The Breakaway - Swing Dancing in Oakland

Welcome to a lively and engaging overview of The Breakaway - Swing Dancing in Oakland, a dynamic point of interest that brings the vibrant energy of swing dance to the heart of California's East Bay. For residents across the Golden State, and particularly those in and around Oakland, The Breakaway offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the joy of swing dancing, connect with a welcoming community, and experience the timeless charm of jazz music. This article aims to provide a clear, informative, and factual insight into what makes The Breakaway a beloved weekly event for dancers of all levels. We will explore its convenient location, outline the services it provides, highlight its distinguishing features, and offer essential contact information, ensuring you have all the details needed to join the fun.

The Breakaway is more than just a dance event; it's a thriving community dedicated to sharing the passion for jazz music and the vintage dances that grew from it, primarily Lindy Hop. As one enthusiastic reviewer describes it, "The Breakaway is a great community of jazz dancers in the East Bay City of Oakland. It is a very inclusive and fun community." Whether you are a "true beginner" with no prior dance experience or a "seasoned dancer" looking for a vibrant social outlet, The Breakaway offers a space where everyone feels welcome to learn, practice, and simply enjoy the exhilarating rhythm of swing. Its commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere makes it a standout choice for those looking to explore a new hobby or deepen their love for swing dance.

The Breakaway - Swing Dancing in Oakland is located at 200 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610, USA. This address places the event within the Veteran's Memorial Building, a historic venue that has served as a significant hub for numerous dance communities in Oakland for decades. Its location on Grand Avenue positions it near the bustling Lake Merritt area, making it a prominent and easily identifiable destination.

Regarding accessibility, the 200 Grand Ave location is generally well-served by Oakland's transportation infrastructure. For those utilizing public transportation, several AC Transit bus lines operate in the vicinity, connecting the area to various neighborhoods throughout Oakland and beyond. The studio is also within a reasonable distance of BART stations, which can provide convenient access for individuals traveling from other parts of the Bay Area.

For attendees arriving by car, the area around Lake Merritt and Grand Avenue typically offers a combination of metered street parking and potentially some parking garages or lots. While street parking availability can vary depending on the time and day, the central location in Oakland usually provides options. The consistent flow of traffic and accessibility to major roads make The Breakaway a practical and reachable destination for swing dance enthusiasts across California who wish to join their weekly events.

The Breakaway - Swing Dancing in Oakland primarily offers a consistent weekly event structure designed to cater to both new and experienced swing dancers. Their services are focused on instruction and social dancing within a welcoming community setting.

• Weekly Swing Dancing Event: The core offering is a weekly social dance event held every Thursday evening from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This provides a regular opportunity for the community to gather and enjoy swing dancing.
• Included Free Beginner Lesson: Every Thursday, entry to the dance includes a free taster lesson from 7:30 PM to 8:15 PM. This is specifically designed for "true beginners" and requires "no experience or partner necessary," making it incredibly accessible for those curious about swing dancing.
• Lindy Hop Classes (Beginner and Intermediate Series): The Breakaway offers progressive Lindy Hop class series. The Beginner series has 4 months of curriculum that can be taken in any order, focusing on foundational skills. The Intermediate class series covers a wide variety of core Lindy Hop skills, with loosely 24 months of topics/skills. Drop-ins are typically allowed only on the first week of a series.
• Live Band Nights: On the last Thursday of every month, The Breakaway features a live band, enhancing the dance experience with authentic jazz music. This is a significant highlight for many attendees.
• DJ Nights: On all other Thursdays, the social dance features the expertise of local DJs, providing a consistent musical backdrop for dancing.
• Social Dancing Opportunity: The main event after the lesson is dedicated social dancing, allowing participants to practice their moves, dance with various partners, and enjoy the community atmosphere.
• Community Building: Beyond formal instruction, The Breakaway fosters a strong sense of community, encouraging social interaction and connection among dancers.

The pricing for the weekly event is set at $10 for DJ Nights and $20 for Live Band Nights, with the free lesson included with entry. The organization also encourages cashless payments.

The Breakaway - Swing Dancing in Oakland boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a highly regarded and unique destination for swing dance enthusiasts in the Bay Area.

• Inclusive and Welcoming Community: A standout feature consistently praised by attendees is the "friendly" and "very inclusive and fun community." The environment is designed to make "all are welcome, true beginners and seasoned dancers!" This creates a comfortable and encouraging atmosphere for everyone.
• Free Beginner Lesson with Entry: The inclusion of a free lesson with the standard entry fee is a significant highlight, breaking down barriers for new dancers. It allows curious individuals to "learn the basics" without a separate commitment or additional cost.
• Live Band on Last Thursday: The monthly feature of a live band elevates the social dance experience, providing an authentic and energetic atmosphere that is highly valued by swing dancers. This provides a special highlight each month.
• Spacious, Clean, and Nicely Decorated Ballroom: The venue itself, located at 200 Grand Ave, is described as a "spacious, clean, and nicely decorated" ballroom. This provides an excellent physical space for dancing, allowing for comfortable movement and an enjoyable aesthetic. The historical significance of the Veteran's Memorial Building as a dance venue further adds to its charm.
• Progressive Lindy Hop Curriculum: For those looking to deepen their skills, the structured Beginner and Intermediate Lindy Hop class series provide a clear pathway for learning and growth, ensuring consistent improvement.
• Consistent Weekly Event: The regularity of the Thursday night event offers a reliable and convenient opportunity for dancers to engage with the community and practice their skills without needing to search for new events each week.
• Focus on Lindy Hop: As a dance originating from the jazz era, Lindy Hop is at the core of The Breakaway's offerings, appealing to those interested in this specific and iconic swing dance style.

For those ready to embrace the rhythm of swing at The Breakaway - Swing Dancing in Oakland, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 200 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610, USA

While a direct phone number for The Breakaway itself is not commonly publicized, information regarding their events and classes is typically found through their official website, social media channels, or the host venue's information. The primary way to get in touch or stay updated on their events would be through their dedicated online platforms.

It is highly recommended to visit their official website (often found by searching "The Breakaway Swing Oakland") or their social media pages (e.g., @Breakawayswing on YouTube) for the most current schedule, pricing updates, COVID-19 precautions, and any other specific inquiries.

The Breakaway - Swing Dancing in Oakland is an exceptional destination for locals in Oakland and across the California region, offering a unique blend of dance, community, and live music that makes it highly suitable for a diverse range of individuals. Its appeal for locals is multifaceted. Firstly, the consistent weekly schedule every Thursday provides a reliable and accessible opportunity to engage in swing dancing, easily fitting into busy Bay Area lives. The inclusion of a free beginner lesson with entry is a significant advantage, removing barriers for those curious about swing but hesitant to commit to a full course. This welcoming approach ensures that even "true beginners" feel comfortable stepping onto the dance floor.

Secondly, the strong sense of community fostered at The Breakaway is a major draw. Reviewers consistently highlight the "friendly" and "inclusive" atmosphere, where dancers of all levels and backgrounds are welcomed. This creates a supportive environment for learning, practicing, and forming connections, making it more than just a dance class – it's a social hub. The opportunity to dance to live bands on the last Thursday of each month adds a special, authentic touch, elevating the experience and celebrating the rich musical heritage of swing. For anyone in California looking for a fun, engaging, and community-oriented activity that combines physical movement with lively music and social interaction, The Breakaway offers an unparalleled experience right here in Oakland. It’s a place where you can learn a new skill, meet friendly faces, and truly feel the rhythm of a vibrant dance culture.

The Breakaway - Swing Dancing in Oakland

200 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610, USA