I've been taking Tika's classes on and off (mostly off) for around 15 years now and I'm done. She is just so abrasive, abusive and hostile to her students. She insults them when she spats at the entire class, baiting them with "WHY ARE YOU HERE?? NO ONE KNOWS WHY THEY'RE HERE!!".... She places beginning students deep in the back row, giving b.s. excuses like she does that so they're able to follow experienced students better. This could be helpful but even the experienced students are a little off from Tika at times. And then she yells "ARE YOU EVEN PAYING ATTENTION?" at the beginning students for not being able to follow her exactly. She stops the dance throughout class to berate the entire class. Everyone, as a whole, she talks down to. No one is goofing, chatting or not paying attention and she still flips out acting all insulted because we aren't understanding the cultural or historical significance of the dance. Meanwhile many, many of the dancers are of actual Latina or Caribbean descent and don't need to be scolded on our heritage. And she now speaks with a weird, b.s. fake accent. She didn't used to have one! I actually used to take samba classes with her, as students, back in the early 2000's. Same attitude, no accent. In a time in the world there is so much negativity and hostility towards others, this is the last thing I want to experience (and pay for) when going to dance. Can we all try to start with kindness, love and give the respect that we all deserve? read more

While the quality of the productions is excellent, the management style lacks a systematic approach, and communication during shows is often unprofessional. Decisions seem to prioritize personal visibility over well-thought-out logistics for the production.. read more

I echo claire g.'s post regarding dance instructor, Tika Morgan. I decided to do something out of my comfort zone and take one of her classes in January 2026. It was the Dance Fusion Strength class. Excited and ready to give it my all (and, of course having paid $20), the class was met with an unprofessional, ranting, and intimidating instructor. Tika was almost accusatory in her tone asking everyone if they'd read the class description and knew why they were there. She further went on explaining how much effort and time she put into the class before we'd even started. It felt incredibly hostile and rather than telling her to eff off, I suffered through the class that was tarnished from the beginning by her words. By the end, following the stress of worrying about being yelled at the entire, I was in tears. Miserable experience. Avoid this chick at all costs!!! read more

Dance Mission Theater is amazing!!! I feel like it's what New York dancers must feel and I say this having no dance experience what's so ever. I take the beginners hip hop class with Micaya. Micaya is a masterful teacher. Her dances have so much swagger and are so fun. She creates an open and safe environment for beginners. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to move their bodies! read more

First time here but I was overwhelmed with the beautiful presentation! The dance and art of this show was amazing! The space was totally unexpected, its old SF at its finest. Just really nice and amazing people enjoying local art. I felt so at home here in this space. Can't wait for next show:) read more

Dance Mission Theater - Waiting area - Dance Studios Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I took an adult dance class at Dance Mission Theater 20+ years ago and had such a positive experience--fun, patient, and kind instructors who made a non-dancer like me feel welcome. Years later, when my kids showed interest in dance, I immediately thought of this place. Best decision. My daughters have been in the kids' program for a few years now and they absolutely love it. The instructors clearly love the kids and it shows. One of my favorite moments was at a recent performance when a few instructors came out and danced--so inspiring to see teachers who not only teach beautifully, but truly love the art themselves. When we needed a private choreographer for a family event, we asked Freddy, who graciously said yes. Her choreography brought tears to more than a few eyes--she's talented, patient, and really "gets" the kids. My teen and her friends still look up to the instructors as a positive force in their lives. In short: the kids' program is excellent, the community is warm, and the staff is the perfect mix of professional and heart. Highly recommend. read more

Love love this one-of-a-kind dance mission theatre! I feel like this is the where the heart of the mission. Allen Frias--from The TV show, "You Think you can dance" was my previous teacher here for hip-hop and I wasn't confident but as I started coming and practicing more and more it was challenging yet very rewarding to learn such difficult dance moves within an hour or such a short amount of time. I love the variety they offer here from Samba and also kid classes as well. I think this is the best dance school within the Bay Area and definitely would recommend your little ones coming here as well :-). read more

Hidden gem in middle of mission district. Great Teachers. Amazing community. Parking challenging so give ample time or take Uber

