- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Century Ballroom
Categories: Restaurants Canadian (New) Education Specialty Schools Dance Schools Canadian (New), Dance Schools [Edit]
915 E Pine St(between Broadway & Nagle Pl)
Seattle, WA 98122
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
(206) 324-7263
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 9 pm - 1 am
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
Mention yelp for $1 off any size soup.
78 reviews for Century Ballroom
Review Highlights
-
"Salsa nights are Thursdays ($7) and Saturdays ($10." In 8 reviews -
"These guys offer lessons before hand." In 17 reviews -
"I love watching all the awesome dancers." In 20 reviews
Loading...
78 reviews in English
-
Review from Jewelyn T.
Las Vegas, NV
4/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Love this place!
I'm a dancer and when I was in town on vacation I was looking for a place to dance salsa and ended up here.
I had a blast and would love to come back and spin the night away!
Seattle you're lucky to have Century Ballroom and an awesome salsa community!
-Miss Yelp 2012 -
Review from Richard M.
Seattle, WA
3/14/2012
Century Ballroom we call the heartbeat of the Seattle dance community. Excellent place for friends a family to come and enjoy the great atmosphere, good people both staff and patrons.
I've enjoyed salsa dancing here every weekend for nearly 3 years: Thank you Hallie, Alison, Deron, Justin, Jason, Jessica and the rest of the staff for great service.
Richard Mallory -
Review from Jennifer B.
Seattle, WA
3/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Dance Dance!
Interesting old space. Saturday night they don't have the bar open and you can't bring in drinks for the bar next door. How do I get my liquid courage? I'll have to come back again when I can dance better. -
Review from Oren P.
San Diego, CA
3/13/2012
Located on the second floor of the Odd Fellows building, the Century Ballroom is reputed to be the best place to social dance in Seattle - especially salsa and swing. In addition to classes and public dances, it also home to various other (dance) community activities. A free short beginner group class precededs open public dances. Thursday is supposed to be the best night for salsa (and bachata) dancing. Like many places, most of those who come early and attend the lesson are new to partner dancing; more advanced dancers tend to not show up until much later. Although there are definitely a few very good local dancers, most of those I saw or danced with here were not nearly as good or fun as what I have found in many other cities. Maybe it's the rain and cold. Anyway, the music is good, and it's possible to have fun here - especially if you lower your expectations....
-
Review from Christine Y.
Mill Creek, WA
9/11/2011
Dance is fun! Dance is great! Dance should be done at least every day!
I am on such a high from my swing class tonight! (Shout out to Mark and Darla for being so upbeat, humorous, and fun!)
Ok, now that my happy dance is outta the way...
Century Ballroom is THE PLACE to go for social and ballroom dance. Salsa, swing, tango, tap. Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Madonna single sessions. You name it, they have it. Lessons and dance nights alike.
I was really nervous when I went the first time (6 years ago, eeks!) for salsa, but soon realized that everyone is quite nice and willing to share a dance, even if you are less experienced. I learned so much from dancing with these fine folks than the lessons I was taking at the time (elsewhere).
Salsa nights are Thursdays ($7) and Saturdays ($10). Although cover has gone up a bit, it's still cheap for a night of dancing, socializing fun.
I have also taken tango lessons here--the MOST romantic dance ever. While the instructor's humor was a little off, he and his partner were still good at breaking things down and allowing us time to practice the steps. Tango in general is better suited if you already have a partner. Especially on tango nights, you'll find that there's more people already paired up than at Salsa.
I love how spacious it is in the Main Hall. There are tables and chairs surrounding for some good people/dance watching. A bar should you feel the need to drink before getting on the dance floor. Coat check upstairs--also good for people/dance watching. Restrooms within the hall--ladies, watch your step.
East hall is smaller and I've only taken lessons there. I imagine it can get quite packed, but all depending on the dance and what night of the week it is.
All in all, Century is a wonderful place to enjoy music, people, movement, life!Listed in: weekend fun
-
Review from Meredith G.
Seattle, WA
9/21/2011
THE place to social dance in Seattle. A great mix of different dancers; styles, levels, etc. Swing, salsa, bachata, and more. Just imagine: you can dance every night of the week! If only I had the time/energy. I'll just have to live with 2-4 days a week....for now....
They teach drop in lessons, series (I've never taken one here), and workshops. There are two halls, so double the fun! Cover is usually cheap: $5-7 range. The free coat check is nice plus.
