We love the Beat! I (and my husband Robert) have had nothing but fantastic experiences here and highly recommend it. Roger is so wonderful. He always has a kind word for everyone who enters and has the true soul of a dancer. Nick and Irina are also awesome teachers. It's crazy how much you learn and progress in even one class! read more

I came here to support my former teacher who was subbing a Brazilian dance class here and parking is free! The staff is welcoming and there are all sorts of classes here. The studio where the class was held is small but cozy enough for at least 8 people. read more

This place is great!!! Just not for beginners. I took the Latin Workout with Eddy. The first 15 minutes was so fun. He is an awesome, fluid dancer and was getting us into our bodies. Everyone was all smiles. Then he started a routine. At first it was easy. Then he incorporated a turn here and another move there. And he kept building on the routine. In 30 minutes, we were dancing a routine of about 6 minutes long. I couldn't remember the moves and couldn't keep up. I thought to myself, you have thirty more minutes... you can do it. But he kept adding more and more moves. So I left. If ever he teaches a class with 45 minutes of moves and 15 minutes of routine, I'm all in. PM me. I'll run down in a heart beat. Until then, I'm in search of a place where I can have fun moving without doing a complicated dance that I'll never perform anywhere, ever. read more

Still the best deal in town - high quality teachers for the price. I have a class card for 12 sessions so it amounts to $10 a class. I have been taking tap for the past 8-9 years mainly from Gregg Geoffroy, swing dance for the last 4-5 years from Nick and Irina, and recently added a Lindy hop class also taught by Nick and Irina. Still singing praises about all three instructors - Gregg, Irina and Nick. I want to make a pitch for the East Coast swing dance classes: Nick and Irina's Friday class at six p.m., and to mention that a beginner's class will be offered in the fall, at 7 p.m. Oh, yes, the Lindy hop on Saturdays at six could use a huge infusion of students too! The Adult East Coast swing class at six p.m. is usually a very small class with a small number of consistent attendees - maybe 4; and when one or two can't come, we're down to just a couple students and the instructors, unless new or former students randomly attend. Also, oftentimes when the knowledge level of the attendees is disparate, Nick and Irina are able to split up, one of them taking the beginners, and the other teaching the ones with more swing dance experience so that attendees don't feel overlooked. And, sometimes when there aren't enough leaders, one or both of their teenage sons rotate into the class; both know the steps so they are able to give us tips on how to improve. And Irina can lead as well as follow. In the fall, it should be announced on the Beat's website soon, Nick and Irina will be offering at beginner's class on a trial basis at 7pm on Friday nights to provide beginners with more focused time to learn the basics. Come on down and check it out - Irina and Nick are knowledgable, patient, and teach with a bit of humor. A great recipe for an enjoyable learning experience. I love that such high caliber dance instruction is so close to home. 8/10/18 - Just wanted to update info on the start date of the Intro to East Coast Swing class - September 7 will be the first class, at 7pm, and from what I understand, the trial period is only going to be a month or so, so please think about going if you want to learn basic swing and have fun at the same time! Bring friends! 11/6/18 - https://www.facebook.com/events/278160416167902/?ti=icl A new beginner series started on last Friday, 11/2/18 from 7-8 pm. Drop ins ok, no partner required. There are only a few students so far, so if you go, it will be like getting semi-private lessons with excellent teachers! read more

Best place in town to learn tap. This is Rhythm tap dance the way the old black gentlemen used to perform in the smokey jazz clubs. Popularized by Gregory Hines in our time. They also have classes in tango, hip hop, and other styles. The class pricing is pretty flexible. Different plans. They have regular jam nights which are a great party-like atmosphere that can be loads of fun. But the focus is on tap. If you think the usual tap dance "flappity, clunk, clunk, tappity, crappity" is inane and annoying, give rhythm tap a try. http://users.lmi.net/thebeat/ read more

