5,6,7,8...that's all I hear after taking a class here. Mix in some salsa music, and you've got a kick-ass salsa class! This ballroom studio is such a fantastic place to learn salsa and/or bachata for all levels! We recently joined this ballroom studio and bought an 8-class pass. We're currently on our fourth session, and although the moves are a bit challenging, the instructors here really do try to get to every individual and see what each student's challenges are. What's great is that you will never find yourself with the same partner when you are here, which helps I feel helps you learn better as well. The place is definitely well kept, neat, and they have mirrors all around the facility! The prices are very affordable in comparison to some of the other studios we've seen in the past. Thank you to our awesome instructors! We can't wait to keep coming back! read more

The Sonata Room - Dance Studios Near Me - Arcadia, California

Amazing!!! Brandon and Laura are the best! Nice place to dance and shine our steps. They treated us like family. Best dancing school ever!!!! read more

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Little could I have known six years ago that I would walk through the doors of Sonata Room and begin a serious addiction. Yet, here I am attempting to learn dances I hadn't heard of before (i.e. bachata and zouk*), scheduling work trips near salsa venues and feeling weird if a week goes by where I'm not social dancing. I have Laura and Brandon to thank for that. The thing that keeps me coming back here, more than anything else, are the people. In fairness, I've met lots of awesome people at lots of other salsa venues I like to go to, but I've noticed some things here. At one salsa social, a woman I've known for quite some time and is starting to get up there in age kept being asked by men from my class to dance, which left her beaming in gratitude. They certainly didn't have to, but I something about salsa etiquette compelled them.** That's just the kind of people that are attracted to Sonata Room. A few general notes: - "Advanced" "intermediate" and "beginner" is a matter of some subjectivity, but if you want to see what some of the patters of each look like, check out their instagram page @sonataroom. I've also got quite a few up at @soccerandsalsa. - It was kind of a bummer that they had to crack down on folks bringing alcohol to the salsa socials , but the flip side is that everyone who comes to the events are there to dance. The result is overall very positive. - If you are inclined to take public transportation, there is no more convenient venue to the metro gold line (it is across the street).*** Overall, I'd recommend it to any social dancer of any ability. Trust me, they've got something for you. * Not to mention East Coast Swing and Cha Cha. ** Should you ever refuse a dance? It's complicated, but lean toward "no." thedancingirishman.com/2014/08/19/is-it-ok-to-refuse-a-dance *** In case you don't think anyone in LA takes public transportation vidasalsera.com/wp/?p=3881 read more

Very welcoming. My husband and I joined a beginner Tango class for the fist time today. They take credit card and cash and the drop in class fee is very reasonable. We cannot commit to a full schedule because me husband works shifts, so this model is perfect for us. You don't need a dancing partner, many people showed up by themselves and were able to find a partner. I think I saw around 15-20 people at the class. They have tables with tons of hand sanitizer. We really enjoyed the class and will be back. read more

Well what can I say about this place. One of my top favorite salsa studio. Big, clean, neat, mirrors, and amazing floor. Laura and Brandon, amazing instructor and they are such unique instructors that I would recommend to anyone who wants to learn Latin dance. Every Monday, they have advance salsa lesson, if you are close by, you must try the lesson. You will learn quick, - lead, follow, style, and combinations. Every month. 2nd and 4th Saturday salsa social 7pm - 8:30pm salsa lesson 8:30pm - 1:30am salsa social. They have deserts and cakes always :) so please enjoy and try this place out! read more

What's better than running around and around on a track? SALSA!! This was a special event day. Every Saturdays they have Latin dance night and a class at the beginning. When i first step into the Sonata room I was worried. I saw bunch of women and not that many men and also this was an intermediate class. This is my second time taking a salsa class. However, peeps do not fear! Intermediate class only means that you need to know the basic steps. So don't be afraid and do go to intermediate classes. And the guys finally came towards later of the night. They had a super spacious room to dance, since the place is a dance studio. With $10, they offer food and drinks!! Yeah you heard it right FOOD, actual FOOD! And by drinks i mean ice cold water ^__^. The water do run out very quickly, but its FREE! No more 4 dollar bottle waters!! YAY The crowd was pretty diverse, we got all age groups and all backgrounds. And there definitely some pros dancing their hearts out. Parking was pretty easy, tons of free parking. The location is pretty good. They played lots of salsa, some bachata, some appears to be mambo and cha cha cha, and some that i don't really know what it is. I had a blast and I got a wet shirt to prove it! (Well of course I already washed it, and yes i am not afraid of admitting that i was sweating! Girls sweat too OK) Dancing from 7:45pm to 1:00am, I am gonna be surprise if you don't sweat after all that workout ^_^ Dance people dance!! Cheers.. read more