I have several kids, grandkids and nieces who attend this school and they really like it. They have diverse dance instruction, the staff is very enthusiastic and the kids genuinely have fun Their Nut Cracker December 2022 program was very nice, was delightful and all dancers were thoroughly engaged and proudly performed. It is located in a very busy intersection 24th & Mission streets, parking can be a bit of a challenge, but there is a parking close by. Give yourself extra time before your class. read more

I bought a class package at Dance Mission. The studio offers a good variety of classes. I absolutely loved Sexitude. It's not a "serious" dance class by any means (and I'm sure the hardcore hip hop students and other students might roll their eyes), but it's for all levels, it embraces all students without judgment, and it leaves you feeling good. I also tried Micaya's hip hop class. Not a fan of her particular style of hip hop or music, but it's a fun class and her hardcore devotees are 100% devoted to Micaya. My only complaint about the studio is that they are a hardass about their class expiration-- you have to pay in order to extend your class, no exceptions, even if you sprained your ankle and are literally physically unable to come in. My main complaint is about Tika Morgan. Tika's Salsa Fusion class 100% ensured I will never return. As an instructor, she was unwelcoming and completely judgmental. It was my first class with her, I am a former dancer and took salsa and latin dance classes many many years ago, and I've been trying to get back into things a decade later. She shamed me in class multiple times, and she made it clear that she has a "clique" and that she will literally pull her favorite dancers to the front and push others to the back (she announces this in the middle of class). She's also not afraid to get in your face. I hate being put on the spot, and she went up to students and confrontationally got up in everyone's faces to ask them "why are you here". Other students started to shout (absurd) answers like "freedom" (not joking...), and when she put me on the spot, I said I wanted to let go of the day and have fun. Well. Apparently having fun and enjoying a dance class is not an acceptable answer. She immediately went off into a five minute tirade to the rest of the class about how it's not acceptable to be here to "have fun". Salsa comes from a history of oppression and slavery from Africa (her words, not mine), it came to Cuba and then turned into salsa. Students are supposed to be here to "be a part of something larger than themselves... it's about history, culture, and oppression and NOT fun or cardio" and then proceeded to full on berate and mock students who come to dance classes for "fun" or "cardio" or "to sweat". She explicitly said multiple times something along the lines of "if you're not here to be a part of a movement, then get out and ask for your dance credit back at the front desk." I should have left then and there, but given her behavior mimicking students' moves and making comments about how students who haven't come to her classes for years aren't true dancers, I was afraid to leave because I believed she would mock and make a comment about me leaving class. Even toward the end, when some people started to move toward the back, she yelled at students to get back into into place and to "look [her] in the eyes" when speaking. Jesus Chris. I didn't realize we were in prison or a cult. I also didn't want to leave and make a scene at the front desk by asking for a refund, and at that point, we were halfway through the class. She continued to mock me through the rest of the class, continuously noting how she can't believe "people" want to take dance classes for fun because it's about life and culture and some bullshit like that. And she repeated again that students who are here for that should go get a credit back. It created a fully hostile environment. I thought she misunderstood me, so I made the further mistake of chasing her down after class to say thank you for the class. It took a few tries because she only wanted to talk to her clique of girls and ignored me a few times. I eventually thanked her and said that I hope she wasn't insulted by my comment about enjoying the class (WHICH IS A PERFECTLY VALID REASON TO WANT TO TAKE A CLASS). Instead, she dismissed me, threw me her business card, and said "no i'm just not about that, I'm not like other teachers, I do things differently and if you're not here for the right reasons..." I'm sorry. This is a walk in class. This is not a professional company. No one is auditioning for your class. You are not a world renowned instructor. This is a class open to all levels. I didn't realize people had to suffer in order to take your class. Give me a break. You should be encouraging students and teaching them, not humiliating them. I'm not the only person who's had this complaint. Just read the other reviews about Tika's culture of shaming and humiliating students. I'm kicking myself for not asking for my money back. I just paid to get humiliated for no reason. read more

This dance studio is also a community. It fosters creativity and diversity with a lot of social justice. This was the first place I learned what hip hop dance was when I moved to California. read more

