I go to LEVY every Thursday from Pittsburg for their Thursday evening KPop class and it is WORTH. tl;dr: The studio is a great space with everything dancers need and the K-Pop-Up SF class is fun and totally worth a 45min to 1 hour drive every week. CLASS & TIME: The class is $7 and hosted by K-Pop-Up SF every Thursday evening at 7:30pm-8:30pm. Perfect timing coming from the East Bay because toll goes down to $4 after 7:00 and I drive there. I have been on one exhibition hip hop team, one hip hop competition team, one KPop competition team, and one KPop exhibition team prior to taking these classes. None of those teams or their classes have been as welcoming and friendly as K-Pop-Up SF has been when I went to my first class. There is a safety waiver, but the classes arent dangerous and they dont force you outside your comfort level, so it's perfect for all levels and ages (there is a second waiver for minors that requires an adult to sign as well). The teachers rotate each week and each of them teach a little differently and handle different types of songs, but all of them are kind and help with questions when needed. Rock M. Sakura teaches JPop choreography every first Thursday (their J-Pop-Up night) and these classes are always upbeat and fun and usually have slightly easier choreography that is fast and gets you sweating! Mindy teaches boy group choreography every third and fifth Thursday and these tend to be a bit harder in their details and quick, small movements and footwork. Despite that, Mindy makes each dance fun and easy to learn and answers questions really well. Francesca and Cash Monet take turns teaching girl groups on second and fourth Thursdays. Both of them teach well and add sass to the dances. My favorite part of their classes is when they tell you where you can add your own flair and encourage expressing yourself. They helped make dance fun again for me, to be completely honest. LOCATION: Coming off of the Bay Bridge I take the Civic Center and 9th exit and I'm basically there. The parking isnt super great, but there is plenty of nearby street parking. The studio itself is easy to find as Heron is just a small alley, which might look intimidating at first but my friends and I have never had a safety issue here and there are so many people a few feet away on 8th Street. It's really nice inside, the studio has a waiting room, two gender neutral bathrooms, some moveable seating, and so much space. There is air conditioning if the room gets really hot and crowded, so it's never uncomfortable in the studio. read more

This is a nice, spacious studio space that I take hoop classes in. There are large mirrors along two walls as well as big couches at the back of the room; there's even a small waiting room that's sort of half hidden from the class area. There's also two restrooms for your convenience My classes are at night, so the one thing I really don't like about this studio is the location. It's down a side street near 8th and harrison, and even though the street is lit, it feels a bit sketch at night. A few times i've seen people sleeping along the sidewalk. They mostly mind their own business, but as a woman walking solo at night, it made me a bit on edge. read more

Lovely place with lovely people for blues dancing. It might look like it's in a somewhat desolate and sketchy area, but it's really okay. The venue is sometimes packed and sometimes medium, but always a good variety of dancers. The DJs are pretty good at playing a variety of blues music and occasionally some alternative styles of music. The quality of the dancing varies a lot, which is great, because it means all different levels are welcome here. They have novice-level drop-in classes an hour before the event starts. read more

If You Are A Beginner, AVOID Studio Garcia! I saw the beginner tango class on their website http://www.sftango.com I called ahead to ensure that I can drop in. Ken Delmar returned the call and confirmed. So I showed up for the beginner tango class on a Saturday morning. About 20 students were in the studio. The instructor Natasha Delmar started off complaining that beginner students are dropping-in, which was very odd to me, given it is a "beginner class" (BTW, there's a bit of a language barrier, I believe she's Asian despite the name "Natasha") So, Natasha decided to split the beginner class into "pure beginners" and "somewhat beginner" Turns out about 15 of 20 students were pure beginners:) At that point she got more frustrated and rude. So I started to ignore her (as few other students did) and focused on my partner Angee, who taught me much more in few minutes! When Natasha noticed that, she immediately interjected and followed with a mild insult. I pointed out she's being rude. She fumed "Oh I've heard that before many times" and when I told her perhaps she shold take a clue she kicked me out of the class. To be fair, she returned the $12 class fee. Ken Delmar is calm, kind and competent. I feel he would be a good teacher. The beginner class doesn't much of his time. Natasha Delmar surely is competent and a skilled dancer, BUT she is tense, frustrated and rude. She is a POOR teacher. (I was determined to learn tango -- not gonna let a bitter teacher spoil this experience:) and I found Sonja Riket. She teaches from her soul.) read more

