost incorporated into one another, allowing for a truly immersive experience. Dancers call upon audience members and move into the alleyways. The story feels intimate in a way I've never experienced from a live performance beforw. Talent exudes from every dancer. I was amazed not only with the athleticism and grace with which they moved, but with the musicality of it all. Every emotion was conveyed effortlessly. I know nothing about dance, but even I knew I was watching something extradorinary. It is storytelling at its finest. The dancing and the story are strong enough to stand on their own, but together they produce a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. read more

Beyond Babel - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

Brought my niece here for Sunday matinee. Keone & Mari and company told a beautiful story that captured our hearts. Must see!!! read more

Beyond Babel - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

Oh man seriously Beyond Babel needs more reviews than this! This is probably the best dance show, concept I've ever seen and went to. Its definitely worth every penny. A few members of our dance team "Full Potential" agreed to do a suicide trip just to see the show. I had a hangover from Halloween night, but we still had to go to dance practice which is from 8pm-12pm. After dance practice, I literally drove from East Bay, Fremont down to San Diego since everyone was sleepy. Thinking about the show helped me stay up the whole drive down. Put yourself in my shoes... Tuesday night partied, hangover.. Wednesday Halloween night at 1015 Folsom, another hangover... Thursday, body is so tired, you just want to throw up but still had to go to dance, Friday, right after dance practice, changed into some spare clothes, grab a quick bite and off to San Diego.. had to kill time from 8am-7pm. Couldn't shower, used the restaurants bathrooms to brush our teeth and used baby wipes, but still felt so grimy after. Finally arrived at the building with so much relief that we were finally there. Once the show started i was literally on the edge of my seat the entire time, yelling, crying.. don't get me wrong I was having a blast! Towards the end we had a meet and greet but the whole crew was so excited but at the same time we felt so grimy that we weren't ourselves but everyone was so nice and accommodating. Sorry in advance if we smelled but it was so worth it. Right after the show we had to go back on the road since I had work the next day. I really wish I stayed the weekend just to watch the show again. I really truly mean this to the cast and everyone, you guys were amazing and I applaud everyone's hard work! Kudos to everyone's stamina btw. All in all, Beyond Babel is amazing and I recommend you guys watching since they did just extend their show up until December 16th I believe. It's super affordable too! The cheapest seats I believe is $35. Hurry before the year ends! read more

Beyond Babel - Write what you're beyond - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

So very thankful for the chance to see this AAAAAH-MAZING Performance! I direct a high school dance program and I brought some of my dancers and their Moms to see "Beyond Babel" today for a Girls' Day Out! My daughter came too! We have all been inspired! Amazing choreography, super quaint and authentic venue, passionate dancers and a familiar storyline that has been recreated by brilliant artisans!!! If you haven't seen this show YOU NEED TOO! It is nothing short of breathtaking!!! We loved every second of it! Thank you Keone and Mari and everyone involved in the making of this show! The La Costa Canyon High School Dance Team in Carlsbad, Ca has truly been inspired! ~Sherri Rucker Carlsbad, Ca read more

Beyond Babel - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

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Beyond Babel is beyond any expectations you could have. Amazing show with a powerful message. Keone and Mari are amazing performers. be prepared to sit at the edge of your seat for the ENTIRE performance. Thankful to have had the opportunity to see this show! A must see if you are in San Diego! read more

Beyond Babel - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

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Much love for this show. It's definitely still amazing and feels different even though I'm watching it for the second time. Parking: Street parking (free). Performance: Can't disclose, definitely an experience of a lifetime if you are into performance art and showcases. I got a highfive from Keone Madrid. read more

I have never seen a dance show like Beyond Babel. Words fail to express everything about the value of seeing this show. What's it about? Everything. Who's it about? Us. I have seen it twice and will gladly go back if it means another loved one gets to see it and experience this level of physical storytelling. Enrich your life - see Beyond Babel while it's in San Diego. read more

Beyond Babel - Beyond Babel - a San Diego must see! - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

I'm visiting from Virginia and my friend whose a dancer asked me if I wanted to go and watch the show so I said heck yeah! You all need to come watch the show! It's simply amazing dancing! I loved that Keone and Mari were always up front in the center but let their other dancers shine! The story was a bit confusing but overall a moving, beautiful story nonetheless. Also the seats will move during parts of the show so it's a cool interactive piece and really helps make the show that much more enjoyable. Also do get yourself a shirt or hat, or tote! Support local artists!! read more