I haven't been here in years but I was recently having a conversation that made me think back to the places I used to take dance classes. And I have to say, everything negative you've read about Tika Morgan is true. I happened to be in class with the Stef woman whose review is a few down. I don't know her, but I knew that her experience would end up on yelp (and with good reason). I never was personally bullied by Tika, but I did see her bully other students, as well as make really shitty and ridiculous comments. Like complain about 65-year old women coming to her class. I was in my 30s but I still felt like, maybe I'm not young and fit enough be here. Or berating her class for not seeing the movie about James Baldwin. James Baldwin happens to be one of my favorite authors, to assume that because I hadn't seen that movie I don't care about the issues it touches upon is juvenile, stupid and also not the place of a dance teacher to comment on. And that's what Tika was, an extremely juvenile and self-important person who picked on students and created a hostile environment. That her behavior was tolerated by Dance Mission, seemingly because some students (who were on Tika's good side) kept coming back and bringing in the money, is egregious. read more

Dance Mission Theatre is probably one of my favorite places in the whole entire world. It is warm and community driven. It's artistically always changing and growing. It's a place for political art to take place. The staff is always warm and loving. I typically take hip hop with Allan Frias which is amazing!! It can get very crowded, but if you manage your way through that, the class is pure sassy magic. There are also a plethora of other classes some of which I've dropped into and really enjoyed- Dancehall, AfroBeats, Vogue, Salsa- you name it. Many of the teachers and dancers have been around for decades and are pillars and mentors in the dance community. A San Francisco treasure and a throwback to what San Francisco once was and still is for those of us lucky enough to find ourselves at Dance Mission. read more

Dance Mission Theater - Saturday morning hip hop - Dance Studios Near Me - San Francisco, California

Took one class here and it was pretty fun. The studio needs a lot of improvement though. The class before didn't end on time so our class started late and ended late. The rooms are confusing and you have to walk through other classes to get to your class. They have first timers arrive 15 minutes early but there was no reason for that. And they should clean or wipe the floor in between classes seeing as how the previous was wearing shoes and then we did floor exercises on the floor they had danced all over. Fun class though. read more

I love dancing here now that it works with my schedule again! Amazing classes and instructors. I highly recommend Kyle's all levels hip hop class and have also recently gotten to take classes from Trey and Inez who were both amazing as well. read more

All you need to know is: 1:30 pm Haitian - Live drumming Portsha Jefferson I made the drive from the bay area up to SF to dance with Portsha and her live drummers many a Saturday back in '09-'12 and a few times thereafter. It was a PRIVILEGE to dance with them. Go at your own pace but I bet the live drummers will get you moving way more than you thought you would. If you live in the Bay Area or SF I'm jealous of you and your ability to dance here. Super jel. read more

If you want to get that booty moving on a Saturday, then Dance Mission is your place. You guys know I'm on the dance tip right now, and Dance Mission has been in my rotation for the past few years - on the regular even more these days (CARNIVAL is coming!!) This is an AUTHENTIC place with authentic dance classes taught by amazing teachers. Yes, I know it's been around forever, but I never want to see this place go away (like so many other authentic places here in this city - PISSES ME OFF!). What I like about Dance Mission is that classes are smaller than ODC, and I think it's easier to see the teacher. There are many rooms, but definitely not as intimidating as ODC. Plus I feel like the people here are more regulars. Salsa, Samba, Afro Beats, and so many more styles you can learn. I really loved Tika Morgan's Salsa Fusion class (I think that's the one she teaches), and I never took her Reggaeton class at Dance Mission, but the one at ODC is off the hook so I'm sure it's even better at Dance Mission if she's still teaching it. I've also taken Afro Beats, and I wanna try Samba here too. For $15 (drop-in, what!!), this is literally the best bang for your buck you can get here in SF. See you in class! read more

I have attended a few classes at Dance Mission Theater and have loved my experience so far. It's an authentic, community-driven gem of SF, embodying the spirit and culture of the Mission. The instructors have been excellent and the staff is friendly. The floors are a bit tough on the feet and ankles so be sure to bring a reliable pair of shoes. I also wish they had some sort of a class pass! But I highly recommend this venue to dance-lovers and beginners. read more

