Omg!!! So glad I discovered Level Up Dance Studio. I did a class pass with Johnny and he was so welcoming and such a great instructor. The choreography was easy to learn and he broke down the steps when I had questions. I loved that he video the routine and shared with all in class so we can continue to perfect the moves. I do plan on taking another class with him. Thank you for making this 47 yr old relive her college dancing days. read more

Initially feeling nervous, I took my first k-pop class here. It was incredibly fun! The instructor was so nice and broke down the steps well. I'll come again! read more

Each class with instructor Angie gets better and better. Today's Senior Stretch and Stability left me calm, peaceful, and yet invigorated and energetic. I can't wait until next Tuesday to enjoy the experience once again. read more

I took the beginning salsa here. Super like this studio. The instructors are fun and clear in breaking down the steps. We practiced many times before moving onto the next moves. I had a blast and will be returning. read more

Ive been attending the beginner Salsa classes on Saturdays with instructor Erika since Oct of 2023, and I can say that my confidence level has skyrocketed. She is such a great teacher and has a deep passion for dance. She is patient and extends grace to all skill levels. I highly recommend Level Up Dance studio to anyone interested in learning how to dance. You will not regret it. These instructors can only do so much, it's up to us as students to speak up and ask for them to repeat a step or get clarification. Safe to say that I've definitely had to ask for them to repeat a routine or two even three. Again, this is such a beginner friendly space and very welcoming. Highly recommend you to step into this dance studio and learn how to salsa :) read more

This place is amazing! I've been coming here for about 6 months now and it's always so fun. Erika is a great instructor and it's a very humble and enthusiastic community filled with dancers of ALL LEVELS. As far as the one negative review about this place, I'd say that person doesn't know what she's talking about and her sister took things a little too personal. Plus, the person who wrote that review wasn't even at the class so how you gona leave a review when you weren't even there? Homegirl is straight up TRIPPING! For real tho, anyone interested in learning to dance or improving current skills, check this place out. You won't be disappointed. read more

I've been coming to this dance studio for about 2 1/2 months now. The instructors are amazing. They are super knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. That atmosphere of the studio is very welcoming and excepting. The students there are friendly, enthusiastic, and always wanting to help each other out. Even my very first time there, I felt more than welcomed, I felt at home. They make sure that no matter what level you are at, they will accommodate you to help you get to where you want to be. Oh and not to mention, the rates per class are insanely affordable. I've even taken a one on one class. The instructor made sure to listen to my goals and gave me amazing feedback and advice. TLDR: caring and knowledgeable staff, friendly students/atmosphere, fantastic prices. read more

If you're thinking of taking salsa classes, TAKE THEM HERE! You won't regret it. I started taking the beginner level salsa class in January 2024. I was nervous about the pace of the class since I've never danced salsa, but Erika is the BEST. She breaks down all the steps perfectly and always asks if there are any questions or if anyone needs to see a demonstration again. My boyfriend and I love it so much we keep coming back. (You don't need a partner to sign up!) The community Level Up has created is a special one. Thank you for welcoming us with open arms. I tell all my friends and coworkers I look forward to Mondays now because of Salsa at Level Up. Here's a few clips of what I've learned so far thanks to Erika and Level Up Familia :-) Come try a class out! read more

This was my first time going to the dance studio, first time taking a dance class. Bernard is the Erika's dance instructor (studio owner) who was super motivating, fun and helpful. I was stressed out going into it and my fears were subsided by Bernard's and the groups fun energy. I recommend this studio and would definitely go for more lessons. Any chance for a workshop with Bernard and Erika? Thanks to Angie for recommending this spot. read more

I recently review this Studio and have totally changed my review! Bernard has got to be the most professional business man I've met in recent years. He called me as soon as he became aware of my review and absolutely cleared up all my questions. I'm excited about meeting him and checking out the salsa lessons. I know that 17 people with a 5 star rating couldn't be wrong. Thank you Bernard for your call and I hope to join in the dance and fun your location offers. read more

Excellent place to learn Salsa. Teacher is very thorough, breaks down each move. I Learned how to count beats and bars to stay on beat.