So if you're a fan of dance (hip hop, contemporary, breaking/b-boying, etc.), or better yet, if you're fans of Keone & Mari Madrid, you HAVE to see "Beyond Babel" at the Beyond Babel Theater! The converted boxing gym which now is the intimate theater for an immersive dance performance unlike any you've probably seen before. I won't give away what you'll expect but it is non-stop dance routines with a 20 minute intermission in-between, but the performers really know how to get the crowd involved during the dance show. Checking in was really easy if you pre-paid your tickets and are escorted to your seats. There's maybe 60 or so seats in the entire theater, so there's really no bad seat in the house. Tickets range from about $35-$125 (don't quote me on it but we picked up a great Black Friday deal and weren't complaining from where we were sitting). If you're in the back row, you're really not far from the stage at all, and if you're lucky to be seated in the front, you might be able to touch the dancers if you leaned forward just enough. We attended their 2:30pm matinee show, and just to let you know, the cast doesn't do a meet & greet with the audience after the matinee show since the dancers have to rest, rehydrate, eat, and prepare for their later show in the evening. After that show, the cast is able to meet with their fans and those wishing to stick around. Word of warning: their air condition/ventilation isn't the best and it got really hot during the performance. The 20 minute intermission was a welcomed break, not just for the performers, but also for the audience. Also, the seats are really really tight (i.e. airplane leg room tight) so the only ones who might not be affected by this might be the first & last rows. This info may prove to be very helpful if you don't like maneuvering around peoples laps/legs to get to/from your seat(s). All the dances were awesome! The choreograph was ON POINT! Keone & Mari and their dancers did an awesome job and the time flys by so fast, the next thing you know, it's over. From what a staff member told me, 12/16/18 will be the last show of 2018 and all tickets are SOLD OUT! Supposedly, the cast will take a month or so hiatus, and plans to resume in 2019 after their month-long break. Follow Beyond Babel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or keep checking their website in another month or so for news of when their show plans to resume. You will NOT be disappointed if you check it out, I promise! read more

This show is insane!!! The artistry and the storytelling is so unique and all of the dancers perform their hearts out. It's my second time watching and it's still amazes me! read more

Beyond Babel is BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS. Amazing story, amazing cast, amazing choreo, amazing visuals! Thank for a great show. Outstanding job! I'm sad it's leaving this weekend, but such a different and unique dance/show experience! Beyond words. Above and beyond. read more

Attended this show last Friday and so glad that Yelp is listing it. This show is a NY NY Broadway type dance show BUT here in San Diego. Amazing is one word that describes this 2 hour show. The time flys by so quick. Rest assured there's a 15/20m intermission to grab a drink and use the restrooms. I plan on taking more friends to watch this show again! read more