HIP HOP DANCE CLASSES I used to take hip hop dance classes at 24 Hour Fitness. When some of the better choreographers left 24 Hour Fitness I was lazy to renew my membership. In order to reinstatement my membership, instead of paying $99 to renew, I would have to pay about $400 up front so I decided not to renew my membership. I started going to Dance Mission because Martin, who I used to take hip hop dance class at 24 Hour Fitness, mentioned about this studio. The first class I took was Beginning Hip Hop taught by David Schrag. His style was old school hip hop. After several weeks taking David's class I decided to challenge myself by taking Beginning/ Intermediate Hip Hop taught by Allan Frias. His class was really challenging as it's really fast paced. After several weeks getting acclimated with Allan's style I decided to take Intermediate Hip Hop taught by Micaya. I like her style too as it has a contemporary feel to it. The hardest hip hop dance class I ever taken was taught by Clint Calimlim, who no longer teaches at Dance Mission. He had a b-boy style as his moves were clean, but what made his style difficult is he used the back beats of the music to choreograph his pieces. However David, Allan, and Micaya are still at Dance Mission teaching hip hop dance classes. The classes at Dance Mission are affordable - $13 per drop-in. (You also have the option of buying class passes.) I never took any other dance classes at Dance Mission, but hip hop. What I enjoy about the hip hop classes at Dance Mission are they provide different styles taught by different choreographers. With different styles you really get great value of each drop-in. This also challenges you as a dancer because you had to adjust because if you get too comfortable with a style you can't grow as a dancer. Besides the fee the other positive feature of Dance Mission is the location of this studio is ideal because it's right in front of 24th Street/ Mission Bart Station. Even with the great diversity of the hip hop dance classes I can't give this place a perfect 5-star rating as the floors of this studio isn't the greatest. Wood floors aren't used but a cheap imitation of linoleum-like flooring that often becomes sticky. Overall if you like taking hip hop dance classes because of the choreographers and location I would recommended Dance Mission. read more

Dance Mission Theater - Studio 3, the main studio - Dance Studios Near Me - San Francisco, California

Wow the place is so great.. First time here for hip hop class.. Referred by fellow yelper.. Mr.Gerald..so so many people taking different classes that this place offer..!!! Next week I will sign up for more classes..!!! So happy !!! read more

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This review is for the Bhangra class at 6:30 PM on Mondays. I attended yesterday for the first time, and had a disappointing experience. The class description indicates that it is for all levels, and that beginners are welcome. However, as a newbie, I felt quite lost, and the instructor didn't really seem to tailor the class to beginners. She wasn't particularly friendly or welcoming. I don't plan on returning. I am definitely not a skilled dancer by any means, and I wish I had known the class would be more advanced. I have attended a beginners bhangra class before (at Alonzo King Lines Ballet), and the instruction there was definitely aimed at beginners, and was a great workout while being way less intimidating or stressful! read more

Stepping into dance mission, you are greeted with warmth, music and vibrant colors. I have been coming here and performing here for 12 years. What makes dance mission so different are the vibrant colors that surround this dance center. All the walls are like pink, green, blue, orange, and other colors... it's beautiful. None of the other studios share the same welcoming and accepting vibe as dance mission. The people who check us into classes have always been really nice to me and on a Saturday (well everyday) it's just nice to be treated well. I take Alhassane Camara's west African class and Portsha Jefferson's Haitian class on Saturdays. The live drumming is pretty amazing. I love the way they both teach... it's very different styles but I love and appreciate both. I like watching Alhassane's movement... and how he demonstrates and teaches with movement is pretty rad. I love that Portsha explains what type of dance we're learning that day from Kongo to Mae. I like that she talks about where each movement comes from and what the meaning behind it means. Both classes are pretty aerobic in my opinion. Bring lots of water and a towel if you sweat a lot like me. I can't wait for Saturday! read more

