Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio: Your Premier Destination for Dance in Alhambra, CA

Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio Introduce

Hidden away in the vibrant heart of downtown Alhambra, California, you’ll discover a true "gem" for dance enthusiasts: Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio. Since opening its doors in 1992, Lai Lai has not just been a dance studio; it has grown into a cornerstone of the community, fostering a deep love for ballroom and Latin dance across generations. This beloved institution is also famously known as the home of Brandon Tsay, the hero whose courageous actions in a moment of crisis brought national attention and pride to the studio and the broader community. Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio is more than just a place to learn steps; it’s a space where individuals, from absolute beginners to seasoned competitors, can immerse themselves in the joy of movement, connect with world-class instructors, and become part of a supportive, family-like atmosphere. This comprehensive article will guide you through what makes Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio an essential destination for locals, exploring its accessible location, diverse dance offerings, unique features, and why it's the perfect place to embark on or continue your dance journey.

The studio's enduring legacy, spanning over three decades and three generations of the Tsay family, speaks volumes about its unwavering commitment to dance excellence and community building. Lai Lai prides itself on being one of the first ballroom dance studios in the region to boast exceptionally large dance floors, a testament to its dedication to providing an optimal learning and dancing environment. This emphasis on quality and space has allowed countless students to find their passion, improve their skills, and even achieve national recognition in various dance styles. The welcoming and chill atmosphere ensures that everyone, regardless of their background or experience, feels comfortable and inspired to dance.

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Location and Accessibility

Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio is conveniently located at 121 S Garfield Ave, Alhambra, CA 91801, USA, placing it squarely in the heart of downtown Alhambra. This central position makes the studio incredibly accessible for residents not only within Alhambra but also from neighboring communities across the San Gabriel Valley and wider Los Angeles County.

The studio's location on S Garfield Avenue, a key street in Alhambra, ensures easy navigation for those arriving by car. Downtown Alhambra offers various parking options, including street parking and nearby public lots, which makes visits convenient for students and guests. For those utilizing public transportation, the area is well-served by local bus routes, with several stops typically within a short walking distance from the studio. This connectivity allows for a seamless commute for individuals who rely on public transit. Being situated in a bustling downtown area also means that the studio is surrounded by a variety of local amenities, including restaurants, shops, and other services, making it easy to combine dance lessons with other daily activities. The excellent accessibility contributes significantly to Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio's role as a prominent and convenient local dance hub.

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Services Offered

Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio offers a comprehensive range of services designed to cater to dancers of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced competitors, focusing primarily on ballroom and Latin dance styles.

High-Quality Dance Instruction:
- Professional Instructors: The studio boasts "high quality instructors" who are described as professional, patient, and many of whom are champions and nationally ranked in their respective styles. They bring expertise from around the world, including China, Ukraine, and South America.
- World-Class Guest Coaches: Lai Lai frequently hosts "world class guest coaches," providing students with unique opportunities to learn from top-tier talent in the dance world.
Diverse Dance Styles: Instruction is offered across various popular dance categories:
- Ballroom: Encompassing traditional dances like Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep.
- Latin: Focusing on vibrant and rhythmic dances such as Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive, and Paso Doble.
- Smooth: A category of ballroom dances that emphasizes continuous, flowing movements, often including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz performed with continuous motion around the dance floor.
- Rhythm: A category of American social dances, often including Cha-Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, and Mambo, focusing on a more rhythmic and expressive feel.
Flexible Class Formats:
- Group Classes: Regularly offered throughout the week, these classes are designed to be "affordable and welcoming for beginners and seasoned dancers alike." They provide a great way to learn fundamentals and socialize.
- Private Lessons (Pro-Am): Tailored one-on-one instruction with professional dancers, ideal for personalized coaching, rapid improvement, or preparing for competitions. One student, Marilyn Lim, specifically highlights training with "Ilie Bardahan (amazing)" as a Latin Pro-Am student.
Showcases and Performance Opportunities: Lai Lai actively promotes performance and growth through regular events:
- Main Showcases: Two major showcases are held annually (typically in March and November), featuring creative themes (e.g., Egyptian, Barbie, Undersea). These provide exciting opportunities for students to perform in a professional setting. Brenda is noted as the events coordinator for these fun and enriching events.
- Community Dance Events: The studio hosts and participates in community events, which are vital for fostering a sense of togetherness and healing, particularly highlighted after recent challenging times.
Social Dance Parties: The studio likely hosts open dance parties or "Tea Dances" and "Evening Dances" (as indicated by online event listings) for social dancing, allowing students to practice their skills in a relaxed setting.