To be brief. I haven't had this much fun in a long...ass...time. Studio Gracia is pretty tucked away in a small alley in SOMA. If you blink once, you just might miss the street it's on. On the inside, it's green, with lots of mirrors, and it has plenty of dancing space...which is good because it's a pretty large dancing crowd that shows up on Fridays. There's a couple of fans around but they also have the option to open a garage door to let in some cool SF air when things get a little too hot. They offer lessons at 9pm, and I went to one of them. But to be honest, teaching folks how to dance to the blues is sort of an exercise in futility. You just feel it. And your body knows the rest. Imagine dancers from all kinds of backgrounds--some lindy hoppers, salsa dancers, tango folks, a couple of hip hop folks, and of course we'll throw in some newbies for good measure. The DJ turns on some gritty, earthy, Blues music straight from New Orleans, Memphis, or some small backwoods town in Texas...and mixes in a little modern funk and hip hop. Everyone grabs a partner, walks out to the dance floor, and completey just rocks out to the music with a lot impromptu hip rolling, head turning, booty shaking, spanking, and touch the floor dips that leave you smiling from ear to ear and/or squealing with delight. The crowd here is really friendly and there to have a good time. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then I hope to see you there next time. read more

Natasha was a terrible beginner's teacher. She became easily frustrated and did not explain the movements clearly. My sense is that perhaps she was a good tango dancer but should NOT be teaching beginners. I would recommend trying a more encouraging teacher. read more

3.75 stars When you park, DON'T leave anything in it. It'll get broken into. Just look at all the glass on the sidewalk and you'll know. The space is large and unfinished. It always takes the pupils a bit to accommodate to the dimness here too. Other than that, it's a cool spot. read more

Ahhhh blues dancing..... the socially acceptable way to feel up a girl, no alcohol necessary! Anything that lets me get my groove on on a Friday night that doesn't have an adverse effect on my liver or judgement is a bona fide good time. There are some awesome dancers here and I always have a good time when I'm with a good lead. Everyone is really cool and willing to dance with people who aren't as good, which can be a problem with the dance crowd. I say this because my strategy is to let the guy lead and I'll just move as the music takes me. And that generally works, or at least it has so far. Other than that, plenty of places to sit and chill, fans and a garage door that is opened to make sure there is air circulation, which is needed. I will warn though, I've had experiences here with men that are clearly NOT there to dance and just to "be close" to unsuspecting women. To rectify that, don't show until 11. By then the good people show up. Or if you are coming for the lesson (which I believe starts at 8 or so and I should start doing), go for a drink and come back at 11. That way you'll miss out on being felt up by inappropriate old men. read more

You would expect San Francisco to have a real cutting-edge dance company that, via its performances, projects, and classes actually stretched the boundaries of dance greatly and LEVY is that company. Whatever its physical space lacks in design or grandeur, it makes up for in the sincerity and gravitas of the work they present here. Their professional and pre-professional classes and intensives also have to be highly recommended because they can provide young yet developed dancers with exposure to choreography that they would likely not find elsewhere. read more

Sunday nights they have Argentinian tango milongas (parties) here from 8:30 P.M. - 1 A.M., preceded by beginner (6:45 P.M.) and intermediate (7:30 P.M.) lessons. I believe it's $10 to get in, slightly more ($15) when they have live tango music, which is very cool. The mirrors make for interesting self-observation and the large space is great for a free-flowing line of dance. Slightly older and dressier crowd; I like the fancy avuncular gentleman in the tight pin-striped suit and hat; nice two-tone shoes, too. Some fishnets, definitely lots of dresses and suits. They have a couple of bottles of bad wine but they go fast; bring a flask if you need to calm your nerves ;) Fairly friendly if not as glamourous crowd, a lot of mixing; intermediate beginners should feel OK here. read more

It was my first time, but it did not feel like it...thank you, fellow Friday Night Blues dancers, for making it so mmmmmm.....goooooooood! I am loving the comp mix cd and looking forward to using my coupon for another event. Check it out in person or at www.beyondblues.com read more

Its a dimly lit small studio where every Friday night they play a mix of blues music and blues inspired music. Leaning the basics of blues dancing is incredibly easy, so you can quickly get out on the dance floor and have a great time. I frequently recommend it to my friends who have never partner danced before who want to try learning to dance. Luckily they have lessons before the dance for those who are new to it, so you can learn and experience it all on the same night. For those who are a bit more experienced with dancing, there can be an amazing amount of connection and subtlety to blues dancing. And lets not forget the musicality. Many of the advanced dancers there have a lot of experience in other dances and they infuse their blues dancing with other genres from swing, salsa, tango, and hip hop to name a few. While others are more purists who stick to the various forms of blues dancing. There is usually a mix of all levels at the dance. From beginners to people who have been dancing for many many years. Tho lately I have experienced it heavier on the beginner and intermediate side and lighter on the advanced dancers. Overall a friendly crowd and a good time. If you decide to go make sure you don't leaving anything visible in your car. This area of SOMA is known to have lots of auto break ins. I often ask someone to walk with me to my car at the end of the night too. read more