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I was itching to get back into dance and am glad I found this place. Unfortunately, parking is non-existant there. I got lucky and found parking once on my first time going, but looking around, I knew I wouldn't be lucky every time unless I planned on arriving 1 hr before class to circle around for parking. Lucky for me, the bf is willing to leave work a bit early so he can come home and drive me and drop me off (I KNOW, I'm a lucky gal, right?!) The outside is a bit ghetto, I mean, it IS off Mission so taking classes at night can seem a bit scary to ladies, but once I step inside, I feel as if I'm like in New York at a dance audition or something! It's so very urban and trendy, I just love the FEEL of it! I forget how much I paid, but I remember it was decent prices and I got a punch card that they sign off every time I take a class. The front desk ppl are very knowledgeable and pretty friendly; they make you feel as ease, which is good cause on my first day, I went by myself and it's intimidating! So I'm glad there's cool peeps there... I took I believe the intermediate hip hop with ohhh I forgot his name now but he was on SYTYCD. I want to say Allan... Anyway, it's pretty packed, but there's still enough room. I dislike the fact that the regulars usually take the front where the mirrors are and I'm in the middle, which is OK cause there's room, but I'm the type that dances best if I can see myself and critique myself. In all of my dance classes since high school, I have always been front row cause that's how I learn best. So I didn't learn as well as I could have, but it was a learning experience and I enjoyed it none the less. I loved the fact that in this class, there's a guy that records the final routine. There's one that I'm in - the How Low Can You Go - Luda routine; and they are all posted on YouTube. I've gone back a few times and my friends are really intrigued that I go to dance class cause it's something they want to do but are intimidated to do. When I posted the video, they loved it! I had one friend come with me and he's not a dancer but he had fun. And this time, there were less people so we were right up front and we did well. I think the down side is the walls are thin so you can here the drums going off in the other room for the other class... I'd like to take other classes here and maybe become a regular when I settle back in SF next year. I'd recommend ppl check it out =) read more

Dance Mission Theater - Workin it out in the dance studio - Dance Studios Near Me - San Francisco, California

Whether I'm performing, taking a class or just hanging out with my dance crew, Dance MIssion sends a comforting, inviting and a feel good atmosphere where the dance community can embrace everyone and friends. Check out a class and just let go, let the music take over and have fun, that's dance. It doesn't matter if you think you can dance or not, feel the music and let it take over, it's self expression at it's best. read more

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW IS: Allen Frias - Hip Hop WHY: the best choreographer + the best teacher = is all you need I've been dancing for years, and I am a great dancer (haha sorry). Therefore I am very picky! There are some famous Youtube choreographers that don't make my cut. Allan's moves are SO COOL and you just gotta experience it yourself. Stop wasting time and try it out! Some other important notes: If you are looking for a good time, DON'T go to this class: Tika Morgan - Reggaeton Fusion I stayed for her class after I did Allen's class and was all sweaty already, so I think she could tell that I didn't come JUST for her, and she didn't like that. I started out standing on the first row, she told me to switch spot with 3 different people throughout the class, claiming "these people have taking her class for years and it would provide a good visual for the new people"...I'm sorry, these people that have taken your class for many years...none of them can dance. They repeat the moves great but there's no soul in it. I had to look at that for 90 minutes (cuz I was switched to the back and can't even see the instructor anymore), and sorry but it hurt my eyes! Tika somehow acts like that she is the only cultural messenger left for Reggaeton, that you must take her so seriously and prepared to be judged by her. If you don't like that, "love ya, bye!" - her exact words. Damn, who do you think you are? I will not be attending her class anymore even if you pay me to. There is a way to teach, to spread your culture, to respect the art, without being an A hole. read more

I visited The Dance Brigade's Dance Mission Theater for the first time today with some friends to attend the Mittens and Mistletoe: A Winter Circus Cabaret. When we walked in, we were warmly greeted and immediately instructed on where to get our will-call tickets. The building looked quite nice and well cared for which gave me a great impression. When it came time for the performance itself, I couldn't believe what I ended up seeing. It had everything - comedy, good acting, GREAT live music, incredible acrobatics, and circus acts beyond belief! WOW! What really set it over the top, however, is that audience participation was strongly encouraged to the point where it was a significant part of the show. This is something that was new to me when it comes to this type of show made the experience for my friends and I that much more enjoyable. As a whole, I'm extremely happy but also disappointed to have discovered this venue. I'm happy because this was the most memorable play/musical-style live performance I've ever been to in the Bay Area. Why am I disappointed? Because I don't think anything will ever top my experience here! Needless to say, I'll be back! read more

I used to come here years ago when I lived in the Mission. I love that they're now offering online dance classes during the shutdown, which are quite affordable. I just tried one (Samba-- it was hard!!!), but I will definitely be signing up for more, as this was fantastic for boosting my morale while at home, now that Ive been working my way through my pantry of stockpiled food!!! Plus my S.O. liked watching ;) read more

In addition to Dance Mission's dance classes.. how about those taiko drumming classes with Bruce "Mui" Ghent? Bruce is a talented dance teacher who combines the Japanese art of drumming with movement! Whoa......what a physical & mental workout! read more