For my daughter's wedding I wanted to be better than the average father-daughter dance , even though I don't really enjoy dancing. Ramon and Giselle knew exactly what I needed and arranged imaginative steps that matched our song perfectly. Now I'm looking forward to a special moment. read more

I first came across Level Up Studio by attending one of their monthly socials in 2015. At that time, I was only taking classes at a salsa club once a week. I did not know the proper technique, styling, and timing for Latin dances. With over thirty years of experience, Bernard is one of the most knowledgeable dance instructors in the county. He was able to point out my bad habits within a few lessons. He talked to me about my technique in a one on one setting. Within a few months, I was able to fix my bad habits and build a more solid foundation. If you're interested in learning how to dance, I highly recommend starting at Level Up and avoid taking classes at clubs. In my experience, it was harder to break my bad habits than to begin learning the right way. I felt it hindered my growth. If you compare the knowledge you received from the club versus dance studio setting, the prices aren't comparable, but you will receive far greater value at the dance studio. It is now 2020, and I'm still learning from Bernard. He's dance experience seems endless. He is excellent at breaking down a move step by step and has a unique ability to compare the moves to everyday activities. For instance, he'll explain a reverse body roll is like putting on a pantie hose. The energy travels from your foot and moves up. His classes are fun, energized, and even humorous; he loves telling dad jokes. Give Level Up a try, it's a great way to meet people, and to call something your own. Dancing has provided me with a great partner, amazing friends, and a lifetime hobby. I hope to see you there! read more

This is a long overdue review, but better late than never! In 2019, Bernard choreographed the first dance with my husband and the father daughter dance for my wedding. We did not have much ballroom dancing experience and Bernard was so patient with us and he made it a lot of fun also. THANK YOU, Bernard!! read more

Level Up Dance Studio - Our first dance choreographed by the wonderful Bernard - Dance Schools Near Me - Signal Hill, California

I love Level Up!! It was the place I needed when I realized that I love dancing and was doing wrong all these years. I love Bernard, he's just really funny and salsa class is super fun with him. Erika is a great teacher. I am just amazed by her grace and I aspire to be as flawless and feminine as her. Eric is a super chill instructor and he inspired my love for bachata. All the people that go there are really friendly and I have made friends from the classes. Don't hesitate.. sign up! read more

It's was so much fun and the teacher's where so helpful with learning the basic techniques

Just started taking Cha-Cha-Cha, Mambo & Salsa & love it! Studio provides a great atmosphere to learn. The instructors really break down the steps (had lessons with Sonyo and Bernard) and everyone is so nice in class (instructors and students). After a day of work, it's a great way to destress or just something fun to do on the weekends. Rates are really great, and love the fact you can drop in on classes. Best part is that it's not stuffy as other classes...It's inviting and welcoming! read more

I often receive compliments on my smooth and graceful salsa dancing at socials and clubs and the credit goes to Bernard and Sonyo Martinez. When I started taking classes at their studio about a year and a half ago, I was just a beginner, and I literally took my first salsa steps with Sonyo. Their teaching is amazing--it is methodical, practical, and based on learning the fundamentals. You will spend a lot of time learning the basic steps before you progress to anything fancy--but, it'll be worth it in the end because you'll have a solid foundation for more advanced moves, and you'll look great on the dance floor. The classes are a lot of fun--both Bernard and Sonyo have a great sense of humor, and we always end up laughing a lot. My fellow students are very friendly and kind, and I've become good friends with most of them. The classes start with a warm-up focusing on footwork, and the rest of the class is spent on partnering (leading and following) patterns and techniques. Salsa dancing has opened up a whole new world of Latin music and culture for me. I'm so glad that I took the opportunity to learn from Bernard and Sonyo--they are the real deal (from New York City), and we couldn't be luckier to have them in Southern California. read more

STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE. If you are a beginner stay away from this place. I brought in my sister who was already dealing with a lot, because she was trying to step out of her comfort zone and try new things. She was a complete beginner, she came in ready to learn, dancing is not her strong suit. There is a short thin Latino instructor who needs to learn how to be kind, patient, and respectful. He needs to reconsider his profession and the owner should think about letting him go. He was brought out to help her only for him to completely break down whatever confidence and enthusiasm she had about coming to classes to this place. Make this make sense. As an instructor it is completely unprofessional to tell a beginner to "make it make sense" in frustration. I hope this gets to him because it's an issue when others see how you treated her and thank you to the kind older gentleman who saw what was going on and told her to ignore him. I hope you are never in the state of mind she was in when she came in, but karma is a reality and you just may. While she may hope you never are in the dark place she was in as her sister I am the complete opposite and hope you get what you deserve. Sadly, I was not there and she did not tell me what happened. I would have requested to speak to the owner and honestly she should have walked out. read more

