Bakersfield's Vibrant Dance Scene: Salsa, Bachata, Ballroom, Country, and More

The Thriving Dance Scene in Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California has a vibrant and growing dance community. With a wide range of dance styles to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities in Bakersfield to learn how to dance, practice your skills, and meet fellow dancing enthusiasts.

Salsa and Bachata Nights in Bakersfield

Two of the most popular social dance styles in Bakersfield are salsa and bachata. On Thursday nights, the Bakersfield Racquet Club hosts "Just Dance Thursdays" featuring both salsa and bachata dancing from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Instructors are on hand from 6 pm to 7 pm to teach dance basics for beginners. The lesson is followed by three hours of open dancing until 10 pm so you can practice your new moves. It's a great place to experience Bakersfield's dance scene in a welcoming social environment.

More Latin Flair: Ballet Folklorico

In addition to salsa and bachata, Bakersfield has a strong Latin American influence when it comes to dance. Ballet folklorico lessons teach traditional Latin dances like salsa, merengue, cumbia, and tango.

There are youth and adult ballet folklorico dance troupes performing at festivals and events around the city. It's a testament to the widespread Latin culture that shapes all aspects of Bakersfield's arts, music, and dance.

Ballroom and Country Options

Beyond Latin dance, you can also find ballroom dance studios in Bakersfield offering everything from casual lessons to competitive dance training. Styles like waltz, foxtrot, tango, quickstep, Viennese waltz, and more are taught for dancers of all levels.

And thanks to Bakersfield's central California location, there are plenty of venues for country line dancing and two-stepping the night away. Beginner lessons get you started on classics like the Cotton Eye Joe before free-styling it on the dance floor.

Dance Studios, Classes, and Events

There are lots of organized outlets in Bakersfield to practice your best moves:

Arthur Murray Dance Studios

Arthur Murray Dance Studios has two Bakersfield locations offering private and group lessons in styles like swing, Latin, ballroom, wedding dances, and more. Competitive teams travel to dance competitions while shows and performances let students show off their talents.

School of Performing Arts

The School of Performing Arts hosts various dance classes and lessons in ballet, tap, lyrical, and hip hop for students of any skill level. Their staff includes award-winning competitive dance coaches with decades of combined experience.

Local Event Venues

The Buck Owens Crystal Palace regularly features country dance nights and lessons. Saddle up and do-si-do with experienced instructors leading the way before open country dancing.

Over at Elements Venue, their Saturday Night Dance Party brings DJs playing top hits while a packed dance floor gets their groove on. Dance your way from 10 pm to 2 am as flashing lights and loud music set the mood.

Bakersfield Condors Hockey

For something completely different, enjoy the high energy intermission performances by the Bakersfield Condors Ice Girls and Ice Crew at local hockey games and community events. Their crowd-pleasing theatrical routines incorporate various dance styles with creative props and storylines.

Join Bakersfield's Growing Dance Community

With enthusiastic dancers, instructors, venues, and events, dance is thriving as both recreation and artistic expression in Bakersfield. From country and ballroom to Latin and contemporary, there are abundant opportunities to learn, practice, and celebrate dance as participant or spectator.

The inclusive, welcoming vibe makes it easy to join Bakersfield's dance community. Whether you're a lifelong dance enthusiast or someone hoping to learn for the first time, you'll find open arms, new friendships, and happy feet when you step out on the dance floor.

FAQs

Where can I learn to dance salsa and bachata in Bakersfield?

The Bakersfield Racquet Club hosts weekly "Just Dance Thursdays" featuring salsa and bachata lessons from 6 pm to 7 pm followed by open dancing until 10 pm. It's a welcoming environment for beginners and experienced dancers alike.

What types of ballroom dance can I learn?

Arthur Murray Dance Studios provides private and group lessons in styles like swing, waltz, tango, foxtrot, Viennese waltz, quickstep, and more. You can take casual lessons or train on their competitive dance teams.

Where are the best country dance spots?

The Buck Owens Crystal Palace regularly has live country music and dance lessons on their huge wooden dance floor. You can also two-step the night away at various local bars with a jukebox and dance floor.

Are there places kids and teens can learn to dance?

The School of Performing Arts offers acclaimed dance classes and competitive teams for children and youth. Styles include ballet, tap, lyrical, hip hop, and more with instruction tailored to all skill levels.