I have looked for a hip hop dance class with a great teacher in SF and now the East Bay for a while. I've found that the teachers, while great at the dance, suck at teaching. Until now. Sarah at The Beat on Tuesdays 6:30-8pm is great. Her class is a contemporary mix of hip hop, modern and jazz. She brings us up, down, changes the tempo, reminds us to perform, notices what needs improvement and tenderly makes suggestions. She's an awesome teacher, teaches a super fun class, and uses a variety of inspiring music from all genres. Plus the greeter, Roger, was very welcoming and a drop in is only $13 (bring cash for drop in fee cause you can only pay with a credit card for a pack). read more

Took a Wednesday night Brazilian Dance class here with some friends. I never tried this form of dance before and probably never will again because its not my thing. The teacher was pleasant enough although she did take her job rather seriously. My fellow dancers ranged in skill level with some being novices like me while others could probably teach this class. The price of $13 was very reasonable for the length of the class. I noticed they have all kinds of things going on here and most of the participants do not have two left feet so if dancing is not your thing stick to your local gym Zumba class. read more

I go here on Thurs for tango lessons. Sean and Charity alternate with Dan and Pier for the 8pm Foundation and 9pm Intermediate class, every other week. Did that make sense? S&C teach the beginner class and D&P the intermediate class one week. Next week they switch. My fave is S&C. Very contact improv like: they're very focussed on connecting w/your partner. After the first class, you can linger and practice, which I did for the first time. And after 10pm they open up both spaces and apparently it goes on till 11:30 or so. Tangoistas must have late starting day jobs. Tonight's class was so cool: we practiced w/our eyes closed- both leader and follower- we were amazed at where we ended up when we opened our eyes; we "free danced" to the music (as if at a club, not in close formation); we walked around in a pack; they crowded us in a smaller and smaller space to feel what it's like at a milonga; we danced in different ways depending on how the music changed. And we didn't learn a single step. I am hooked. read more

I have been studying tap with Gregg Geoffroy at The Beat for about 3 years and it has been an extremely positive experience for me. Gregg is a really great teacher. He is upbeat and friendly and creates a safe environment for his students to learn and explore. He's a talented tapper, technically sound, and very passionate about the art form. Gregg is also extremely knowledgeable about tap history and music and often finds a way to integrate interesting information or related activities (improv, rhythm, etc.) into the class. His classes are always fun and challenging and I cannot recommend them highly enough. The studio itself is small, yet clean, with good floors and friendly front desk staff. It's easy to park and the classes are affordable, particularly if you buy a series. Check it out! read more

Beside my career, Dance is my passion and the Beat always makes me feel like home. I came to the Beat looking for a great hip-hop class which was not so crowded with the youngsters ( usually goes with immaturity) and I found it. The diversity of the dances, staff and students excite me every time I take a class. I have now gotten my feet wet with Tap, Cuban Salsa, Urban and Temporary Jazz and hip-hop, and more to come. The more I know about the work that the Beat has done on the communities, the more respect I have for it. It is a non-profit dance organization that has been around for 10 years. It has created many mutual and communal relationships with not only with the toddlers, teenagers, adults but also the elders. Places like the Beat shall be supported and reserved for the community's souls as we are all busy living in this chaotic materialistic world. read more

I decided if I was going to keep up Jesse's amazing salsa moves I was definitely going to have to kick it up a notch. So I found this place--thanks to Yelp--and dropped by here after a quick bite straight from work. The crowd was pretty good mix though slightly on the older side--which is good for learning. You know, no shinanigans. This is an intermediate class so it took all my effort to keep up! Yismari is a really good teacher. Knows how to take control of a class and really get everybody going. She could totally tell I was not much more than a beginner but she let me embarrass myself through the whole class, gave me a few pointers and let me pair with a guy who did a good job of avoiding have his feet amputed. I loved it. Will definitely be back as I can! read more

If you are looking for a place to satisfy that gotta dance urge you never had time to indulge until now, The Beat is the place. If you want to tap, Gregg Geoffroy is the teacher you've been looking for. Gregg is a talented dancer and a gifted teacher who seems to get as much pleasure out his classes as his students do. Gregg teaches all levels, but offers an Intro to Tap class geared for adults which is sequenced--the only class with no drop-ins--so you start with the foundations & build up to a routine. Since there are no hyper-active kiddies in the room, he also includes insight into the musicianship of tap and its rich cultural heritage--just the right tasty treat for head & heart to keep you inspired & working on some step that is driving you nuts! And while Gregg has the patience of a saint, he will challenge you to reach your best potential--not an easy balance to strike. This class will make you happy, take it. read more