They have an awesome restaurant/bar if you are so inclined. French champagne flight? Yes please.
Be forewarned: it can get packed (salsa night on Thur/Sat particularly). Earlier in the evening is generally tamer, before all the night owl pros show up. It can also get very hot on summer nights, as it is an old building little or no AC.
Come sweat with the rest of us. You'll like it.Listed in: !Viva la salsa!
-
Review from Vanessa J.
Seattle, WA
6/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love Century. Unqualifiedly, unabashedly, unblushingly: it is love.
Century Ballroom is housed in the coolest dance-focused building I've ever been in, with the East Hall and the Main dance hall close enough to pop back and forth from Salsa to Swing throughout the night. Across the hall, the Tin Table beckons tired dancers with promises of libations and relaxation, while the music pumping from the dance space lends a jubilant atmosphere.
Classes here are low pressure, fun, and priced extremely well. They come in a 6 week series or a drop in availability, depending on your dance and commitment level. However, even when I'm not taking a class, I stop by on Thursdays every now and then to embarrass myself by showing off my Elaine salsa moves. As bad as I may be, though, I never feel unwelcome, and I always want to come back. -
Review from Sonya G.
8/13/2011
Adore this old building, enjoy the quick lessons offered at the beginning of dance sessions, and they almost always foster the perfect "feel" for the evening. The prices are reasonable, and it's great having a bar available in Tin Table just across the hall.
If you don't want to deal with awkward high schoolers, though, I'd avoid all ages night. No offense, youngins! I just need me some more mature partners! -
Review from Michelle F.
Seattle, WA
4/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great instructors for swing! We've had a lot of fun so far, and can't wait to take more classes.
The space itself is open and inviting.
I've been to salsa and swing nights here, too, and both are a blast. Great crowd, though there are definitely some intimidating dancers there. But it's good. That's how you learn, right? -
Review from Stacey P.
7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I arrived at the Century Ballroom to watch my friend graduate from her 102 burlesque class. I was mesmerized by this place, because so much of Seattle has been torn down and made into something new. New is not necessarily bad, but places like Century are becoming rare with each passing year the closer you are to downtown. Century breathes a time long ago and seems perfectly suited for dancing, gathering, ooohing, and ahhing.
The show was extremely entertaining, and the seating was good. The lighting was perfect for a burlesque show! -
Review from Jamie Y.
3/10/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I first attended this lovely establishment with Melody during Salsa night. There was a live band, which made this even better!
Overall, this is a wonderful place to practice salsa dancing. You do not need to be part of a "couple" to attend. I arrived by myself and many of gentlemen will ask you to dance. Most are really patient and willing to help you in your dancing skills.
As for classes, I have never attended one, so I cannot give an opinion.
I highly recommend joining Melody and I during one of the Salsa nights!Listed in: When on the Hill....
-
Review from Ranny K.
Tacoma, WA
5/25/2011
This is the place the pros kick it--Thursdays and Saturdays. It's the best place to learn salsa. I've never taken a class at Century Ballroom, but I've heard they were good. And even though I've never taken a class there, I was able to get better each time I go. I feel like I get a 3-hour lesson for 10 bucks.
The Seattle salsa community is pretty small. You'll see the same people every time, which is cool because they're all very welcoming. You won't be able to distinguish the pros from the amateurs because they're all really nice and good leads willing to teach. You'll also be surprised how diverse the salsa community is.
The cool thing is that they have free coat check upstairs (but you'll want to tip, of course). They also always have Altoids available.
Good for Dates? Yes, if you're both open and game. Maybe take lessons together (which is usually an hour or so before the night festivities) and then practice together all night. You'll have to be comfortable touching all night.
Good for Girls' Nights? Si! Heck yeah, my girlfriends and I go together all the time. (In fact, I think it's about that time!) -
Review from Lily S.
12/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've never used this space as anything but a rehearsal space before going to a party thrown here.
And when she's all done up, what a beautiful space this is! A huge ass dance floor plus a balcony? Yes please.
Pleasant bartenders? Strong pours? Room enough for about 20 tables and a buffet? Ok then!
If you're looking to throw a party, you must look into this ballroom. It's in a beautiful building (yay for Oddfellows!) and a fantastic location.
Now...I'm thinking salsa class there is next. -
Review from Ari S.