This is the first time I ever have experienced a live dance performance, and I was blown away. The amount of talent in the room was incredible. It was clear that hours and hours of training were invested in making the show what it was, and this experience was unmatched with anything in the arts I have every done before. I couldn't express any more appreciation for the amount of passion, emotion, enthusiasm, energy and joy each Beyond Babel member portrayed when they were on stage. Not only did the show reveal a very intense emotional story line , it was also filled with humor to create the perfect balance. Captivated from the very start, I couldn't help but appreciate the unique style and amazing personalities shine through each of the dancers. There was never a disconnect between a dancer and the energy they brought to the stage. The love and joy of dancing revealed itself not just collectively but through each individual as well. They really fed off one another's energy and engaged the crowd on a very intimate level. I also loved the moving stage, that definitely enhanced the experience. On all levels, from the choreography, to the musical intuition and rhythmic awareness, the soundtrack, to each Dancers' interpretation of this choreography, to the lighting, to how the stage moved, how each dancer interacted with the audience (I could go on and on) made for a jaw dropping experience. Shout out to the Staff at Beyond Babel behind the scenes for doing a terrific job. I also really enjoyed the themes presented throughout the performance and how they seamlessly blended together to create a beautiful story line. I felt connected the entire time and never could take my eyes off the stage. To be honest, there was so much talent that I didn't know what to focus on. I wanted to watch every movement with 100% focus that was going on with the backup dancer's as well as in the specific instances where certain members were in the direct spotlight. Every movement was so fine tuned and detailed, it matched the lyrics and tone of each song extremely well. How they would breath, move, look, interact with one another, navigate the stage worked so well together. Each members' personality matched their solo performance as well as when the entire group was together on stage as well. Everyone had an opportunity to shine and showcase their love for dance and freedom of expression through movement. That was my favorite part of the show. Additionally, the use of props was very unique and definitely enhanced the show in a way that wasn't too much or too busy. How they weaved the props into the tone of the performance and use of the stage was amazing. The space was utilized very efficiently and the communication between the dancer's (both verbally and nonverbally) on the stage created a seamless performance. Also, I just want to take a moment to really appreciate the creativity and passion of Keone and Mari Madrid. They commanded the stage, expressed their unique personalities and poise throughout the performance and their chemistry together was absolutely spectacular. They pulled me in from the very start. It was amazing to see their vision come to life throughout the dance performance and could tell they poured their heart and soul into creating this performance. Every emotion perfectly matched the scene, not just from Keone and Mari but from every Beyond Babel dance Member. Athleticism, Grace, Elegance, Poise, self-expression were a few of many qualities I noticed throughout the evening from all the dancers'. I would recommend this show for everyone, regardless of whether you have an appreciation for dance or not. After this show, you will. I have been to this show twice and would go back again and again until it stops being offered in San Diego. And it was just as good if not better than the first time. This is a Must See Performance. I am looking forward to another dance production at Beyond Babel and definitely would see this Group dance again and would love to Keone and Mari create another show. read more

Beautiful flowing movement that not only entwines Shakespearean archetypes with divisive border wall themes, it does so in a way that challenges every witness to embrace our oneness; and does so by evoking divisive imagery sprayed onto the stage with Kokopellian cleverness suffused with the dexterity, insight and wisdom of Pattabhi Jois' and Ghandi's love child. As for the cast - these rivulets of motion become a flood for transformation; cells guided by a common immune system in the process of vanquishing our social cancer. Visceral, genuine and stunning. Do yourself a favor - Witness this inspirational gift of the human spirit. read more

My girlfriend Vanessa and I traveled all the way from Los Angeles riding the Flixbus just to see this show! Upon arriving to the venue we were really confused on why are we entering a house? We checked in and the guy upfront (bless his soul) with the hat and flannel, I forgot to get his name, offered me and vanessa FRONT ROW SEATS. I was bummed because I like balcony seats because I would be able to see the complete picture and formations and overall performance. As we got our seats we were in the "lobby" area and vanessa looked behind the curtain to the living room area and they dude at the desk was like "whoa whoa whoa" so we were wondering how will they dance in a living room?! We were confused yet excited. We had balcony seats so I thought we would sit on a high chair or the roof and watch the back yard then with our front row seats will we just sit on the grass?!. Nonetheless we were looking forward to it all. Afterwards they said they will seat us and we went to the back yard and saw the garage entrance. When we entered were were completely blown away that there is a theater stage inside! It was very spacious and not cramped at all. The show started. Vanessa got pulled up on stage. We laughed. I cried (just me vanessa didnt). We cheered. We were left speechlesss. The show ended. It was Beyond... amazing. gorgeous. mesmerizing. beautiful. perfect. I entered blindly. I did not look for any information on the show. I didnt watch the behind the scenes videos or read any synopsis on this. I am glad I did so. I ended up being overwhelmed with many emotions. I ended up crying from joy and sadness. Keone and Mari always seem to play with the strings of my heart and emotions everything they dance. They don't only dance and perform but they tell stories. They breathe life into art. This will forever be a great memory to have. I am very grateful to have seen and experienced Beyond Babel. The story was incredible. The formations and use of props and stage usage completely blew my mind. The rotations of the wall to give different perspective of the scene had me at the edge of my seat! Their facials and emotions were incredibly strong and powerful that I felt every beat they hit. I didnt feel as an audience member but as one of the people on one of the sides of the wall. I felt like an extra in a movie where I see the plot unfold but it's not my story and all I could do was watch it unfold. Everyone did such an amazing job. The dancers brought me into the world of Beyond Babel, the volunteers and all the staff members played such important roles to make this come to life. Thank you guy up front with hat and flannel for giving us the best seats in the house. Without you we would not be able to see the dancers up close. We wouldn't be able to appreciate the crochet on the wall. We wouldn't be able to see the sweat and tears from the dancers. Thank you again for an unforgettable experience Keone, Mari, and EVERYONE ELSE. read more

