The Dance Brigade’s Dance Mission Theater

I took some classes here for a few months, but the main thing that I got from coming here was that Tika Morgan’s Latin Dance Fusion on Tuesdays was better than paying for professional therapy. Her classes helped me get through a stupidly devastating breakup and her attitude and philosophy of being in the here, and now, and bringing your f-​ing best to class — inspired me in a way no other physical activity ever has.
One may take my words as an exaggeration, but for me, emotionally, mentally, physically, her instruction pushed me in ways I truly needed at the time.
Yes, it probably gives you a head start in this class if you have at least a bit of dance background and I casually did growing up, but Tika is correct in stating that you’ll improve if you keep coming back every week!
The teachers I’ve encountered here have soul, and care about their students. Don’t hesitate to sign up for a class, have fun and break a sweat, and keep this joyful, welcoming community going.

I went to Bhangra this evening, and wow! It’s safe to say I will be back next Monday. It was my first time at the Dance Mission Theater, and I was super impressed by the overall warmth and community feel of the space, thanks to the inclusive staff, instructors, and students.
The space itself was huge; multiple studios, dressing rooms, bathrooms — the works. There was a decent turnout for our class, and the energy (and skill!) level of the group was inspiring. Our instructor was super personable, and I’d love to take another class with her.
Definitely recommend dropping in for a class en route home from work. Your body will thank you, and the prices are reasonable.

This is not just a dance studio, it’s a caring, supportive community in the heart of the mission, the best neighborhood in SF (don’t listen to that previous review saying it’s in a «not so nice neighborhood»). I’ve been coming to this studio for 7 years now and taken classes in salsa, hip hop, house, and reggaeton.
For hip hop, if you’re a beginner: take classes with Micaya and David. Micaya pays more attention to detail, David kind of lets you add a lot of your own flavor. Allan is more for intermediate dancers.
Classes are $ 14 if you pay with cash, $ 15 if you pay with credit card.

Starts off like a hole in the wall, but as you take your first few steps into this Dance hall, you are transported into a beautifully decorated, spacious and positive space. Arts have congregated here, gives those feels!
They have 3 studios (including one where theater and such workshops take place).
I went for a class with Silvana and had a great time. She was encouraging and attentive. Thus my first Samba outing ended on a high note and I am sure I will find myself back soon :)
The only drawback is that it is a bit too far out of the way in a not so nice neighbourhood. Sorry!

My fiancé and I have been taking salsa classes here for the last six months or so. I love the place, the instruction, the community.
We started with the beginner Monday evening classes and «graduated» to the beginner/​intermediate Salsa Rueda. We mostly attend Monday nights (with Alvaro). Alvaro’s instruction is right on point — patient but not too slow, clear and with a sense of humor. We still both feel like we learn something every time we attend. I often grumble about heading to the class at 8pm after a long workday and commute, but always end up feeling glad afterwards. The other students in the class are of approximately the same levels, and everyone is very nice. I originally felt a little uncomfortable dancing with multiple partners/​strangers, but now it feels pretty natural. I also feel great knowing that I’m supporting an organization that seems to bring so much to the community.
I’ve also attended a beginning hip hop class, which was a lot of fun. Hope to do more of those.

Went to the House Method class on wednesday night with a friend. An hour and ½ long challenge since I haven’t danced in forever but I learned a few new things and had a lot of fun!

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 24^th 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.

There’s nothing better for the soul and body than Alan’s hiphop class (insert praising hands emoji). You’ll sweat, laugh, and possibly cry (tears of laughter.) Alan is one of the funniest and most talented dance teachers around. His routines are sexy and unique, and he breaks them down so that they’re manageable for even the most timid and beginner of dancers. He usually teaches the same routine for his Saturday beginners class as he does for his Wednesday intermediate class, so don’t be scared off by the «intermediate» level. Another perk of attending Wednesday’s class is being surrounded by incredibly talented dancers, and essentially getting a free viewing of a hiphop performance.

I really love this dance studio! I have only taken Hip hop classes here but it is definitely worth coming in if you are a beginner at dance. Allan is my favorite person ever and he definitely inspires me and pushed me to become a better dancer. I highly recommend his classes. He has a Saturday beginner class at 1230 pm. I haven’t been back for about a year and just recently started going back again last week. It’s great to see that the studio has changed a lot and uses square now for payment! Will definitely try all the other classes. Everyone who dances, works, and teaches at dance mission is super supportive and friendly.

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!