Seattle, WA
2/24/2012
This review is for the Salsa 1 class - though the class was big, it was a fantastic class! Hailey and Selena (sp?) were the teachers. Despite the large class size, I thought this class was so much better than the small classes I've taken at other studios!
-
Review from Melody P.
Another great time at Century Ballroom. I am loving it!
Good music, good people, good atmosphere...
They have schedule online that you can check when the live music will be. This specific Saturday I went didn't have live music. However, the DJ played nice Latin music.
People there were nice. Most of them are really patient. I am a beginner and most of people went there are very patient with me and are willing to teach me.
If you are too shy to start dancing, there's a bar in the ballroom that you can purchase alcohol that make loosen you up a bit!Listed in: My sexy entertainment
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/30/2010
Finally, I made it to one of the Saturday class/dance. The night I went to, there was a live band.… Read more »
-
-
Review from Robb M.
Federal Way, WA
4/23/2011
I have never "been dancing." Oh, I've been to clubs and danced as well as my white bread, oft inebriated self can, but I've never been to any place with the singular goal of learning how to do a particular dance and then perform it.
Recently, at the bequest of my wife on her birthday, I wound up at Century Ballroom to learn salsa dancing.
The Ballroom offers classes in many forms of dance, but salsa was the order of the evening. For a few dollars more than the normal cover charge, you can arrive an hour before the room is taken over by experienced dancers there for open dancing.
While waiting, we sprang for a couple of drinks from the tiki bar. They were overpriced, of course, but as tense as I was it was worth it. I would not go there with the notion of dancing AND drinking in the future.
The lesson began with all participants forming a large circle on the dance floor. Everyone stood facing their partners, leads (men, mostly) on the outside of the circle, follows (women, mostly) on the inside.
The instructor gave us a basic rundown of the three-step that makes up the base of salsa dancing. My wife and I started out with these steps, but wound up very, very far apart.
In a move I totally understand - but wasn't a fan of - the inner circle rotated counter-clockwise, so the followers chenged partners every move or two. This serves the very practical purpose of ensuring that the (surprisingly high number of) singles got a partner at some point to dance with.
It also presented the opportunity to learn something from the folks that are better than you, and to feel good about yourself while dancing with someone worse than you.
The problem, for me, came in with my nervousness. I broke out in a cold sweat, and soon removed myself to our table to wait out the lesson. I didn't want to subject my "partners" to clammy hands or a moist back.
After the lesson, my wife and I hit the floor, where she helped me further with my very so-so steps. We ended up having a great time.
The ballroom was beautiful, with a vintage stage and decorations. There were too few tables, and I noticed a lot of people poaching the tables of people on the dance floor.
I was very surprised at the number of people at this venue. With all of the places to dance in town, the Century Ballroom was PACKED. I didn't realize there were so many salsa dancers in the neighborhood. The floor was crowded, but not in a bad way. There was room to dance, and we never felt uncomfortably crowded.
We are looking forward to our next visit to Century Ballroom. We plan on taking another lesson or two, and then on going back for the open dancing later in the evening. -
Review from Faith Y.
Updated - 8/20/2009
BETTER FASTER STRONGER. I'll never ever miss the 9 p.m. lesson ever again. Salsa? You can at least follow your partner and pretend you have an inkling of what's going on. But Swing is a whole 'nother story. Yes-sirree, Hand the guy $7 and there's a throwback to the 1920's ahead of you!
I stood and watched everyone whirl around the dance floor and kick up their heels for a good half hour before I decided to venture out. And the only way to "catch on" is to go out there and try it yourself! There's a basic swing step but of course, everyone puts their own flair into it so I saw the Lindy Hop, the Charleston and everything in between. I think my mouth gaped open the whole time, I couldn't even follow!
Loved the energy in the room despite the sweltering hot temperatures soaring inside, even the most professional teachers had to take a break and stand in front of the massive fans a la Leo DiCaprio in "Titanic." The birthday dances are always fun to watch, everyone stands in a circle and people take turns swooping and cutting in and dancing with the people with bdays.
Tip: Along with not missing the half hour lesson at 9, don't wear heels or restricting clothing either. You really don't want to wipe out in front of everyone because you thought you could wear your clubbing outfit. =) And bring some more male specimen!! Good grief, the gals outnumbered the fellows ridiculously.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/9/2009
Don't underestimate anyone by the number of sequins that shimmer as they shimmy - these regulars… Read more »
-
-
Review from Mimi L.