I've been going to salsa classes for years off and on with Laura and Brandon. They are THE BEST!!! I've followed them since 2003, when they were in Pasadena, then Monrovia, and now Arcadia!! :) The first time I came to a class, I didn't know what to expect, but after watching all the other students dance so gracefully from the class before mine, I knew Laura would be an AWESOME instructor!!! You can tell a lot about how good an instructor is by how the students move. Do you want to move like the students you see? I SURE DID! All classes have the same layout: warm up, Laura and Brandon show you what you will be learning in the class that day, break into ladies/men groups to learn your steps, then everyone gets together in a circle paired up in couples to practice the steps. If you are in a 2nd, 3rd or 4th class of the session, you will add your previous week's routine to extend what you have learned. After the 4th week's routine, you will have an amazing lil routine learned. You think you're done then?? Now, its time to practice!! They have practice time after each class. This is where the real fun starts! I love dancing with Brandon because he makes me feel like I'm on Dancing with the Stars! He knows what level each student is at and pushes them just a lil farther so you surprise even yourself! I did things I didn't know I could do (those triple spins are hard!). It's exhilarating!! WOOOOO!!! hehe Each class session is normally 4 weeks long, 1 class per week. After the session ends, you start a new session with brand new moves! The best thing is... they guide you every step of the way, literally. All you need to know is how to count from 1-8. So easy!! Make sure to go on the first day of the session and you will be a-ok! They offer many different kinds of dances including Salsa, Mambo, Cha-Cha, Tango and Swing Dance. My personal favorite is Bachata. I HEART BACHATA!!! Bachata, to me, is very cute and sensual with cute little sexy moves added in. I love salsa too cuz i get to shake my bootie! hehe These classes push you to your limits. There are 3 levels for Salsa: Beginning, 1.5, Intermediate, and Advanced. It takes about 3-4 sessions to get to the next level, and you have to "audition" to get into Advanced. Let me tell you... Advanced is NOT easy. Even the warm up is hard the first few classes. The rates are also very reasonable: $12 per class or $50 for 5-class package. Each class is 1-hour long. Sonata Room also has Salsa Parties on Saturdays (ck the calendar) where there is a mini class, then dance dance dance!!! I've made lots of friends here and have lots of fun with. Thank you, Laura and Brandon, for making dancing accessible to everyone. You guys are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! Here's the website: http://latindancepros.com/calendar.html Get those dancin' shoes movin'!!!!! read more

I've had my fair share of salsa classes all throughout the LA area. I have been salsa dancing for about 7 years. I can easily say that Laura and Brandon are excellent instructors. There are some instructors in other places who will show you a flashy move or combo, one that you can do with the partners in your group class. Try to do that same move in a club and you are asking for trouble. Laura and Brandon don't do this. They demo the move, break it down separately for both women and men, then get in the rotation to ensure that you understand it. They don't just show you the move, they teach you about balance, frame, and how to lead or follow. This is tremendously important if you want to learn more advanced moves. The classes are very affordable and the fellow students are very friendly and level-appropriate. This is another important aspect of classes as you want to make sure that your group class doesn't have people that are too beginner and stunt your learning. Lastly, for those brave men that want to master their lead, they allow you to switch roles and learn to follow, strengthening your understanding of how much energy/force to give to your partner. As for the location, it is well kept and has an amazing dance floor space. Seriously, you will have plenty of space to learn and dance. Their social salsa dance events are awesome because of the space and the dancers. Though I did not take their beginning classes, their ability to teach intermediate and advanced classes prove to me that you will learn a solid foundation for salsa dancing. Hopefully when my one year old son gets a bit older I can take him there to learn how to salsa! read more