Dance Mission Theater - Taiko - Bruce Ghent - Dance Studios Near Me - San Francisco, California

Dance Mission is the greatest dance school for children. The staff is wonderful and the classes are relaxed while still offering instruction, socialization, and a chance to have fun and dance. The youth program offers classes for kidlets from 3 years old and up and the biannual performances are split, so that the older children have a more professional feeling show and the toddlers and small children have a very stress-free performance in the Dance Mission Theatre itself. My daughter has taken Creative Movement for over 2 years now and will be moving up into Modern Ballet in the Fall. She is excited to be going into "big girl classes" (she is 5), but sad to leave her earlier teachers behind. When we were looking into dance classes when she was younger, I looked into a few places that felt like the ballet classes of my youth -- filled with snobby parents pushing their toddlers too hard, showing off their children's overpriced dance clothing, and teachers who expected perfection from teeny children. At Dance Mission, we found only adorable kids wanting to dance and have fun and teachers and administrators who wanted to provide that. read more

Dance Mission Theater - Nutcracker Sweets Winter Program for the little ones - Dance Studios Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This review is for Allan's beginner hip-hop class. Disclosure--this was my first time to Dance Mission Theater, and I do not have a lot of experience taking dance lessons, though am known to bust a move when the time comes. Allan is an awesome dude. He's got enough personality to fill a room of crowded people and obviously knows how to work it. His beginner class was very past-paced and was all about fitting as much dance into an hour and a half as possible. This would have been great if it was a more advanced class, but I'm not so great at picking up a lot of choreography in a little time--especially when the moves aren't explained with the right counts and steps. It's very much a "see-and-do" type of learning environment. By the end of the class, I was fully frustrated and somewhat discouraged by the experience. I would have rather learned a 30-second dance really well, and felt sexy and confident, than crammed in as much choreography as we did. Luckily, I see that there's another teacher who does beginner hip-hop and will be checking that one out sometime in the future. read more

I forgot my wallet and wanted to still check out a class. There's no way they accept any epayments. I can understand that they don't since they are a small business but the fact that the reps at the desk really didn't want to help beyond saying "sorry" was annoying. You could have just let me venmo or PayPal to your account. Nobody is trying to get a free class here!! I suggested paying to your accounts and nothing - just a sorry. Deeply disappointed because I came with high expectations. I'm sure you forgot your wallet once and I hope that people you try to make purchases with don't give you the treatment I got from you guys! It's simple courtesy. read more

Came here to see CANDID a couple weeks ago & was candidly impressed The Dance Mission Theater was a great venue to host the performance - large enough space to allow for lots of impressive tumbling; high enough & supports strong enough to allow for the eek-inducing aerial bits & small enough to give you an awesome intimate, personal touch Views were spot-on & sound was perfect. Be forewarned it's a bit cold in there but for good reason - the performers are working their butts off & need adequate temp control CANDID was like a local version of a Cirque du Soleil. Story of a group of 4 people stuck indoors during a windy, rainy day - we got to see contortionists, an aerial drapey bit, lots of tumbling, & this fantastic dancing guy spinning a dust brush the whole time (he reminded me of a Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly number) Throw in a teeny bit of comedy & poof - you've got SF Cirque! The people were sweating like crazy, totally gave us their all & the storyline went by quick as a bunny. Couldn't believe it was over when it was over - 90 min of brilliance - fantastic start to 2011! read more

Ode to Allan: You referred to our titties as "fruit" at 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning and didn't make it sound dirty. Plus One. You choreographed some sick moves. I know they were sick because I saw some of the other girls rock them. Plus Two. I left your class with a nice glow and a newfound desire to feed my t+a with chips and candy rather than punish them with rice cakes. Plus Two. You didn't know, however, that the only thing whiter than a white girl is a white English girl. So when you say things like "pop it" and "contortion" and "work it till you're cute," you need to break it down a little bit for Margaret Thatcher in the back. Minus One. But I'll keep practicing. read more

An intimate theater on the 2nd floor where arial dance, hip hop, modern, ballet and other styles of dance are performed. Note: no elevator, only staircase. It gets warm in here. Drink water. Sit close. You can here breathing in the wings. Murmuring behind you. Footsteps out in the hallway. Crackling of light as the show begins. You can touch the musician as he plays, and watches the stage, following every step of the dancer. It is a truly warm theater, a joyous experience as a dancer and audience member. read more