My fiancee and I took private lessons with Bernard and could not have been happier with our experience! I want to start this off by saying that I have never danced in my life... This was not on my priority list at all, but it was important to my fiancee and I wanted to make her happy. We worked one on one with Bernard for about two months (One session a week). He immediately made us both feel comfortable and relaxed. He was able to sense how we process information and arranged his teaching in a way that was easy for us to follow. He was always conscious of what was difficult or uncomfortable for us and made adjustment to the choreography to highlighted our strengths. (We did a waltz and salsa) My fiancee and I took these lessons during the weeks leading up to our wedding day. With all of the stress that planning a wedding brings, these lessons were a welcomed change. We started looking forward to them. They forced us to focus on each other and be in the moment. Thank you again Bernard. We will be taking lessons again. read more

The best place to learn Latin American dance. It's sad that they ae closed due to covid. Miss my classes. Hoping for them to open back soon.

Bernard is amazing! We showed up 2 weeks before our wedding wanting a choreographed dance and the ability to perfect it like we were on Dancing with the Stars! Bernard gave us just that! Everyone at our wedding was amazed by our skills and the entertained aspect of a choreographed dance instead of swaying back and forth. The biggest thing for me personally was Bernard's ability to observe how my (now) husband and I took in information. He changed his teaching style so that we could better understand the steps. He was more than accommodating with our limited schedules and even texted the morning of the wedding which totally calmed our nerves. IF YOU NEED A WEDDING DANCE GO TO HIM!!! We will definitely be back to the studio to try a dance just for the fun of it! Thanks Bernard! read more

Review from a beginner dancer Funny story actually, how my opinion got formed about this place. My first visit to a dance studio, ever, was met by people sitting in the lobby watching the laker game and we could barely get anyone to help us answer our questions and sign us up for our first lessons! After about a 10 minute wait we were set up and went into the studio where we watched the other class finish and we met Sonyo with much delight. She was very welcoming and polite and we seemed to have a little bit in common (or at least she made it seem that way) so it was comfortable for a beginner such as myself. Immediately after their class ended we begun and no more than 5 minutes later we were dancing. She started with some little movements and by the end we had a whole dance routine that we could do! So much fun! She was very patient and when her and her husband Bernard started dancing it was really something to watch. The atmosphere is nice and very friendly and we had no problems signing up for more classes (Which, by the way, is a very reasonable deal. No regstration fee + a max of 15 per class with discounts at additional classes, up to almost 10 per class? I dont know about you but I researched about a dozen places, and save for one very small unprofessional school I found, this by far beats all the other prices). TLDR; if you're looking for a professional school that teaches latin styles of dances with a fun, friendly environment, that also happens to be the best bang for your buck, then this is your place. I will update my review as I take the other instructors as well. Weee! read more

I've been taking dance classes here, and even my skeptical dance partner said, "this is way more fun than I thought!" I doubt that we'll ever be Salsa pros, but the classes are well organized and Sonyo, the instructor, breaks it down so that even the most two-left feeted of us (me) can follow along. Vianet (sp?) the assistant, is so adorable and helpful that I seriously want to put her in my pocket and take her home with me. Everyone in my classes seem to enjoy them, many people seem to come several nights a week, and hopefully we'll soon graduate into a more advanced class! read more

Dance Sport is a great place to learn, socialize, exercise, and have fun! VOTED BEST BALLROOM SALSA CLASS on the West Coast, by Lia About Dance Sport: 1. The Owners are great interesting people and only work with like mind TOP NOTCH instructors. 2. Be bold and humble; prepare yourself to learn new ways of thinking about exploring dancing and you will go far. In a few months you will be able to dance better than EVER. 3. Not only do they each to dance and help you understand the norms of social dancing, which EMPOWERS you to to get out more and own the floor. 4. This place is good for everyone Couples, Singles, Kids and All Ages, even my 4 year old daughter is dancing. My Recommendation: - First month, get a Monthly pass and try everything! - Be patient with yourself, remember everyone has begun to dance at some point. - Go to the DANCE SOCIALS, they are fun, if you like to go to clubs this is an inexpensive option. For me it was a good way to begin club dancing again. read more

I am someone who was born with two left feet, but I've always wanted to be able to take someone out on the dance floor. I started taking classes at Dancesport by chance, but I'm glad that I fate led me here. They were able to take me, a shy nervous introvert, and mold me into a competent dancer. If they can teach me to dance, then they can teach anyone. They don't just teach you these elaborate patterns, but they teach you technique, styling, and musicality. The classes are all fun and unique. Every day is different, and I learn something new in each class. From your first day, the people you meet in class will be your new friends. Everyone is friendly, and the social experiences are one of the best aspects of the course. The instructors know their stuff, they've been teaching for years, and they have taught people from all walks of life. I'm confident that there is no one that they can't teach. The classes range from beginner, intermediate, to advanced, so even if you've taken a few lessons in the past, they'll place you at a level where you'll be able to advance yourself. If you've developed bad habits, then they'll find them and correct them. I still have a long way to go to before I'm as good of a dancer as I'd like to be but I know with time, dedication, and Dancesport I'll eventually get to where I want to be. read more