I returned back after three years. Signed up for tangos lessons. I still love and enjoy there classes. . Thought there's more younger people. Us seniors need to stop dancing Ha ha. There's still Elks lodge. I rate high because no matter what the situation. People there are very friendly. Wonderful dance floor and the goodies table. read more

This studio is taught by two really great teaches. It's a great find if you are a beginner or intermediate salsa dancer. I am an advanced dancer and am realizing it's hard to find classes for advanced dancers wanting to learn more styling/technique and dance with really good male dancers. They list their class as advanced but it's really intermediate. 80% of the men you are partnered with are clunky and have weak hand signals. The problem is many of them think they are advanced because no one is telling them their styles need work. I think the studio wound be better if once a month the teachers danced with each person and told them what areas need improvement. read more

Saturday night ballroom parties twice per month are the best in the San Gabriel Valley. For Margarita and I, these dances have become our favorite Saturday night activity. The special themed parties are special dances with decorations and dance showcases, such as the Hawaiian party, Halloween party, 4th of July, St Patricks day, and others. The best dancers always show up and show off. Beginners leaning to social dance go there to practice as well. Crowd is mixed with singles and couples, evenly mixed men and women, all ethnic mixes, all skill levels. The ballroom is a good size has mirrors on walls to help you if you want to practice and improve your dancing. Recorded dance music is always good and custom mixed at every dance by DJ Brandon. Snacks are good and the tofu, vegetarian, and sugar free cookies are included for the health minded. read more

At the advice of a dance classmate at another school, I attended their ballroom dance on 10/15/2011. $12 entry fee. Easy to find, with easy/free/close/safe parking. Large room, lovely dance floor. The crowd is friendly; although they probably know each other, they're not particularly cliquish. This is a DJ'd dance that focuses mostly on ballroom, with some swing and 'nightclub' mixed in for variety. Nice, clean, well-maintained water/punch and buffet on offer throughout the night. Note: I said buffet, not dinner - just enough food to take the edge off of being a hungry dancer. The only negative was that the pre-dance lesson was in no way for beginners. The teacher said that the bulk of the crowd is intermediate/advanced, so it was pitched at that level. I totally understand, but that's 30 minutes of life that I'll never get back. Anyhow, if you're at least a strong beginner+ in ballroom dance, give this place a try...you'll like it. read more

I love it I found this place from Yelp since it's only 10 minutes away from my place. It is my first time taking dance class in my life and I am surprised that I had so much fun. The studio size is big, can dance comfortably. The instructors are good. They teach you steps by steps. You learn new step in each class and review the previous steps. Love the rotate system, you get the chance to dance with different people and you can learn from each of them. The salsa social are good too, $10 you get 1 hour class, and dance the rest of the night with unlimited drinks and foods. The price is reasonable too, if you buy $50 package, it cost you $10 per class only. I just saw they have unlimited class for $120 within certain of time. I might check that out later. read more

What can I say about the Sonata Room? Simply amazing doesn't even begin to describe the experience I've had here. I started taking lessons here in July 2011 as a way to not to stir crazy while waiting for Fall Semester to start. Upon taking my first few classes I instantly fell in love. For a brief period I progressed to level 1.5, but unfortunately I had to go back to level 1 because I have a 7 to 10 pm class on the nights they offer level 1.5. The fact that I'm willing to continue taking a level that I feel I've become too advanced for should speak for itself - the atmosphere, the place, the other people taking lessons, and lastly, Brandon and Laura, the instructors, are too awesome to bid farewell too. I plan on continuing taking lessons here, and hopefully can return to level 1.5 soon! I recommend this place to anyone! read more

Sonata Room is a great place for Argentine tango dancers. Lessons are relatively cheap. Many famous teachers from Argentina have classes there. I like that the ball room is big. When you come to a milonga on Fridays, you can try new fancy sequences without bumping into somebody else. You have to travel beyond Pasadena, though. The Gold subway line stops right near the studio if you want to explore this possibility to get to lessons. Of course, there are many charming ladies who don't mind dancing with me there. That's the most important thing. read more