Seattle, WA
6/17/2009
I go salsa dancing here every week. At first, it was a bit intimidating because everyone seems so good. But after sticking to my once per week dance class/practice for the last 4 months...I'm actually starting to look like one of the "good people"...lol. So don't be shy and put your dance shoes on!
Century Ballroom is a spacious dance floor located in the heart of Capital Hill. It's right above Molly Moon so if you ever go into the women's bathroom, all you smell is sweet waffle from the ice cream place below. I do love coming here every week to practice my dancing but there are some things that the owner of this institution could improve on. For starter, get some AC or better ventilation. This is a place where you can get a sweaty workout on a cold winter day...so imagine coming here when it's like 80 or 90 degrees.
The bar service is very good and the restaurant/bar across is also a fun place to grab a quick bite or chill out. I normally get the mojitos here...they make 'em just right. Don't get the ginger mojitos..the bartender had good intention but it was still a nasty drink. Also, the wooden floor needs some waxing...I've tripped twice on cracks in the floor while dancing. All in all, I love coming here but also wish it could be better. -
Review from Robin N.
Seattle, WA
12/21/2007
I've been dancing here about twice a week on a regular basis for about 6 years now. You won't find many beautiful ballrooms in Seattle, and this is one of those places that really MAKE the dance scene what it is in Seattle - an amazing and beautiful scene with talented dancers and an amazing atmosphere to dance in! When Hallie Kuperman, the owner of the ballroom bought the place, she completely restored it to its original beauty, and did an astounding job! The molding painted in gold along the balcony is very elegant and beautiful, and the dance floor is one of my favorites in Seattle. Plus, with plenty of seating and tables, you can easily sit and socialize during a dancing break. :)
Also, if you're looking for a fun place to go out dancing with your partner, I hear their friday gay night dancing is great.
Also, I've been to their Saturday night salsa nights, and they're INSANELY packed with tons of energetic dancers... must be one of the most popular spots in Seattle for salsa dancing, especially since the owner also teaches salsa there.
Even when I'm super busy during the week or don't feel like dancing as much, I almost always make it out to the Century (unless I'm not a fan of the dj of course) ;)
Never leave us Century Ballroom!!!!
PS. *** tip for those hard-core dancers who need some water to cool down from gettin' down on the dance floor - if the restaurant or bar is open, then instead of shelling out $2.00 on bottled water, ask for a cup of water for $0.75. Plus, a huge advantage is that you can easily refill the cup at the bar and/or the bathroom sink - at least in the ladies' restroom, the bottle doesn't fit nicely in the sink, which is very important if you're a poor college kid like me ;) -
Review from Marco L.
Seattle, WA
10/30/2011
Be careful when swiping ur card at the bar, they charged 30 dls on my card for a 11 dollar transaction. I guess that the bar needed an additional tip.
-
Review from Julea R.
Seattle, WA
7/19/2007
Awesome salsa dancing! I took a friend of mine who had never been salsa dancing before, she was very nervous because she didn't really know how and was afraid that she would be sitting in a corner by herself all night. The exact opposite happened. We went for the lesson before hand, and then danced our asses off all night long! We both had a great time and she has a foot full of blisters to prove it.
Note: wear appropriate shoes.Listed in: This is what I do
-
Review from Miika m.
11/30/2007
I've had my share of slight salsa dancing in SF. Noted that most of my friends are not into salsa and I'm not the type to go out alone, hence why my salsa dancing has suffered a bit.
Peter wanted to take me dancing because several of his friends were going to be there. And he wanted me to rate the woman he was interested in. Peter is interesting in that being the total gentleman (think old school British) there was a whole duality thing: I've been surprised on many levels on what my friend is all about and ladies, he is the perfect catch. For a software engineer, I'm impressed with his hosting abilities, sociability, fun loving nature and even more so that I count him as one of my good friends.
I had on my heels (took these with me for the symphony outing) and a short dress purchased at the local Old Navy in a hurried rush (I had no plans to go dancing, so did not have anything fancy and short to wear) and we walked the two blocks to the dancehall.
The neighborhood gets a little questionable, so I was glad for the male escort as well as the two security guards standing out near Peter's parked car.