Does anyone dance anymore? I don't mean head nodding while balancing both feet planted firmly on the floor...last I checked that's called standing. And it's still not dancing if you occasionally throw your arm up and tap the air...last I checked that's what's called an "amen" when preaching to the congregation. Gone are the days of the Roger Rabbit. The Kid n Play. The Reebok. The Running Man. The Smurf. Oh how I miss those days. That's when guys actually DANCED. What's a girl gotta do to find a guy who can Wop into my life? On a Way-back Wednesday, KMEL was playing an old-school hip hop mix that had my friend and I going nuts in the car, but didn't think the streets of San Francisco were ready for an impromptu red light/green light dance performance. So instead I summoned my handy dandy Yelp App to help us out...and bada bing we were at the Dance Mission Theatre. They handle first-timer drop-ins like a breeze. Luckily we were there some minutes early, because you have to sign a waiver before your first class. We decided on taking Allan Frias's intermediate Hip Hop class. The class was PACKED. But don't you worry none. We still broke it down. I'm very short, no where near the mirror to see myself, and was lost in the middle of the sea amidst sweaty chest-pumps and booty bumps. I loved every single second of it. Allan is so happy and down to earth. They also take video of our routine at the end and post it on YouTube. On another occasion we also took Afro-House-Hop w/Rashad a.k.a. "Soul Nubian." Oh goodness, that class was all kinds of sexy. A mix of Pan-African Dance, deep-house, and elements of Hip-Hop. There was a live DJ, and they also threw in the classic "Freestyle Circle" moment when you go in the middle and do yo own thang (should you want to). Classes run 1.5hrs and drop-ins are $13. Cheaper if you buy a class card of 4 or 10 classes. I am sure I'll be back for more. They offer a Japanese Taiko drumming class here that is calling my name. read more

Your MISSION if you choose to accept it, is to DANCE. (cue 007 music). Location of your assignment: DANCE MISSION. Necessary Supplies: $12 per drop-in class, Water bottle. Contacts: David Schrag will be your go to guy as his beginner hip hop class is truly a beginner class. He throws some old school moves in there which is great but be forewarned, you will sweat buckets. Micaya will win you over with her positive energy and huge love for her students. Her beginner hip hop class goes at a quicker pace than David's but is also loads of fun. Her intermediate class is tough (if you can handle it, bring your knee pads). Allan's "beginner" hip hop class is fun as well but should really be labeled as an intermediate class. It is more challenging than the other 2 beginner classes. Enemies: Boredom and Your Fat Pants. Also, the Dance Mission building. It is small, rundown and you can hear other classes going on at the same time. This may distract you from your mission but stay the course. Good luck! read more

Flubby-folks-looking-to-get-in-shape...let it be known: Treadmills are NOT inspiring. Neither are stationary bikes. Or a stairmaster. Or even those trendy elyptical things. Even yoga and spinning classes are getting old. Alan Frias's hip hop class will make you SWEAT and look SEXY, even when you're just kind of faking your way through his very fast booty-shakin' routines. Plus, his sometimes R-rated humor (slide my hand across my WhAt?!?) makes your time there laugh-out-loud awesome. Watch out for the groupies who stay close to the front and check themselves out continuously in the mirror. They're suposedly there to "model" the moves (I will admit, they kick a lot of ass at what they do), but you're better off asking the folks around you or Alan directly for help, most of the girls are in high school and have not yet realized that no one is judging their hair. Or outfit. Or general coolness. Except maybe me. Mwahahahaha... AND...if you're a beginner, start off slow in Micaya or Dave's class and just know that you WILL get better. Keep telling yourself that folks there have been attending religiously for years and you'll feel better. I'm 92% sure thats true, I asked around ;) read more

Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the whitest girl of all? When I took Allan Frias' beginner hip-hop class at Dance Mission, I discovered that it was me. Okay, okay, to be fair, it wasn't the moves that thwarted my progress. I do, in fact, have some junk in my trunk, which I have been known to shake on occasion. Aaahhh yeaaahhhh. To start the class, a woman came in to warm us up with some hip shakin', arm stretchin', and shoulder rollin'. Totally my speed. I was feeling smooth and sexy and talented. Enter Allan. He started off slowly for the 'hop impaired among us. It quickly became clear that he is not only hilarious and a fabulous teacher, but also a dance genius. Once he was in his choreography trance, there was no stopping him, and his pace increased at an alarming rate. He added move upon move, each one more rapid, and I found myself frantically shaking body parts I hadn't used in years in an effort to keep up. Eventually, others in the class assumed I was having a seizure and called an ambulance. When the paramedics came, I was grateful because my heart rate had climbed well above the normal range and I gasped for air, my broken body only a shell of what it had been previously. Okay. That last part might be embellished a little. But, today I can barely walk, and that is the truth. It's a great cardio workout for the price of the $12 drop-in fee. You can use the classes at Dance Mission to change up your boring workout routine or just go shake your thang for fun. Easily accessible via many bus lines and BART. Class gets full, so get there early. read more

So I've got rhythm. Mad rhythm. Seriously. I've taken dance classes off and on since I was around 8, not to mention all of the musicals and chorus lines I've been in. Funny thing is, apparently with hip hop dancing, rhythm is not really enough. You've got to have soul. And apparently I have no soul. :( I mean, I have a lot of other things going for me. I mean, rhythm doesn't hurt. And I've got some badunk. So, like that helps, having something to shake. But so does everyone else at Dance Mission. Seriously. The people in Allan Frias's beginning hip hop class mean business. There are people in there that I feel like must be total sandbaggers I mean honestly! MOVE UP TO THE NEXT LEVEL YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK BAD. But the best part of the class is the spirit of it. Which isn't to downplay how awesome it is in every other way. Like how awesome a workout it is. The best workout of my life, to be specific. And the moves are sick (well, they look sick when other people in the class do them....) But those facts STILL pale in comparison to my being able to go in there and try to jazz-hands my way through popping and locking and STILL not feel embarrassed (and believe me, despite my bravado, I HATE to look stupid in front of other people.) It's an awesome testament to both Allan's teaching and the no-judgments vibe of the people there to get down. And GOD Allan is so funny - I can't think of many times when I've enjoyed having someone call me a "trick" or refer so frequently to my "titties" and "ass." Even being one of the dorkiest people in the class, it's impossible to not want to just bust out and I STILL END UP FEELING HELLA SEXY AFTERWARDS! How many times do you get to be the worst at something and STILL walk out feeling like you're the hottest sh*t on two legs? The power of titties and ass I guess, diyaaaaaamn. At $12 for a drop in and $44 for a four-class pass, this 1.5 hour workout is a freaking steal, and conveniently located by the 24th and Mission BART station. And one day I'm going to stomp that yard. Mark my words. read more

This review is mainly for Allan Frias' hip hop classes, although I have also taken David Shrag's beginner hip hop class which is more b-boy style and a lot of fun in it's own right. But back to Allan. So 50% of the reason I go regularly to Dance Mission and Allan's hip hop class is because I love to dance and want to break a sweat. The other 50% is because of Allan's hilarious. energizing, personality. Not only is Allan a talented choreographer and performer ( he was on SYTYCD Season 1!), he is a phenomenal teacher. The Saturday beginner class tends to start out a little lethargic, with most everyone recovering from their hang overs and late Friday nights, but as soon as Allan starts cracking his signature lines " You got any questions? A closed mouth don't get fed honey!" " Drop it to the floor! Get low, low, low like a ho ho ho!" everyone starts laughing and smiling and getting into the mood to dance. In terms of level, his beginner class moves pretty fast. Anyone with dance experience should be fine, but it can be intimidating for people who've never danced before and aren't familiar with 8 counts. He always checks to see how many new people there are though, and if it seems like people are not catching on to the choreography, he will slow down the pace and drill before adding on more choreography and the music. Several of his dancers attend the classes and aid in teaching. Some other reviewers have commented about being annoyed about their perpetual presence in the front, but I think them being at the head of the class helps the plebs ( like me) in the back by having more than one guide ( Allan) to follow and emulate in order to catch on to the choreography. His classes are always packed ( at least 40 students) so it can be hard to see him from the back, and it's good to have a few confident dancers in the front to follow. If you love to dance, you will love Allan's classes! read more