Love this studio. For me it is so conveniently located with plenty of free parking which is a huge plus for me. I started going here by a classmate's recommendation who went to every single Argentine Tango class in San Gabriel/Burbank are and rated Brandon Kwae's class the highest. I am happy to report I was not disappointed. I have gone to many classes around this area too and have come to the same conclusion. The studio is nice and roomy with mirrors so you can easily correct yourself. Brandon's teaching style is a pitch perfect mixture of technique and steps so even though this is an incredibly difficult dance, you always feel like you're stepping forward, pun intended. He is very friendly, easy to approach and open to questions. The classes, which I have been attending for close to two years is full of people with no attitudes (even though there are several ballroom champions - taught by Brandon - in the classes) and each class is filled with laughter. If you have fallen in love with this dance as I have and want to learn it, the Sonata Room is a great place to learn and get privates as well. Plus there are Milongas each month so you can show off your new moves, enjoy performances from world reknown Argentine Tango masters while enjoying homemade vegan friendly Hors d'oeuvres. read more

Great place to go dancing on Saturday (2nd and 4th week) for salsa. Everybody is nice and friendly especially the people who run this studio (Brandon and Laura). Snacks and drinks is provided. read more

I have been dancing for over 20 years, but in recent years I had to retire early due to a accident I had. I lost my motivation to dance, but some friends of mine convinced me to attend the sonata rooms class on Wednesday. I have just moved to the arcadia recently so I was a little skeptical to go somewhere that I haven't trained at. But when I went in everyone was very friendly and the instructors really took the time to help the beginners in the class. No worries if you do not have a partner!!! They rotate partners very frequently! Can't wait to come back next week! read more

Since I started salsa in 2001, I usually skip the lesson. It was an intermediate lesson (for real), and was excellent: Not too much talking, just consistent partner changes, and actual dancing. A simple pattern, practiced frequently enough to ensure success for all levels of experience! Also, when the leaders clearly 'got' it, the instructor was astute in adding optional flourishes to keep it interesting and challenging for all. Fun, friendly, welcoming environment! Our $12 fee included free snacks, cookies and water--AND a big, delicious pot of Pad Thai! A regular joined me at my table, since I was by myself, and made me feel a part of the group. Fun Hawaiian decor for the theme--wonderful dance floor, and great music! read more

My girlfriend and I went on a Latin dance lesson together and I have to admit our instructor was very direct, easy to understand, walked us through the moves one step at a time, and definitely confronted my leadership skills on the dance floor. I think if I gave it more time and attended more lessons, then I'd feel more confident. It was at times an awkward, unsettling experience for me---I don't have a dance bone in my body---but the instructor knew exactly how to break me out of my shell and lead me to learn the dance. That's the measure of a good teacher and good dance studio. read more

I showed up to this studio with absolutely no idea how to move my feet, or to find a beat - essentially hopeless. Both Laura and Brandon's patience led to a great experience with salsa that has had me dancing years later. Their teaching, instruction, and attention to details is unparalleled. Each salsa class is full of nice students and an encouraging environment. I recommend to everyone in the area looking to start salsa dancing or to take their skills to the next level. read more

What a great venue for dancing! First, and the most important, the floor is amazing and large. The place is clean. They always have food for free, snacks and dessert, it changes every time. They always have free cold water with free plastic glasses. The cover charge is reasonable and varies. They have salsa nights and also ballroom night, I attended both and they are equally nice. the dancers are night and respectful. It is an older crowd which is totally okay. You can BYOB and it is a great place for celebrating your bday. They will do the bday dance and have a cake to share with everyone. They also have guest DJ and also performances, it is great! Bradon and Laura are always there to make sure everything is going smoothly. Brandon also takes a lot of pictures and post them on FB, it's nice to see everyone dancing. And they are not crappy cell phone pictures and video, he is using top of the line A/V equipment! The only bad comment would be that the sitting area around the table is very tight. And they could definitely add more A/C to that room, even with a good ventilation system, there is a lack of A/C. I am a regular and plan on keeping that title :) read more

This is a great dance studio! Wonderful floors! I come here every other Saturday night to Salsa and I love it. Not like a club at all and you can bring your own alcohol. I was introduced to this place through friends and will continue coming. Laid back, lots of space - great for dancing! read more