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Features / Highlights

Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio offers several distinguishing features that contribute to its status as a highly regarded dance institution in Alhambra.

Spacious Dance Floors: A significant highlight of Lai Lai is its expansive facilities. The studio boasts two spacious dance floors: a "massive 60x40 ft main floor" and a "smaller 18x73 ft one." This generous space is crucial for ballroom and Latin dancing, allowing "plenty of room for lessons and practice without feeling cramped," which is a considerable advantage for both learning and social dancing.
Exceptional Instructor Quality: The caliber of instructors is consistently praised. They are described as "top-notch, with world-class credentials," many being "champions and nationally ranked." Their professionalism, patience, and expertise in various dance styles (ballroom, Latin, smooth, rhythm) ensure that students receive high-level, effective instruction. The availability of "world class guest coaches" further enriches the learning experience.
Welcoming and Community-Oriented Atmosphere: Despite its professional standards, Lai Lai maintains a "chill and welcoming" atmosphere. Students repeatedly emphasize the studio's "vibrant" and "family-like" feel. This strong sense of community fosters belonging and encourages students to grow together, as noted by a long-time student who has been there for 10 years and considers it "like family."
Inspiring Performance Opportunities: The two main showcases held annually are a major draw. These are not mere recitals but "professional and spectacular to watch" events with "creative themes" like "Egyptian theme, Barbie theme, Undersea theme." These provide exciting goals for students and high-quality entertainment for attendees. The studio's commitment to "fostering a sense of community is evident, especially after their inspiring community dance events."
Brandon Tsay's Connection and Community Resilience: Lai Lai Ballroom holds a special place in the hearts of many due to its connection with Brandon Tsay, the hero who disarmed a gunman during a tragic incident at a nearby dance hall. His family owns the studio, and Lai Lai has become a symbol of "healing and celebration" for the community, demonstrating resilience and strength. This connection adds a layer of profound significance and pride for locals.
Suitable for All Levels: Whether a student starts with "zero dance experience" or is a seasoned dancer, the studio is equipped to help them "improve with each class" and "find your joy" in dance. This inclusivity makes it an ideal spot for anyone looking to "dive into ballroom dancing."

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Contact Information

To learn more about Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio, inquire about classes, or visit the facilities, please use the following contact details:

Address: 121 S Garfield Ave, Alhambra, CA 91801, USA

Phone: (626) 458-8868

You can also visit their official website for detailed class schedules, information on instructors, upcoming showcases, and online booking options. We recommend checking their website for the most current schedule, particularly for group classes, as noted in a review, to find options that best suit different skill levels.

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Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Alhambra, California, and the broader Los Angeles metropolitan area, Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio stands as an undeniable "gem" and an exceptional local resource for dance education and community engagement. Its suitability for locals is deeply rooted in its multifaceted offerings, profound community spirit, and unique historical significance. As one long-time student perfectly articulated, "I’ve been dancing at Vivat Dance Studio for 10 years now. I have experienced nothing but the best. The teachers are amazing, kind, and patient with all the students. We all work hard and continue to improve with each class. Everyone is professional and easy to work with. I have absolutely no complaints and I’d rather be at Vivat than anywhere else." This sentiment of sustained excellence and personal growth is a hallmark of Lai Lai.

The studio's commitment to providing "high quality instructors"—many of whom are "champions and nationally ranked"—ensures that students receive top-tier training in ballroom, Latin, smooth, and rhythm styles. The spacious dance floors are a major advantage, providing ample room for comfortable learning and practice, a feature highly valued by dancers. Furthermore, the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, often described as "chill and welcoming" and "like family," creates an inclusive environment where individuals of all skill levels, even those starting with "zero dance experience," can find their joy in movement and build lasting friendships.

Lai Lai Ballroom also plays a significant role in the community through its connection to local hero Brandon Tsay, whose family owns the studio. This association has cemented Lai Lai's place not just as a dance venue but as a symbol of resilience and healing, regularly hosting "inspiring community dance events." The biannual showcases are not just recitals but "stunning top-notch performances" with creative themes, offering exciting opportunities for students and spectacular entertainment for the community. Its central location in downtown Alhambra ensures easy accessibility, making it a convenient and attractive option for anyone in the area looking to embrace the art of dance. In essence, Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio is more than a place to learn to dance; it is a vibrant community hub that enriches lives through artistic expression, fosters deep connections, and stands as a testament to the strength and spirit of Alhambra.

Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio Dance

Dance School
Adult lessons $20.00
More affordable and social. Learn with other adults in a group setting Great for meeting dance partners and practicing socially.
Advanced classes $20.00
Teach challenging patterns, styling, lead/follow precision, and musicality. Dancers refine posture, footwork, and expression in Smooth, Standard, Latin, and Rhythm styles. Often offered at studios, teams, or advanced group sessions.
Beginner's classes $20.00
Class Format: Length: 45–60 minutes Structure: Warm-up and basic footwork Lead and follow techniques Partner rotation (if you’re comfortable; you don’t always need a partner to join!) Practicing short dance patterns Cooldown or freestyle practice
Choreography classes $20.00
Focus on learning complete dance routines, combining steps, timing, and style. Perfect for those wanting to perform or compete. Classes teach memory, coordination, expression, and partner work, often across ballroom, Latin, or fusion dance styles.
Intermediate classes $20.00
Build on basics with new patterns, better technique, and partner connection. Focus includes timing, styling, and floorcraft. Covers Smooth, Latin, Rhythm, and Standard dances. Great prep for social dancing or showcases.
Private lessons From $70.00
One-on-one instruction tailored to your pace and interests. Ideal for fast learning, wedding prep, or competition training. Usually more expensive, but highly effective.
Youth classes $18.00
Youth dance classes are designed for kids and teens to learn dance basics in a fun, supportive environment. Styles can include ballroom, hip-hop, jazz, ballet, and more. Classes build coordination, rhythm, confidence, and teamwork, often with age-appropriate music and activities.
Dance Class From $20.00
A guided class teaching classic partner dances like Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, and Rumba. Focus on technique, timing, posture, and lead/follow skills. Great for beginners and experienced dancers wanting to improve social or competitive dancing.
Wedding Dance Choreography $475.00
Make your first dance a moment to remember with our Wedding Ballroom Dance Package. We specialize in classic ballroom styles that bring grace, poise, and romance to your big day. Package Includes: ✨ 5 Private ballroom lessons tailored to your wedding song ✨ Styles such as Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba

Fitness center
Jazzercise From $20.00
A high-energy fitness class that blends dance, strength, and cardio with moves inspired by jazz dance. Set to upbeat music, it combines fun choreography with full-body workouts, improving endurance, coordination, and muscle tone. Great for all fitness levels.
Hip Hop Classes From $18.00
A high-energy dance class that teaches street-style moves set to hip hop and pop music. Focuses on rhythm, footwork, coordination, and freestyle. Great for building confidence, fitness, and style—open to all levels. Fun and expressive!

Dance Club
Classes For Kids From $18.00
ocus on fun, movement, and basic dance skills. They often include beginner ballroom, ballet, jazz, or hip-hop. Classes teach rhythm, coordination, balance, and social skills in a playful way, usually with age-appropriate music and games. Great for building confidence and fitness!
Dance Competition From $300.00
Master technique: Perfect your footwork, posture, and lead/follow skills Learn choreography: Practice routines until smooth and confident Build stamina: Condition your body for endurance and strength Work on performance: Focus on expression, musicality, and presence
Dancesport Team From $16.00
A group of competitive ballroom dancers who train and perform together. Members focus on technique, choreography, and teamwork to compete in tournaments and showcase events. Teams often include coaching, group routines, and support for individual and partner performances.
Show Team Performances From $40.00
A group of trained dancers who perform choreographed ballroom or Latin routines at events, festivals, competitions, or special occasions. These high-energy, polished performances showcase teamwork, skill, and entertainment—perfect for adding excitement to any event.
International Standard Free
A ballroom dance category featuring elegant, smooth partner dances danced in closed hold. Styles include Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep. Known for graceful movement, posture, and traveling across the floor. Common in both social and competitive dance.
International Latin Free
A dynamic ballroom dance category featuring Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. Known for sharp footwork, expressive movement, and strong partner connection. Danced in open hold with high energy and rhythm—popular in competitions worldwide.
American Rhythm Free
A competitive ballroom dance style in the American style division, featuring Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, and Mambo. Known for its expressive hip action, open work, and rhythmic flair. Danced in both social and competitive settings across the U.S.
American Smooth Free
A ballroom dance style featuring Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. Known for its elegant movements with both closed and open dance positions, allowing lifts and dramatic styling. Combines smooth gliding with expressive, theatrical elements. Popular in social and competitive dance.