Bernard is a master teacher of latin social dancing (salsa, cha-cha-cha, merengue, bachata), especially salsa. I've been taking lessons here for several years now. This is the place where I've learned how to lead smoothly and effectively, with style. Their group salsa classes are always full and they're lots of fun. Now they offer Argentine Tango with Edmundo and Elizabeth from Buenos Aires. They are really great instructors as well. If you want to take your social dancing to the next level, look no further. read more

Bernard is cool people. A couple weeks back I just finished his Bachata series class and could not have had a better time. I took a couple salsa classes at atomic ball room and a student from there referred me to DanceSport so I need to be a gentlemen and thank her. The Bachata series classes were broken down into one group class on Thursdays. The class size had a descent amount of new people looking like they were ready to dance. One factor that I noticed right away is there remained a consistent rotation between woman and men. Meaning there was a perfect number to allow every student to rotate regularly. The series class costed 85 which is reasonable and remember that is for six Classes. Will we did learn something new each week and I had a blast. Bernard is really funny and brings out the bachata dance in everyone. I enjoyed the people in this last series class. Students wanted to learn and mostly everyone laughed and joked to loosen up the environment. I am taking the Bachata work series again as I am pleased with my progress. Take care. read more

I've been dancing Salsa for few years now. Every time I take dance classes from Bernard & Sonyo, I'm always pickup something new, cool, and cleaning up my Salsa techniques. Bernard is so funny that you're smiling through the whole class. I need to add their Bachata classes too now. I also try to make it out to their Saturday Night Dance Event. It's on every 2nd Saturday of the month. It's a great place to have fun and practice your dance moves in friendly environment. I haven't gotten a no yet from any of the dancer's I've asked. Follower shouldn't have any problems asking leads to dance either. read more

I can't even begin to tell you how amazing and talented and patient Bernard is. He took me and my not so coordinated soon to be husband, and in 5 classes taught us a perfectly choreographed dance for our wedding. What I think really stood out is the way that Bernard is able to change choreography on the fly to fit what we were capable (or not capable!) of doing well. It was clear that his end goal was to create a dance that would not only go with the song, but would be something that we could manage to get through without looking like bumbling idiots. He was so patient with us while we forgot the basic dance moves, and while I twirled around the studio in a dizzy mess, trying to not trip over my fiance's feet. He offered us a follow up lesson to make sure we were comfortable with the choreography but he was so effective, we decided to risk it and go for the gold! Needless to say, my (now) husband and I did the dance in front of our nearest and dearest, and we didn't forget any moves, and left a good portion of the room in tears. I'd consider that a success :) I would HIGHLY recommend you check him out! read more

As many of you will notice, I don't EVER write reviews, but when I do, it's because it is the real deal and everyone needs to know about it. I've been social dancing for over 6 years, mostly in the swing dance community. With that being said, I've learned from the some of best instructors in the world, people with names that are known. So I am very picky and particular about who is teaching the classes and what background they have, and let me tell you that it does not getting any better than this couple from New York who will teach you everything you need to know. Again, this is AUTHENTIC NEW YORK dancing! I can go on and keep boasting forever, but you won't know until you try it on your own. If you're reading this, hopefully I'll see you there. Look for me and say hi, then we can dance! P.S... Venue is a little hard to find. It's in a commercial building, and there is no huge sign. Trust in your navigation device and you shall find it. read more

This is a wonderful place to learn and practice Latin Ballroom Dancing! I have been taking lessons here for three years in Salsa, Cha-Cha, and Bachata and every class is fun and challenging. Bernard and Sonyo are master teachers who really know Latin technique and styling! They offer many levels of classes and welcome students new to dance. They host a social dance once a month so students can socialize and practice their skills. Several times a year, Bernard and/or Sonyo will also teach an extra workshop, such as Cumbia, or Ladies or Couples styling. At DanceSport & Fitness the instructors create a fun atmosphere in which to learn, and the students are unfailingly friendly and supportive. You don't have to come with a partner, as you will rotate partners with whoever is there. Give this place a try--you will be pleased you did! read more