This review is for the space only, not for the classes. I went to my first Bay Area Flash Mob practice yesterday and loved the space. There were cubbies for our gear, mirrors to check out our moves, good floors, very clean bathroom. I arrived early so I got to see the Star Wars Light Saber folks wrapping up their class. Awesomeness! read more

Friday was my first time blues dancing...or any type of partner dancing for that matter. That is, other than the sweaty, gyrating, meat-market-y club dancing of my long-gone youth. It was totally fun and chill. The instructor of the all levels dance instruction hour, Nicole, was knowledgeable, friendly, and funny. She was adept at demonstrating the steps...I, however, was no so adept at emulating them, but that is not her fault! She also suggested a great exercise for getting into our bodies when I questioned how not to be so in my head and cognitive about the dance. I loved the music and relaxed vibe. I stayed for a little bit of the social dance. It was fun to dance with different partners and get a feel for different styles. It was also nice that the dancers were so much more obviously interested in just grooving to the music and possibly honing their craft than trying to pick someone up for a one night stand like in those aforementioned seedy, sticky night clubs of yore. (Yes, I know this is not that kind of venue, but still, it was a very welcome change.) I am definitely going to go back. I had a fun time, but I think I'd have even more fun if I were not constantly knocking knees with my lead or nearly elbowing him/her in the face in a turn. read more

I had a good time here.. I went for the lessons starting at 8 until 10 and then stayed for a bit afterwards for some dancing. I wouldn't say the lessons really taught me much.. but they definitely eased me into the concept of what blues dancing is supposed to be. I think this place would be much better if they served alcohol. Aside from that it was pretty different and fun. read more

Shady alleyway, in which we got into a car accident. . . . .but anyway.. . . Ayup. Fun from 9pm to 2am. Ridiculous amount of dancing. Lots and lots of people. Some pretty fun, unique dancers. Would go back! I do have to complain that they left me out of the visitors/birthday jam even though I came halfway across the world (quite literally) ... :( read more

Friday Night Blues is not only one of the best places in the world to go Blues Dancing, but the first weekly venue in the world for the contemporary Blues Dancing scene. Don't know what Blues is? Come and find out and a friendly and open venue, you'll leave hooked! :) read more

I want to be careful in writing this review, because I feel like there are things I'm going to write about that are more a reflection of the dance community in general than just this venue... but anyway, here goes. I can't say I come here very often, but when I do, I tend to have a pretty good time as long as I am on my guard. I'm referring to the number of men who seem to come here thinking that they don't really need to learn much to blues dance and to touch pretty girls... and that's about all they really care to do. As an advanced blues dancer, it is frustrating to have to endure a dance with someone who decides that the dance is about something other than dancing, and stares at you the whole time, squeezes your hands, etc. So I will reiterate what I was trying to say at first: I feel this is a problem with the dance scene in general, and not necessarily Friday Night Blues' fault. However, I do feel there has to be some way to teach etiquette to beginners during the classes, and I am unsure if this is being done, since I have not been to a lesson at FNB for a very long time. However, I do advise all women who come here to just be on their guard, and watch people dancing before deciding who you're going to dance with - if you see someone dancing too sexually for your liking, or staring at their partner, etc. don't dance with that person. And that means, if they ask you to dance, politely turn them down. Or, if you end up in a dance with someone who is making you uncomfortable in some way (staring at you, squeezing your hands too hard, holding you too closely, etc) SAY SOMETHING to them about it. It is *only* through direct communication that many people are able to learn. If you do not tell people they are making you uncomfortable, they will continue to do the same things, thinking they are dancing wonderfully. Okay, time to step off my soapbox and talk more about this venue, specifically. The space is good for dancing, and the music is usually quite good (Steven Watkins, one of the regular DJs at this venue, is excellent). The venue is not brimming full with creepers or anything, there are just a few you might want to avoid... for the most part, people are friendly and you can come by yourself or in a group. I just would suggest having someone you trust walk you to and from your car if you don't get a parking spot right outside the venue, since it can be kind of a sketchy neighborhood. read more

So I'm a beginner at dancing in general. But I wanted to learn the Tango as a surprise to my girlfriend. I had two lessons at Studio Gracia with Ken and Natasha. Ken was very helpful, but Natasha was rude and rough. This combination didn't help me out any. She didn't help me in my learning process, because I was too focused on her abrasive approach. So if you know what you're doing, they're probably get for you, but if you don't know anything, I'd say it would be best to find some place that is more beginner-friendly. read more