The ballroom reminds me of the dancehall in SF (Broadway Studios) with a pretty decent floor and the third floor area which led to the coat check, more seating, and more standing for onlookers to peruse the dancefloor from above.
I'm not that good of a dancer although I get away with my sorry moves by laughing and smiling a lot. That seems to work charms with my male leads. Peter is obviously a lot better and being a good lead, had no problems directing me. However, in the process, I was kicked by another person and he was literally stabbed by another dancer's stiletto heel. Who the hell wears 4-inch stilettos to go dancing?
They have a bar as well as dining, but I've always stayed away from eating on a floor where dancers are whipping up a storm as well as lots of dust and the occasional errant stray hair. Thanks, but I'd like my food clean and unscathed please. I'm sure it is good, just don't order. I did have a drink to loosen my moves out, however the midori sour was more sweet than liquor so it did not do a good job of relaxing me.
The music here is great and I do love to meringue. Several of the salsa songs went on forever, so I had to sit out.
Good music, people were cool, and I had to rate one of the women Peter was remotely interested in.
Ugh. High maintenance and not his type :P
Now if only I could add those great rating skills of mine to the men I date! -
Review from Jill S.
Seattle, WA
10/6/2011
I love social dancing and Century Ballroom is the place to go. Beautiful ballroom with a large dance floor. Have been going regularly for years.
-
Review from mel r.
Emeryville, CA
4/6/2007
I made the mistake of coming here after many moons of not dancing. Much forgotten, it would seem... the poor guy's foot will never be the same. I miss my days of doing the twirly wurley, and have been dying to check this place out. It's huge, with a surrounding mezzanine, and a monster dance floor, which is good when many legs and arms a-flyin! They offer lessons, and unless you're one of the gifted, take them, they're fun and they help. There's a variety of peeps there, so don't feel like you have to dress up. A bike messenger strolled in, tatted to the gills, wearing jeans a white shirt and a pair of Chevy Chase white dress loafers straight outta "Family Vacation". But man, that kid could DANCE! Golly
Next on the agenda...Lindy lessons to get myself back to the holy Mecca of Swingdom. -
Review from Corey G.
1/13/2009 1 photo
This was my second trip to a Salsa Saturday Night at Century. Both times we've made it there, we were early enough to catch an intro. salsa lesson. This was good cuz I'm hoping my brother and his g-friend catch the salsa bug.
The main space of Century is really cool and has a chill vibe with its large dance floor, old-fashioned decor/moldings, stage for live bands (I totally want to see a salsa band here), and a few places to sit back and observe (with the balcony being prime for this).
I do wish it was cooler in here. When you're dancing and it's packed in here, it can get hot (even in the dead of winter!). There's no AC, so one would have to hang out near an open window to cool off. Luckily, there is a coat check (upstairs in the balcony) so you don't have to worry about overheating w/ a jacket. There is a bar here, albeit a little small. I wish they had a water fountain in there, cuz sometimes you just want to drink some water.
The last time I was there, I danced a little bit after the lesson. I'm pretty shy, but the women I asked were totally nice, and handled my minimal dancing skills in stride.
I also had a good time just people watching. One thing we noticed. Seems like the real popular salseros (guy dancers) had some sort of accessory to make them stand out. There was the one tall older guy with an eye patch. Another dude who wore sunglasses the whole evening. And then there was the flamboyent guy who wore one glove, a la Michael Jackson. Don't get me wrong, these guys had serious skills, and I can only aspire to be at their level. However, it sounds like at some point I'm going to need some sort of accessory to get my salsa on. Hmmm....what about a cape? Maybe I'll try a cape! -
Review from Jayne V.
South Pasadena, CA
10/6/2007
We go here for Salsa dancing a lot. It's always really lively and full of people, from a wide range of skill sets. I love watching all the awesome dancers. As many have mentioned they have a good intro dance lesson before most of the dances, which is enough to get you going for the dance afterwards. The 5 week dance classes are good too, the teachers are clear and super helpful.
My only issue is with the Cafe side. If you want to have dinner on a dance-lesson night be sure to get in there really early. We tried to show up about 45 minutes or so before the lesson thinking we could get some dinner first, but they told us there was no way we could serve us in time. And the next time we went we just wanted to have dinner and dance (without the lesson) and they told us we'd have to wait quite a bit to get served because they were trying to serve all the people who were going to be taking the lesson.