Dance Hall
Party Rentals From $1,000.00
Rental of space with a dance floor for private events or parties Sound system and lighting setup Seating and tables for guests Option for catering or bar services (sometimes) Event coordination support Suitable for birthdays, weddings, socials, and dance events
Event Space Rentals From $1,000.00
Venue rental for parties, meetings, weddings, or dance events Includes tables, chairs, and sometimes sound systems Options for catering, lighting, and decorations may be available Spaces vary in size to accommodate small to large groups Flexible rental durations (half-day, full-day)
Dance Studio Rentals From $1,000.00
Rent fully equipped studios with mirrors, sound systems, and sprung floors for rehearsals, classes, or private practice. Flexible rental times and rates accommodate individuals, groups, or instructors. Ideal for dance training, workshops, or small events.
Floor rental From $16.00
Rent access to a dance floor for private practice, lessons, or rehearsals. Ideal for individuals, partners, or instructors needing space. Rentals typically include use of mirrors, sound system, and a clean, open floor—available by the hour or session.

Night Club
Social Dancing From $7.00
DAILY 2:00PM–5:00 PM (Tea Dance) & 8:30PM–11:00 PM (Night Dance) Open dance sessions with no classes—just come, dance, and socialize. Entrance fee only; no partner needed. Enjoy a variety of music styles on the dance floor in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Ballroom Dancing From $7.00
An elegant twist to the club scene where couples dance classic ballroom and Latin styles like Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, and Rumba. The atmosphere blends social dancing with upbeat music, creating a stylish, energetic vibe for dancers of all levels. Daily 2:00PM-5:00PM & 8:30PM-11:00PM
Salsa Dancing From $7.00
A lively, rhythmic partner dance with roots in Afro-Cuban and Latin music. Salsa features fast footwork, spins, and energetic moves. It’s social, fun, and great for all levels—perfect for clubs, classes, and dance socials. DAILY 2:00PM-5:00PM & 8:30PM-11:00PM
Disco From $7.00
A high-energy, funky style popularized in the 1970s, featuring upbeat grooves, spins, and classic moves like the Hustle and the Bump. It’s all about rhythm, style, and having fun on the dance floor with disco, funk, and soul music. Daily 2:00PM-5:00PM & 8:30PM-11:00PM

Event Venue
Corporate events From $1,000.00
Professional gatherings such as meetings, conferences, or team-building events. Venues often feature a projector, stage, sound system, and seating arrangements. Catering and AV support are typically available to create a smooth, engaging experience.
Weddings From $1,000.00
A special event celebrating the union of two people. Our venue provides a dance floor, seating, catering option available, lighting, and sound systems. Spaces can be customized to fit styles from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations
Event Rentals From $1,000.00
Rental of spaces suitable for parties, meetings, weddings, or social gatherings. Includes facilities like seating, tables, sound and lighting systems, and sometimes catering options. Flexible layouts and services to fit various event sizes and types.
Venue rental From $1,000.00
Booking a space for events like weddings, parties, meetings, or performances. Venues often include amenities such as seating, audio/visual equipment, lighting, and sometimes catering. Flexible to accommodate different group sizes and event types.
Birthday Parties From $1,000.00
Rental spaces for celebrating birthdays with friends and family. Often include tables, chairs, decorations, sound systems, and room for activities or dancing. Venues may offer catering or allow outside food, creating a fun, festive atmosphere for all ages.
Party Events From $1,000.00
Spaces rented for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or social gatherings. Usually come with seating, music systems, lighting, and sometimes catering options. Designed to create a lively, enjoyable environment for guests to mingle and dance.
Competition Hall From $1,000.00
A large, well-equipped venue designed for hosting dance competitions or other events. Features a spacious dance floor, professional lighting, sound systems, seating for spectators, and sometimes staging. Built to accommodate competitors, judges, and audiences comfortably.
Dancesport Hall From $1,000.00
A large, well-equipped venue designed for hosting dance competitions or other events. Features a spacious dance floor, professional lighting, sound systems, seating for spectators, and sometimes staging. Built to accommodate competitors, judges, and audiences comfortably.

Ballroom Dance Instructor
Private Dance lessons From $70.00
One-on-one or small group sessions tailored to your skill level and goals. Personalized instruction focuses on technique, choreography, and partner connection. Ideal for faster progress, wedding prep, or competition training in any dance style.

Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Online classes
Onsite services

Highlights
Active military discounts

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
On-site parking

Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio Photos

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Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio Location

Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio

California Los Angeles County Alhambra South Garfield Avenue

121 S Garfield Ave, Alhambra, CA 91801, USA

Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio Reviews

An average rating of ★4.9 from 70 user reviews.

ballroom dancingfloorthe studiospaceenergyskillsparkingatmosphereentertainmentrhythm

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Lai Lai is a gem (dance studio) hidden away in downtown Alhambra. Yes, it’s also the home of Brandon Tsay, the hero who fought an attacker and saved lives.Lai lai has high quality instructors (professional, patient) many who are champions and nationally ranked in styles of ballroom, Latin, smooth, and rhythm. And there are many world class guest coaches.Group classes are offered (see schedule), and there are two main showcases a year (March, November) complete with creative theme, most recently was an Egyptian theme, Barbie theme had Undersea theme! (Brenda is the events coordinator) . So much fun and rich in learning. Come in for a visit! The staff and atmosphere is chill and welcoming.On a personal note. I am a Latin pro am student and train with Ilie Bardahan (amazing). Ive participated in showcases, and compete in California and across the country. I started with zero dance experience and enjoy dance so much. Please check out the photos.. Find your joy.My IG is @MLSdancejourneyBest regards. ❤️💃Marilyn Lim
Apr 21, 2025 · M L
Lai Lai Ballroom & Dance Studio is a gem for anyone looking to dive into ballroom dancing in Alhambra! The studio boasts two spacious dance floors (a massive 60x40 ft main floor and a smaller 18x73 ft one), which means there’s plenty of room for lessons and practice without feeling cramped. The instructors are top-notch, with world-class credentials from places like China, Ukraine, and South America. Their expertise really shines in the group classes, which are affordable and welcoming for beginners and seasoned dancers alike.The atmosphere is vibrant, and the studio’s commitment to fostering a sense of community is evident, especially after their inspiring community dance events. My only minor gripe is that the schedule for group classes could be more varied to accommodate different skill levels, but overall, it’s a fantastic spot to learn and grow as a dancer. Highly recommend checking it out if you’re in the area!
Jun 23, 2025 · Sarah Zhai
Lai Lai Ballroom dance studio is the birth place of my dancing journey. Never had any dance lesson of any kind, I had my very first one there. I was learning the rumba walk just like a baby taking the first step.Thanks to the dedication and patience of my teacher (the first, one and only 🥰) Stefan Virlan, and the loving advice and support of my coach Liya Kazbekova, I have now advanced to the open gold level in Latin. The teachers at Lai Lai are very friendly and generous. There are always laughters on the dance floor (especially when Ilie Bardahan is there 😂), sharing of little tips and advices.There are days you walk in to the ballroom surprised by the scene of world class professionals dancing rounds in styles of ballroom, Latin, rhythm and smooth. A private showcase that’s both mesmerizing and inspiring. The energy they generate encourages you to work harder with a purpose. The qualities of teachers at Lai Lai are superb.More than a studio where you build your dancing skills, Lai Lai is also a place where you cultivate friendship. My life has become more enriched and vibrant because of the friends I met there.I have precious memories from all the biannual showcases at Lai Lai. Thanks to the commitment of Brenda Tsay in making every event a special one for the dancing community in San Gabriel Valley.
May 10, 2025 · Sophia Tsoi
Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio is a gem in Alhambra for anyone interested in dance! The studio is clean, spacious, and has a great setup with two dance floors, which makes it perfect for both group classes and private lessons. I’ve been taking their Latin dance classes, and the instructors are super knowledgeable, breaking down steps in a way that’s easy to follow, even for beginners like me. The group classes are lively and a great mix of fun and learning, though I wish they offered a few more evening sessions for those with busy schedules. The atmosphere is friendly, and it’s inspiring to see such a tight-knit dance community. Definitely recommend Lai Lai if you’re looking to dive into ballroom dancing or just want a fun new hobby!
Jun 18, 2025 · John Ward
Great studio to learn and teach! I've been an instructor here since the shooting at star 2023. The owner and staff of lai lai has been most welcoming to me and my students. It's great for people of all ages that want to learn social to competitive dancing. Cheers 🍻 👏🏼 ✌🏽 see you on the dance floor. 🕺🏻 💃🏼
May 08, 2025 · Chris Cho