Where to Go Dancing in Long Beach

Dancing is a great way to get exercise, meet new people and, well, just have a lot of fun! In Long Beach that means free dance lessons, club hosted dance parties as well as monthly trips back in time to enjoy swing and disco on the Queen Mary. Whether it’s the Texas two-step, tango, or any other way that gets your toes tapping, you can find great places to dance the night away in Long Beach.

VINTAGE NIGHTS ON THE QUEEN MARY

On the first Saturday of every month, the Queen hosts Studio 534 in the Observation Bar, a disco dance party celebrating the ‘70s and ‘80s. The name is a homage to Studio 54 and the ship’s working title–Project 534–before its christening. Also monthly, Alex Mendham and his eleven-piece orchestra grace the Queen’s Salon for a formal jazz and swing dancing concert playing the big band tunes of Glenn Miller, Bing Crosby, and other musical icons. For upcoming dates and details, visit queenmary.com.

WEEKLY LESSONS DOWNTOWN

This spring, the Downtown Long Beach Alliance is hosting free weekly dance lessons on The Promenade (290 The Promenade N). Featuring a wide range of styles, including voguing, Cambodian classical dance, and more, Dance Downtown Revolution events take place 6 to 8 PM on Tuesdays, March through May. You’ll learn new styles from a different instructor each week, so bring your friends and get dancing! For details, visit the DLBA’s website.

SALSA NIGHTS

Always a great way to have fun and meet people, salsa dancing sessions are available throughout Long Beach. On every third Tuesday of the month, enjoy salsa nights and social dancing at 2ND & PCH (6480 Pacific Coast Hwy) with teachers Peter Araiza and Jenny Mee. Salsa lessons begin at 6 PM, then transition to social dancing from 7 to 9 PM. Open to both beginners and seasoned salsa dancers. For details, visit the 2ND & PCH website.

LOCAL DANCE HOTSPOTS

If you’re looking to go out for a night of dancing to your favorite hit songs, head to Gaslamp (6251 E Pacific Coast Hwy), which hosts 1970s, 80s, and contemporary tribute bands on Friday and Saturday nights. Polish your two-step, learn some line dances, and enjoy country music at Cowboy Country Saloon (3321 South St), where they offer dance lessons on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7 and 8 PM. Finally, one of Long Beach’s longest running dance parties, Good Foot, is hosted on the third Friday of each month at Alex’s Bar (2913 E Anaheim with DJs spinning funk and soul music on vinyl for a legion of devoted dancers.

CREDIT: Cowboy Country

TANGO LESSONS DOWNTOWN

Immerse yourself in the Argentine dance of passion! On Wednesdays at 6:45 PM, learn the compelling and dramatic art of tango with teacher Sharna Fabiano at Altar Society Brewing Co. (230 Pine Ave). No partner or experience is required, and you will have the opportunity to learn both roles in this partnered dance style.

NIGHTCLUBS

Alegria (115 Pine Ave) is a Latin dance club featuring reggaeton, bachata, salsa, merengue, cumbia, and hip hop. The club hosts DJs and live entertainment every Friday and Saturday. Sevilla (140 Pine Ave) is the nightclub next to Spanish restaurant Cafe Sevilla and offers DJs nightly as well as salsa and bachata lessons on Wednesdays. At the Top (105 W Broadway) is the venue above Shannon’s on Pine that becomes Praia Nightclub with top DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. At the Top also hosts RnB parties with Research and Development every second Saturday and RnBrunch parties with Urban Society Long Beach every second Sunday. Agaves Ultra Lounge (200 Pine Ave) offers bottle service and DJs spinning Top 40s hits, reggaeton, Latin music and more.

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.