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If you love dance and story telling you must see this show. So much talent, love and passion for dance. Beautiful and heart breaking stories told through dance about current issues that are going on in our world today. I was truly amazed and have started calling then The amazing Babel. If you're a local San Diego resident go check them out and then stick around at the end to meet and greet the cast. That was an added bonus. Perfect for date night, girls night or dance squad night out. read more

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This is an amazing Performance of Elite Dancers! Truly powerful shoe! Addicted to this show! 4th time coming!! If you have a chance come see it!! read more

Beyond Babel - Here at Beyond Babel! Amazing Elite Dancers! - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

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Such an inspiring show. Watching them moved me to volunteer for an orphanage and something to connect with the kids when I visit ... a Switch :) read more

Beyond Babel - Program, ID Badge and Switch. - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

The most inspiring dance show I have ever seen! Keone, Mari and all the dancers are moving in their dance, creativity and love for people. I highly recommend to come see the "moving" experience. It's a big surprise. The story is relevant and thought provoking. I was moved by the acting and overall show. I love how they meet everyone after the show. Not only are they humble but gracious. God gifts being glorified! I am blessed to have seen. Amazing for the whole family. read more

Beyond Babel - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

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Best dance production I have ever watched! The story was portrayed so masterfully through dance. The dancers themselves moved with intent and sincerity through ever breath, move, and look. I highly recommend this show for everyone! I have already seen it twice and want to go back again before the show stops running here in San Diego. I felt a whirlwind of emotions watching this show! To Keone, Mari, the dancers, and the crew: thank you for creating and sharing something truly special. read more

Beyond Babel - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

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This show is amazing! Easily one of the most entertaining performances I've ever seen. A coworker told me about it and I've seen it five times so far (twice with our young daughter in tow who loved it) with plans to see it once more before it closes on 12/16. The entire performance is incredibly captivating and the cast has so much talent along with tons of enthusiasm and passion. Everything about it is totally unique, from the set up of the theater to all of the details of the production. They tell a story about common themes we unfortunately see so much in current life: separation/division/walls, but manage to do it with levity and a lot of humor as well. I can't forget to mention the amazing music! By the third show I got wise and shazam'd it and was able to put together a complete playlist (which I'll have to keep updating since they seem to tweak the show, add things, change the songs, etc.) Also, have to give their house manager Hesh some props because he has gone above and beyond to make sure that we're in the right seats, happy, etc. every single time we've gone without fail. This show is a game changer and now that they've started referring to this run as Season 1, I'm hopeful that there's going to be a round 2 sometime soon! read more

I didn't really know what to expect, but I did know what amazing dancers Keone and Mari are, so I organized a small group of moms and kids from my daughters' dance studio. The whole time, I was wondering: how could they possibly convey the message that they described in their show description through dance? Can they really do that without talking? Can they keep the audience engaged for a whole show with one style of dance? Well, YES, THEY DID! We all sat at the edge of our seats the whole time, felt the emotions and got the message clearly, even when no words were said. This is artistry at its finest! I've loved hip hop from day one, and I love how Beyond Babel innovated it and used it as a platform to get people to think about the divisions in today's world. It was Beyond Inspiring! read more

Holy moly AMAZING! This is my second time seeing the show, and ahhhh it's even more immersive than the last! Getting alll the feels. I've never seen such talented dancers In a single show. A show with dancing and minimal dialogue with the ability to make me feel things, is the greatest show in my book! SIMPLY A MAZING!!!! Come back!! please ! read more

I'm writing this during intermission and damn that was so good. Like whaaaattttttttttt!! So inspiring *o* I'm about to go train hard after this bc woooowwwwww I want to dance like them! Great job guys! I'm loving every minute of it PS that pose was so hard lol read more

Beyond Babel - This pose was so hard omg lol - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