Once we did get our food, it was just okay. We got the crabcakes, definitely not the best I've ever had. They are clearly a dance hall first and a cafe second. I'll still give them a 4 though because it's a great place to go dancing. -
Review from Laura B.
Seattle, WA
8/5/2010
I have such mixed feelings about this place.
Most of my experiences here have been with salsa dancing so I'll start there. I should add the caveat that I learned to dance on 2 and absolutely love the feel of my break step matching the clave. Next to nobody here dances on 2. In fact, the majority of people don't even dance on any beat. And it is a total meat market on salsa nights. I for one don't like constantly being treated like I'm there to find a man. I've got a man; I'm just there to dance. And the situation only gets worse when the floor gets packed during all-ages night (first Friday of the month).
After less than positive salsa nights I had avoided this place for quite awhile but finally went to swing dancing (Wednesday night). The crowd is completely different and although I had never swing danced in my life the leads were quite patient and even helpful. As someone familiar with basic partnering, the mini-lesson was a little slow but if you're completely unfamiliar with social dancing it may be just right.
I will definitely come back since it is the big name in social dance around here but I'm never thrilled. On a positive note it is really conveniently located. -
Review from elena k.
Seattle, WA
11/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
Great place for partner dancing classes and parties (salsa, wcs, lindy) but used to be even better when Velocity was in the building.
Saturday night salsa is especially good and Tuesday night WCS is definitely gaining momentum. -
Review from Christina B.
Bremerton, WA
9/8/2010
The Century holds a very special place in my heart. When I started swing dancing, this was one of the first social dances that I went to. Another that I went to was in Halo and I hated it there. Everyone seemed to dance with people they knew. However, at the Century, my friends and I were asked constantly to get up and dance with them. Every single time, the leads were extremely patient with you. I had an experience over at UW, where a lead actually yelled at me because I accidentally did a step wrong. But, not to worry, nothing like that ever happens here.
The ballroom, while it may need some TLC, is very pretty. There's an upstairs where you're able to look out at the dancers and rest for a bit. And then, there's even a stage. (I'm sure there's a band that plays...but I use to go on Sundays, when there was always a DJ, it seemed.)
A draw back, however, is that it tends to be a little on the expensive side. But, it's still better than any other place that I've been to! -
Review from Trina H.
Monterey Park, CA
10/9/2011
This place is awesome!
-
Review from Adam L.
Mountain View, CA
1/4/2007
This is a charming place with a moderately classy ambience, despite the plethora of swing dancers in jeans :P.
The cafe offers very tasty and reasonably affordable food with courteous service. The selection is pretty small and doesn't change much, but vegetarians and meat lovers alike will find stuff to love. So... a solid four stars for the cafe.
The dancing... hmm... seems to depend on the DJ. Tonight's DJ, Freddie, was not to my liking; he played 100% plinky-plinky stuff from the 1930s and 40s. Mind you, I LIKE this stuff... but I greatly appreciate variety in the music I dance and listen to. And from what I understand, such variety is occasionally rather hard to come by at this particular club on Wednesday Swing nights :(
Dance floor? Spacious and pleasant to dance on.
Also, there are tables with not-terribly-comfortable chairs. And a bar. But given the lackluster DJ'ing and the lack of comfy seating, I've gotta give the dance part of this place a 2 to 2.5.
Oh, one thing I forgot: you get free entrance to the dance with any entree purchase... and even if you forgo dinner, entrance is only $5. Quite a bargain for such a space! -
Review from Ray I.
Seattle, WA
2/28/2007
If you dance or want to learn to dance, THIS IS THE PLACE. Salsa, tango, swing, lindy hop & tap. If that is not enough some classes & there are queer specific dance nights for the gay crowd. The owner/operators have been dancing in town for over ~15 years & it shows in there providing a safe, clean environment to dance in w/o it being a meat market first. Sure there are some hotties dressed to the nines & show-offs, but fundamentally dancing comes first. A full bar is offered on Thursday & Saturday nights (maybe Fridays too).
As the learning continues, you can also dance at Halo, a new loft operated by Century on Pine near the BMW dealer. More options to suit a busy schedule.
Cover charges for dancing are $5-$12, night dependent & if you go for a lesson. Added bonus, I hope they still offer this, if you order from their diner menu ($10 per person) you get a free $5 dance cover for that night. The menu is solid, well crafted light fare, perfect before a night of dancing. -
Review from Jessica G.