This is a top-notch dance school with a great reputation! Dancesport CA is a fun, inviting, energizing place to learn to dance. The instructors are open, patient, and easy to work with. Its a good time and best of all the classes are cheap, especially when you think about the quality of instruction you're getting and the level of personalized attention. If youre looking for a place to learn to dance or just get connected with the salsa dance community in the area, Dancesport CA should definitely be on your must view list. read more

When I was in college I took a salsa course but I could never get the hang of it. The instructor taught at a high pace and would lose me easily. At dance sports it is totally the opposite. Bernard and Sonya teach at a good pace and makes the learner feel comfortable--with no intimidation methods. Their teaching styles makes dancing learning quiet fun and engaging. Besides the dance lessons, one thing that I admire from Sonya and Bernard is that they will learn your name. They emphasize in making sure that they know your name--valuing you as an individual and not just another student. read more

My husband and I are not dancers, but we decided to try something new and we ended up here by taking advantage of an AmazonLocal deal for new customers here. We are so happy we did. Bernard (our instructor in the Beginning Bachata I) was awesome and paced the moves so that they were fairly easy to follow. (I say "fairly easy" since I'm a recovered paraplegic and I'm still not very spry.) He kept the class light, fun and funny. I like the fact that we changed partners because it allowed me the experience of how it is to dance with others...and it is very, very different from person to person. It was cool, too, to meet others in the class (that sometimes, I'm not the only one lost). I highly recommend this place to anyone interested in learning to dance or to just try something new. Check out their website because they host free events for new students. read more

My wife and I took their 6 week beginner salsa course and loved it. We would get sad every time the class ended! During our 6 weeks we experienced 4 different teachers. Each teacher was very knowledgable, friendly, and helpful. We had no problems asking questions and the teachers had no issues slowing down the lesson if people weren't getting it. Our class was mixed evenly couples and singles so dont be afraid to take a class by yourself. Everyone is really friendly and the environment feels more like family than friends. I have recommended this to all my friends. read more

This studio is wonderful. We rented the hall for a birthday party. It was nice, clean and spacious with an extra room for the food buffet. The owner Bernard was extremely nice and accommodating. I definitely recommend this place as a party venue. read more

Level Up Dance Studio - The spacious dance hall. - Dance Schools Near Me - Signal Hill, California

Loved the beginning Salsa Series so much! My boyfriend and I took it together and had so much fun. We learned the basics, and it was really nice to have a fun outing on a weeknight. Bernard kept things light and encouraged us to all laugh at ourselves :) We're definitely going to sign up for the next series. read more

My wife saw an add from groupon for salsa dancing. We wanted to try something new so we did it. It actually turned out to be such a fun experience. You meet a lot of people and you just dance and have fun. Bernard is a cool dude, he'll usually leave the music on for a few minutes after class if you want to keep on practicing. Just don't be afraid to ask questions, he will teach you. He also choreographed our husband and wife's first dance. Tell him the song you like and he will edit the song, teach you from the beginning, to epic camera poses till the end. He will record the dance using your phone so you can practice at home. It worked out really nice. Thanks Bernard! read more

I went to their studio in Signal Hill, CA earlier today for the first time to take the beginning salsa class to practice my skills as a lead. There was a bit of a wait because the other class was finishing up. When the instructor came out to the reception area, he asked each person (except me) if they were there for the first time. Those whom he recognized he instructed to enter the studio. Then he asked the couple who were also taking the class for the first time about their experience dancing salsa. When he finished with the couple he told them that his colleague would register them. He then asked me if I had been helped, (did he mean from the time he ignored me to the time he then recognized my presence?) when I told him that I had not been helped, he introduced himself as Bernardo and said his colleague would help me register as well. He did not ask me any other questions. When his colleague came out she finished helping the couple. When it was my turn to be helped with registering, I let her know that I had danced before but wanted to practice as a lead. She said that she had to ask Bernardo if that was okay but said that she thought it would be fine. When she came back, she told me that I could not take that particular beginners class but that it would be more suitable for me to take a private lesson. She politely apologized. I politely said okay and walked out. Note: when I am upset I just want to flee the scene and avoid all confrontation that is why I did not engage in further conversation. But I am writing this note because I do feel that Bernardo needs to know the ways in which he can improve: * Demonstrate unbiased behavior towards customers - Show the same amount of attentiveness to each and every customer * Provide a clear explanation of guidelines for participation in the beginning salsa class * Show common decency by explaining your concerns with customer's participation in your class in person and not sending someone else to explain for you Sincerely, Very disappointed Afro-Latina Woman read more