We had 8 weeks of classes with brandon before our 5/28/16 wedding. Brandon is seriously the best. He helped us learn the basics and also learn the more advanced moves prior to the wedding. Everyone at the wedding really enjoyed our first dance. Brandon you are the man! read more

I started taking Latin dance lessons late 2010 at Sonata Room located at Arcadia. It was a pleasant surprise for me to find myself dancing in a facility of 3000 squre feet of hard wood floor. Owners Brandon and Laura are the best I have ever seen in not only teaching latin dances but also caring about their students. Ball Room or Salsa dance parties are held alternate Saturday nights in addition to the once a month Milonga typically on a Friday night. This is one of the few places I find you can actually dance without crowding each other elbow-to-elbow, and as a student taking lessons here, I find myself spoiled by the additional dancing tips offered when dancing with Laura. I highly recommend Sonata Room to anyone interested in learning latin dances or just want to find a place to dance and have fun. read more

I started going here earlier this year for Salsa. Brandon and Laura are great instructors. They offer ballroom and Latin dance classes. There is wide diversity of students. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed. Every other Saturday night is a Salsa social, with ballroom filling in the other Saturday nights. If you want to get into dancing, this is a great place to do it. Large dance floor. No attitudes. Friendly people. read more

I was very impressed with Laura and Brandon, the dance instructors who run the Sonata Room. Laura set up an appointment for a private lesson for my fiancee and me, and Brandon, who taught our lesson, was an excellent instructor. For me, two left feet would be an improvement, so I wanted some professional help with dancing for my upcoming wedding. Brandon was terrific--patient, clear, and very positive in his instruction. When my fiancee or I was having difficulty with a step, he would provide immediate corrective feedback, either by explaining what we were doing wrong or showing us (or both). I was nervous before the lesson, but quickly started to have a good time, and I'm looking forward to our follow-up appointment later this week! I highly recommend this business for beginners who want to become better dancers! read more

Great place to learn some moves! Really appreciate that the studio is a good size for group classes--spacious, you're not bumping into people. The instructors are great dancers, patient, and helpful in answering questions. The only thing I hope they update at some point is figuring out a way to make the lights a little softer. I feel like they are a bit on the bright/intense side, kind of like stage lights, and I'd prefer to be a little more relaxed for a class setting (vs. a performance). All in all, a solid studio--thank you Sonata Room! read more

Yah, I'm a fan...I like Brandon's teaching style, very laid back and confident. Unfortunately, I'm not going back because of another student, who I felt was a little pushy with her instruction, and she wasn't even a teacher! Best of luck to you, Brandon!! read more

I've been going to Sonata Room for dance classes and dance socials for about three years. I absolutely love this place and always look forward to the classes and the dance socials. Very friendly (newsflash: not all dance venues in LA are friendly), lots of very cool people, very good dancers and Laura and Brandon are fantastic instructors. Absolute five stars. :) read more

A fun place for classes and dance parties on the weekend. I have been to a few group classes, and had a good time. I was looking for a place to learn bachata. And this is one of the few places I have found that had group bachata classes. The group is very mixed in ages and abilities. But everyone has fun and they start everyone in the beginner level, but if you learn quickly they move you up pretty fast. She said I was a fast learner, but I think they are just good instructors. The ladies are fun to dance with, even when I mess up they dont mind. I have been to a few other studios in the area, but I like these ballroom group classes the best so far, because the group is pretty large and I get to practice with a lot of different people as I am learning. I also attended one of their salsa socials and went early for the lesson, but as the night gets later many more people show up later in the evening. And their is food and snacks provided. And unlike some dance clubs I have gone too, people are sober and just dancing. At some other clubs I have been too, people are often drunk and not as friendly. I recommend sonata room for a fun place to learn and practice.. read more

Don't bother going to their social dances if you are not of a certain ethnicity. The Asian, Spanish and most white men will not dance with you. Obviously I am a black female. The point is I have become a rather good salsa dancer and have been to this place several times. I thought I didn't get asked to dance much because my skills have not been that strong. As time went on, I see that's not it at all. I'm done with being treated as if I'm invisible; thought I would become a part of this mix and enjoy myself on Salsa Saturdays.....so wrong. read more