I was always curious about this place and finally went a few months ago. There are so many amazing dance teachers here, I wish I could quit my job and just live at the studio! After 20 years of not dancing, I took the dive (nervously) and tried a noon class. A few months later, now I'm an addict. Emanuel Colombo's dance class is SO much fun. He's an amazing dancer, a patient teacher, and radiates energy and vibrancy. Plus he's downright adorable. Whether you're a beginner or a dance connoisseur, this class is great! Challenging, but repetitious enough to give you a chance to get it. Plus a good workout for both mind and body. The Beat studio itself has a warm community feel. Very welcoming and friendly, whether you're shy or outgoing. So glad I finally checked it out. read more

Salsa Socials every other Friday! The Afinkao Dance Company hosts socials which attract the salsa regs. They have performances and competitions occasionally. They last did a Jack and Jill, aka same-sex dance partner competition. It was hilarious! If you wanna see the underground salsa scene, come here to check it out. If you're shy, have some sangria to build up your courage and maybe you'll get some tumbao. read more

Gregg is mega-skilled at breaking down what he's doing to transfer learning (what we're really doing when we're doing, say, a double shuffle, beyond simply a double shuffle). Instead of simply saying "keep practicing," he explicates what's really up (for example, how to find your unique "sweet spot" on the floor to aim your double shuffle at). Most teachers teach content such as "this is a shuffle," "this is how a neuron transmits chemicals." Really excellent Teachers are able to unpack things in a way that aides learning to learn beyond the specific content explicitly being taught. The way Gregg teaches tap not only makes someone a better tapper but can also help them learn neurobiology (or whatever else they might be interested in) more quickly--which is a motivating reason for us older beginners to tap even though we're not headed for a stage and, for those who are headed to a stage, makes for more sustainable success. read more

I wish I could take Jazz Blues dance classes with Roger every day! So good for the soul! read more

The Beat - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

They have what's called an Argentinian tango "practica" (kind of like a milonga, which is a party, but with the lights on and no taboos about talking/teaching while dancing) here every Monday night. They say "intermediate" but if you're an intermediate beginner, I think you're OK. 8:15- 9:15 P.M. is group class, usually led by Homer Lades, I think, who's fairly well-respected in the tango community (though he seems more "nuevo" than traditional). 9:30-midnight is the practica. Dress however you like; some come a bit more dressy, but most are in casual wear (t-shirts and the like). This is a good place to practice and resolve some problems in your dancing. No need to bring a partner. $10 gets you class + practica, $5 practica only. Seems a lot more open to mixing, even though a fair number of the inner circle go there. Much more fun is the all-night milonga every fourth Saturday of the month, 9:30-10:30 class, 10:30 to whenever, milonga. $15 for class + milonga, $10 for just the party. They have wine (it's $3 a glass or something) and snacks for free. The floor is fairly big and many big dancers come; it gets fairly crowded; dress up for the milonga! People come in fancy get-up. read more

My friends and I love The Beat in Berkeley, and have been coming whenever we can, to take Tap from Gregg. And that means driving from San Francisco in the morning to get there. I wish Gregg could teach a few classes in S.F. to save us the bridge trip, but until he does, we'll have to make the journey. So many people have described how good his classes are that I can't think of anything new to say - except that he is a very good dancer and teacher. Anyone who wants to get started with Tap should consider taking his introduction to Tap class and find out why we're having so much fun. read more

Still the best social in the area (along with El V), especially for on2 dancing and great salsa dura music. No bachata.