Kirkland, WA
9/18/2011
I had so much fun taking the class: "Single Ladies". I can't wait to take another.
-
Review from Adam M.
Seattle, WA
8/4/2010
This is a great place to go dancing. Pick a night and go. If you're a guy, I can tell you from experience you probably won't find a date here. So just enjoy and be prepared for some no's. Don't take it personally, just wear more deodorant next time. On the plus side, I can guarantee that as you cuddle with your drink on the sidelines. licking your wounded ego, you'll enjoy watching the laughably creepy guys the women must contend with.
Check out the calendar for salsa, tango and swing nights at their two dance halls. -
Review from RowerRob C.
Seattle, WA
12/30/2006 28 Check-ins Here
Not a bad place to shake what your mama gave ya. But still feels like a ballroom, not a well-decorated club. I go there every Thursday night for salsa.
They run salsa nights Thursdays and Saturdays. The other nights they run Tango, Swing, etc. Check their website for details.
Oh and yah... Nick will get you drunk. Watch out.
If you are into salsa, there are other salsa places that you should check out. Sundays at Triple Door, live band, no cover, from 9 to 11:30pm. Then Sundays at See Sound Lounge, DJ'ed salsa/merengue/bachata, $5 cover. Me and my peeps go there after the live band stops playing at Triple Door. -
Review from Ryland T.
Seattle, WA
8/28/2011
Love this place! If you are looking to find me on Monday and Thursday nights and some Saturday nights, this is where I'll be.
-
Review from Mel Y.
Ralston, OK
8/9/2009
This is a fun fun place that covers a lesson and dance time later for just a few bucks. We took the salsa lesson and we had a lot of fun later dancing too. The crowd was mostly very young that evening, but it probably depends on the evening.
I do agree with another reviewer about the sweet smell of waffles in the women's bathroom, which made me hungry. That's good business, I guess, for the restaurant below.
The only reason I cut one star is because the instructor was a little impatient with me. I was not trying to become a professional dancer, just trying to learn a few moves. -
Review from Casey W.
Brighton, MA
9/29/2008
I'm an amateur salsa dancer... ok, actually a beginner. I'm the one still counting under her breath as she's twirled around from this way to kingdom come. But I definitely find it fun, and was happy to celebrate my friends imminent wedding on a Thursday night. The two best things about this place:
1. The venue. Wicked cool, as we say in Boston. It looks like it's an vintage school gym/auditorium combo. Beautiful, with big windows, a balcony, and a large dance floor.
2. Even if you don't know how to salsa, men here will invite you to dance. It's open and friendly like that, and certainly made my night.
It says a lot that I had fun here, especially considering I had been awake for 22 hours at this point. I'd definitely go back. -
Review from Hannah B.
Seattle, WA
3/12/2010
I have taken several salsa classes here over the course of a few years, as well as the Single Ladies Video class (SO FUN), and will be taking the new Pop Explosion class. Almost every teacher is amazing (there's one that still hasn't learned how to explain things quite right but she will hopefully get better with more time).
If I had more time, I'd take all the others too!
I've also been dancing here at night when it is open as a dance club, and eaten at the restaurant downstairs. This is a true gem in Seattle. We'd be lost without it.
I have to give credit to Hallie for her amazing vision for this place. It is beautiful, unique, and has more to offer than most addresses in Seattle can claim! -
Review from Laura S.
Los Angeles, CA
11/25/2009
I am so disappointed by the people and the DJs, not the building. Too bad, as the floor is large and fairly well maintained, the decor is beautiful, and the acoustics work well.
I went on a Sunday to their 'Swing" night while up in Seattle for business. Not only were the people rude and lacking in floorcraft, the dancing that I saw was abysmal. To add insult to injury, the level of dance that I was led to believe existed up was a gross exaggeration. I spoke to a friend that had moved up there a few years ago, and found that the level of dance was approximately stunted to what we were doing 10 years ago.
If you go, know that you will be treated poorly by the patrons, rudely by the people manning the door, and utterly lacking in dance partners. The skill level is intermediate at best, the music is uninspired and on the slow side, and did I mention the rudeness? I can only hope that the salsa night is better, but after meeting the dancers for the swing night, I don't hold much hope. If you do have to go, import a partner from elsewhere, or go across to the bar, get drunk, and watch the trainwreck from there.