I'm a big fan of Maisa Duke's Monday night samba class. After seeing other dancers (even the famous backdancers on youtube or the world dance video instructors), I believe Maisa is a cut above as a dancer. I love her choreography--complex, fast, beautiful. Other dance teachers I've seen do not offer that level of choreography ("samba workout" videos are dumbed down) or move as precisely as she does. The studio could use a daily floor sweep. Hey, Swiffer Jet makes it easy! It's definitely in a ghetto street, and you wonder if the place is even open sometimes, but the samba class and salsa following it are winners. I rec you already know the basic samba step beforehand though :) read more

My boyfriend and I came to Studio Gracia for Argentinian Tango classes offered on Saturdays by Ken Delmar. The building itself is a typical SOMA warehouse with a huge dance floor and mirrors on two walls. One of the walls is a garage door so it can be opened to allow airflow - very important when you are all sweaty from dancing. Ken Delmar is a great teacher. He explains everything very clearly and starts up very slow to make sure that your technique is good. He emphasizes the basics to make sure you won't pick up too many bad habits on the way. We really enjoyed his class and are coming back next Saturday as well. I highly recommend his classes - you won't be sorry. read more

Studio Gracia is a huge lovely space, a dancer's dream, set in a converted warehouse in the SOMA. There are awesome floors, couches, and there's enough space to move around so you can focus on dancing, not on having room to move. I highly recommend the Monday samba class and Wednesday afro-brazilian contemporary class, although I hear good things about all of the classes there. read more

Something is shady. The online schedule looked updated, but none of the phone numbers worked and when I showed up for class on Saturday, all the doors were locked and the lights were out. read more

For only $7(?) every Friday, you get 3 or 4 hours of the intensity and improvisation of tango, but with grinds, body rolls, dips, and twirls added to the mix. This dance is usually held at Studio Gracia every Friday from 10 to 1 or 2 (lessons start at 8.45), live music every once in a while. read more

Not a classic space, but more a studio turned into lounging area to watch artists express themselves. The atmosphere and cutting edge work more than makes up for the casual seating, which is comfortable, but sometimes can make it hard to see. read more

Studio Gracia is in the randomest of locations, but the studio is inviting. The Sunday night milongas with Ken & Natasha are great, and the 7:30 lesson is a nice warmup for dancing until midnight. Fourth Sundays of the month have live music instead of a DJ. read more

Studio Gracia is a beautiful studio with an excellent sound system and brand new wood floors! When I stumbled upon this space for grace, I fell in love with it and knew that it would be perfect for my Zumba Fitness classes. Truly an exceptional place! read more

Stumbled upon this place looking for a Meetup meeting. Excellent friendly-ness from fellow students and the instructor Mihai. Will be signing up for some classes! read more

I actually recommend this studio. I have been going there for 3 years for dance classes and also I've been at multiple party celebrations there. It is conveniently located and free street parking if you are lucky to find a spot read more

I only saw the bottom floor & it didn't seem huge, but it's a nice space tucked away in an old warehouse in SOMA situated in a little alleyway. Painted a bright apple green. Nice space. read more

I have had many fun times at this milonga. It is a garage, so on warmer nights the door gets rolled up and the night air wafts in the front half. The mirrors can be a blessing and a curse. The cars live in constant danger, but what is wrong with a little danger :) live on the edge. read more

To start with: I have never had "formal" dance lessons. I've just picked up a lot of stuff along the way, and consider going out to dance as a way to learn more - because I don't have the stupid amount of money most instructors charge for lessons. That being said, this is a pretty fun place to dance, as long as you're willing to spend half the night feeling like a complete idiot when your lead gives you that *look* of "Hey, I told you to do something, why aren't you doing it?" The good leads are *really* good, and if you're lucky enough to be asked by one of them to dance, you'll have a great time. Most of them can compensate for a follow with little to no training, and many of them are quite gracious about it. The time spent with them mostly makes up for the (blessedly few) ones who just can't believe what a n00b you are, and stalk off at the end of the dance in search of somebody who spends every night of the week dancing. The atmosphere is lively, the people are almost uniformly good-looking (in whatever flavor of good-looking they are, and oh my what a variety!), and the DJs know their business. With the sheer amount of dancers that show up, the space seems a little crowded, but I've had surprisingly few run-ins during dancing. If you're lucky enough to get yourself accepted to the dance scene, this is most definitely a place to be. If you're not...well, it's still fun to go every once in awhile, at least to pick up a few more moves. I'll see you on the sidelines! read more

Saturday mornings they have Argentinian tango classes : 10 am, 11 am & 12 am. Ken and Natasha are fantastic tango instructors. They teach both the foundation and more advanced elements of the dance very methodically and with patience. We have been studying tango with them for the third year, starting as beginners and taking advanced class now: it is such a fun class! We always look forward to our Saturday tango morning. I hope more people will come and join growing tango community. read more