HipHop Fan! Micaya & David Shrag are definitely recommended for the new to dance people. I did find Allan Frias to be the challenging level above when he gave us the high tempo routines however he definitely is one of the funnest teachers there. All the hiphop teachers break down the upper & lower body segments & will repeat it several times until you are ready for the next segment. Bring water! a towel! and a camera phone! Feel free to record the whole routine and study it later! HipHop classes will work the whole body, definitely stomach trimming but also look to increase flexibility in your joints. Don’t be afraid of who is looking at you or if you fit in. There are definitely people there of old & young ages & of different genders but then again what part of SF isn’t diverse. Even if you can’t seem to keep up with the moves, just ask: D The worst you can do is not even try. Everyone is there to support & cheer you on. The only time others judge is when they are judging themselves trying to push themselves to smooth out their routine #NoJudgement. David Shrags Tuesdays are especially compact, come early to all your classes! and find your own space. You will be moving from your spot throughout the class so everyone gets a chance to use the mirrors to check their movements. Never worry about being singled out, you will always be dancing with a large group of people so even if you mess up you can always move along with the crowd until you get your grove back. The routines are tasteful (just the right amount of swag & sexy) and the music is quite enjoyable. Shazam App is your friend if you ever wonder what music you were dancing to. Expect to #SweatItOut all through your clothes but it is a feel good feeling at the end of class.

I love you Alan Frias!!! Always bringing fresh sexy routines to the best new music! I walk out with a new favorite song each class. Choreography is always something new. He has such a great teaching style, I always feel comfortable to ask questions whenever I get lost. Plus, Alan has such a fun personality. The class is a great time!
This review is for his hip hop class by the way.
I’ll also add that I personally look for a «hip hop» class that has sexy routines like Pussy Cat Dolls /​Britney Spears type choreography and less pop/​lock bboy choreography. So that’s moreso the style of this class. But everyone interperates the routine for themselves and makes it their own. The class is a mix of all ages, experience and gender. It’s a great class for everyone :) I wish I found it sooner!

Love this place and enjoyed a couple classes.
But had the WORST experience with TIKKA MORGAN (an instructor)…found her to be completely arrogant and smug towards new students trying to learn. She literally mocks people in the class, by imitating them looking stupid and exaggerating the moves they are doing, to emphasize how dumb they look. I was horrified by her making snide remarks to people, and casually insulting americans who can’t dance. She goes a million miles an hour, and expects people to just «keep up, saying you’ll get it over time». Well, all you learn, is how to do moves in a spastic way, since she would never slow down for beginners. She also treats her advanced students like prized pets, and clearly enjoys them while being annoyed with the rest.
If you ask me, she SUCKS as a teacher and has the worst attitude i’ve ever seen. She is not even that great of a dancer (although she certainly thinks she’s the bomb). I will never go back, even though I liked the place a lot and it seems like the other instructors are really really cool down to earth people. I just can’t believe they would keep her employed there and have her teach so many classes… is says a lot about the place in my opinion.

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

What an experience! A friend of mine happened to have extra tickets to their latest show called Hemorrhage — I wasn’t quite sure to expect: she mentioned modern dance and taiko drums. What I found was an intense performance from an incredibly talented crew of women of color! The overall theme was pretty political. The dancers filled the entire multilevel stage with their presence, flowing through quietly ominous singing to lively and energetic taiko drumming and then all kinds of other craziness. I won’t spoil it for you, just go check ‘em out!
Only minus was for the cramped seating — it was pretty hard to get in and out. Then again, there’s no intermission. You’ve been warned!

Took beg hip hop last sat with Allan Frias! OMG talk about awesome! This was my first dance class ever, and I had so much fun! The class was welcoming and Allan is too funny and helped a newbie like me catch on to the moves! Will definitely be going back!

Allan Frias’ beginning hiphop highly recommended.

I came here with my coworker and some of her friends a few weeks ago for Allan Frias’s beginner’s hip hop class on Saturday. I used to dance back in college, and I’ve stopped about 3 years ago. Getting back into the groove was a bit difficult, but it was definitely fun.
Allan was a total hoot, and broke it down for everyone quite well. However, I can definitely see how it would be super difficult if you never took a dance class before in your life.
WIll definitely have to go back again!

Truly an amazing spot to take a class. It’s got a more community and welcoming feeling than ODC has.
For an amazing time, seriously, take Vogue and Tone.
You want your sexy back? Or you just want to learn how to perfect your Beyonce walk? Or you need to tone those legs to get ready for that Vegas trip in a mini-​dress? Vogue and Tone is your answer.
#WERKKKKK

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 =)

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!