This show is truly a work from the hearts of its creators. So much emotion, energy and creativity. This is a MUST SEE production. Don't miss it! read more

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I am beyond shooketh. It's already intermission and I'm excited to see what's coming for the second act. I always look forward to what Keone & Mari choreograph and produce because it's so naturally oraganic. Have been a big fan of their work.......and always will be. You guys always meet beyond all of our expectations. read more

There aren't enough superlatives to describe Beyond Babel! Dancers were unbelievable and, through urban dance, they told an emotional story that resonates with everyone. The performance inspired me to come home and dance in my kitchen. read more

Beyond Babel - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

SUCH AN AMAZING SHOW. The performance, the meaning, and the dancing. Poignant and inspiring. I would recommend this to everyone, several times over. Such an intimate experience that will speak to everyone who sees it. Keone and Mari have been my favorite choreographers for a very long time, and they never fail to blow me away. And the dancers showed so much energy and emotion, they deserve all the recognition !!! The location is a small nook near downtown with free parking on the street. The staff is super great and upgraded our seats! Attended evening 3/2/19. read more

Great Show! Great dancing, fun music , the moving theatre seats, we laughed we cried. The dancing was incredible. San Diego, you're got to go and experience this before this team takes it around the world! Moms and Dads take your teenage kids and go. read more

I brought a group of 20 to this show on 11/14. We are all from UC San Diego but from different parts of the community to campus. I love how this dance show has brought people from different walks of life together! The main reason I wanted to bring this group to Beyond Babel,aside from my personal admiration for Keone & Mari also because of the message of the show: border, love, community. It is crazy to think that we are closer to Mexico than we are to Los Angeles, a place that many students chose to spent their long weekends and breaks. When I bring up the border issue, most people feel uncomfortable to talk about it and says "oh I am not that into politics" :( Look, I understand that not everybody is a political junky. But it's more about politics. It's about families and actual people and their relationships--- exactly what BB showcased. The viewing of beyond babel was to build momentum for a service project "Dance by the border". A one day educational trip on the border issue through the lens of yoga and dance. (FB: Movement Exchange at UC San Diego) I m really glad this show comes out just in time for our pilot program. Would love to hear my peers' reaction and thoughts about the show and their new perspective on the border issue. read more

Phenomenal show. It's amazing to see young people come together and use their talents and creativity to the Max. This group only has up to go from here. The show is so uniquely them. It's free in spirit and tells a beautiful story without needing to use words. Someone told me once to tell a great story and only use words if you have to. They take their art and turn it in to words through story telling with dance! But in a new 21st century way. They use the stylistic underground dance that has been growing from the time of house parties and B-boys and mix it with the unique style of Keone and Mari and transform it into a modern day storyline left to be perceived in the eye of the beholder. A story of love told through the tragedies of life and those things that separate us. So majestic... This show is bursting with creativity and allows us all to feel again... a must see for everyone! Well done, well done... read more

Great, friendly staff!! Phenomenal show, very interactive as well!! If you sit in the orchestra, the seats move! The dancers also interact with the crowd as well. Quality show, very inspiring. read more

Whenever I see Keone & Mari perform, I see two people who are truly fulfilling their God-given purpose here on earth. This is by far their best body of work that I have personally witnessed. Their gifts are such a blessing to this world. It is amazing & inspiring on so many levels. You see dreams & visions come to life. Every word & every sound of every song in this show is so thoughtfully carried through every single movement. Themes of creativity, joy, friendship, love, division, oppression, freedom, unity, triumph & so much more are all conveyed in this show. They are stories that need to be told. Beyond Babel calls for two important things that we need to be reminded of and show each other everyday: love & unity. My heart is full and I am beyond grateful. Thank you to all of the people who are a part of this production to tell this story. Excited to see what this will lead to next, the best is yet to come! read more

Beyond Babel - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

Congrats Beyond Babel. This show is beyond amazing! I've seen a lot of live shows and none have brought me "into" the show. Thank you Keone and Mari, producers and crew for sharing your vision and beauty, especially with San Diego! read more

What an amazing show!!! Keone and Mari at their best! Imagery, story, clean and technical dancing... All the feels! I can't wait to see what they do next. Really cute venue . There is ample parking in the neighborhood. read more