**Monday night tango** Great dancing, great vibe, great floor. However, I don't own a car and find it really difficult to get there. Otherwise I'd have given it 5-stars. **3rd Saturday all-night tango** Dressier. More people than Monday night, slightly lower level, but again; great dancing, great vibe, great floor. I've only been here once, but I'm so glad that SF keeps an all-night tango event running!!! read more

Great selection of dance classes for people of all levels. Really friendly students too. Try tango here! I am happy this place exists and I live close by read more

Having never taken a dance class in all my 47 years...I nonetheless decided to try Gregg Geoffroy's Intro to Tap class at The Beat in Berkeley...The facility is quite nice...it's not run-down and it's kept clean and comfortable...The front desk staff is always friendly and helpful...but, enough about that...on with my review of the class... Simply put: Gregg is a terrific teacher and the class is a total blast! Being an absolute newcomer to dancing I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up...Gregg has a great way of keeping the pace brisk...but not leaving anyone behind....He's funny, knowledgeable and not only takes you through the basics of tap, he also imparts a lot of information on the history of tap...so, one can get a better perspective on where and how it all began and developed... I just started the Beginner's Tap Class....after 14 weeks of the Intro Class...and I can't wait each week for my tap class! Pretty much, I feel really lucky that I found The Beat and Gregg Geoffroy's class... All this and the price of classes is more than fair...if not downright inexpensive!! read more

Home away from home! Tap with Geoff is amazing!!! Challenging and always a blast! Geoff helps bring out your best qualities and your own style. At the same time he is amazing at helping you fix any problems you may have with a step. Routines are always fun, challenging, and overall the best tap experience you could ask for. To top off the superior technical skills you will learn, you'll also make friends. Everyone is very welcoming, supportive, and encouraging. Good people, mind-blowing rhythmic tap, and fun...what more could you ask for?! read more

I take hiphop on Saturdays from 2-3:30. Gorgeous space. Beautiful lighting. Great Choreography with good music. Can't ask for more from a dance studio. read more

I've been dancing for more than 20 years....Latin, Tango, Jazz and Tap.....you name it. I love to dance with great rhythms and hot music! I've been lucky to study with some of the best, since I'm originally from New York. I've done some Salsa performing and have taken Salsa, at The Beat. The Salsa was great and I loved the Friday night Milonga. I met a lot of people and we danced late....I sometimes drop in on a Tango class. The Jazz classes are a hard workout and fun..but, the Tap class was disappointing, especially for an advanced class. The small Saturday class was mostly middle aged women,even though a guy taught. It was more like an aerobics class with loud music !!! Check out the Latin dance here. Jazz was good. Better go someplace else for Tap !!!! read more

My friend and I came here for their monthly Saturday night tango (the last Saturday of every month) and it was awesome! Everyone was friendly and the music was good. Everyone knew more or less how to dance and they even had really good snacks. The price is totally reasonable and the atmosphere is great. My friend and I didn't sit down for more than 5 minutes then entire night, because so many people asked us to dance! I can't wait to go back! read more

Gregg Geoffrey's tap dance classes make me want to scream and shout! We practice very simple but at the same time great sounding Jazz Rhythms. I like the way our heels always keep a steady (but jazzy, off-beat) beat. The back bone of our rhythms. I travel all over the country for my work and I look for good tap dance classes but these are the best I have found anywhere! We are lucky to have him. He is also keeping Tradition alive by passing down the style and choreography of Eddie Brown. I forgot to mention that his Classes are a good cardio workout. No constant stopping to learn warm up routines. He just starts and you better follow along! It's great! Of course when we start learning choreography then we stop and start a bit. And one more thing - I take exception to the fact that there are two $'s next to this facility. These are the cheapest classes I have taken anywhere in the country! I have paid $20 per class in other places. Here, if you take 8 classes it knocks the price down to $10 per class!! Very cheap. read more

The Beat - My tap shoes with a cup of awesome beer from the Linden Street Brewery in them! - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

The Beat is a fine place to get your dance on! I've taken tap classes with Greg for years, He is a skilled, fun, and slightly goofy teacher. He makes his classes accessible for a range of talents and dance experience--everyone feels good--never intimidated. But make no mistake, he's a serious dancer and knows his rhythm tap stuff! I also enjoy a good sweaty workout from Kati for zumba classes. She'll work your butt off! Have taken some tango classes too, those tend to cater more to the more-experienced tango crowd. read more

ZYDECO DANCE LESSONS: done by a guy named Dana DeSimone. his intrepretation of cultural zydeco is not what they teach in Louisiana! socially divisive, very clicky group, go elsewhere. Ashkenaz in Berkeley and Just Dance in Oakland better places to learn! read more

Roger is kind and welcoming. Plenty of free street parking. Good teachers and great dance party on 4th Sundays!

I used to live in the Bay Area, but now live and work in the entertainment industry in L.A. I've worked with hundreds of dancers and performers over the years and have done extensive performing myself- in tap, jazz, ballroom and vintage dance and tap. I've studied with the best dancers worldwide and have performed worldwide. My parents were dance instructors. So, I know when I see a good dancer and dance teacher. My experience at the Beat studio with Gregg G. 's tap classes was very disappointing. I agree with the reviewers here who say he's a very mediocre teacher and dancer, who likes to talk too much. I didn't learn anything different or new and I remember thinking that he looked like he was trying to do very poor imitations of Gregory Hines or Savion Glover ! I guess he was trying to be the big fish in the small tap pond. I kept hoping his classes would get better and be more challenging and innovative. But after a few classes, I moved on to another studio with another teacher. Luckily, I'm now in L.A., enjoying tap with some of the greats. I definitely wouldn't recommend taking Gregg's tap classes here- especially if you have any hope of becoming a good performer. You won't even learn what you need to know for community theater tap auditions. I also remember that the lady at the front desk, who said she was the owner, was very cold and not welcoming at all. Plus the place looked dirty and run down. read more

I am absolutely hooked on Katy's Zumba classes at the Beat. She is an incredible teacher and dancer. Her classes are challenging and fun. And she always has new moves to teach. The staff at the Beat are friendly and professional. read more

Home away from home! I've been taking jazz dance classes and Argentinian tango classes over the years whenever I can. Wonderful atmosphere. Routines are always fun, challenging, and overall the best experience you could ask for. People have been describing in details about teh classes, I cannot think of anything new to say. read more

I love the Beat! It's a friendly community space with all kinds of dance to offer. Lots of ages, lots of styles, and a welcoming atmosphere. I take 3-4 tap dance classes a week with Gregg Geoffrey and it's the highlight of my week. Gregg is a great teacher who does a range of different styles of tap, challenges his students to do more than they think they can, and incorporates all kids of mental, musical, and physical lessons. His classes are very energetic, with just the right amount of challenge and seriousness and silliness too. Gregg and the Beat make tap a real community, which is so great to be a part of. read more

I stopped by for a Friday night salsa party (I think it's only once per month) and it was excellent. The room was large and had a good floor and the DJ was playing great music. The dancers were excellent - both on1 and on2 style - and everyone was really nice. Priced at $14, it's a little higher than I expected, but there was a band playing so it may be cheaper other nights. read more

Excellent Latin Rhythms in Motion class by Ysmari. Good, proper, and challenging footwork technique.

Afia's Thompson's Afro-fusion class is amazing! It blends some of the most fun and beautiful African dance moves with dancehall reggae music. There were also some reggaeton and hip hop moves thrown in with some attitude. The class is non intimidating and by the end of the 6 week session you will walk away with some choreography to perform or bring to the club. Afia is a great teach and can break down any move or combination so the class works for all levels of dancers.This is my dream dance class. Come check it out! read more

We love Nick and Irina's swing classes. They are patient, but keep up the pace and we have learned so much in such a short time. We can't wait to keep taking these classes! read more

Best tap and jazz classes. Great array of classes for all ages. Great vibe!!!!! Roger who teaches jazz and also he welcomes new students and he knows so much about the dance world and dance history. A great Bay Area institution of dance. read more

I came to the Beat tonight because a friend invited me to come. I took the beginners Thursday tango class. It was ok. My friend arrived for the intermediate class which is just after, so I wanted to join her. They let me pay for the class, go inside, and have the teacher tell me that I couldn't stay!! Because I didn't have 3 months of experience in tango. I have years of experience in classical ballet, contemporary dance. I do salsa and I have done tango. I consider myself a danser. This is not the attitude that a center like this should have. It is unpleasant and unfriendly. Are they preparing professional dansers? No. This should be friendly place where people come to danse and relax after work.. Their attitude is completely off. If you want a friendly place to dance where you can have fun and learn, I recommend the Shawl-Anderson Dance Center also at Berkeley. read more