Tag Archives: dance lessons

La Rumba: A Taste of Lipgloss

The owners of Rockbar have earned a loyal following over the years with La Rumba, one of the city’s friendlier nightclubs. It’s best known for the long-running Lipgloss, a Friday night free-for-all where the tunes range from ’80s rock to techno, the cover charge is nil before 10pm (after that, it’s a measly $5), and PBRs go for $2.  On Saturdays, live salsa is the draw, complete with free lessons, but the genre is a focus on other nights as well: from 1opm to 11pm, also known as Salsa Hour, DJs spin merengue, cumbia, and more. Easygoing as La Rumba is, it does enforce a dress code: leave your shorts, sports gear, and flip-flops in your closet.

lipgloss

Sons of Hermann Hall: An Old Texas Tradition Lives On

Light years from the pretentious vibe of Dallas, Sons of Hermann Hall is a historical, casual, and authentic must-see for lovers of a cold beer and great live acts. The volunteer staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the bar is stocked with a pleasing selection of bargain-priced cocktails, beer and wine.

One of the rare, genuine dance hallsPicture 34 left in the city, Sons of Hermann Hall was built in 1911 and is known for supporting local acts. You can promenade across the dance floor, play pool and shuffle board, or listen to your favorite old tunes on the jukebox. The small upstairs stage has housed acts from the Dixie Chicks to newcomers like Sarah Jaffe. Open mic nights give aspiring musicians a chance to get their feet wet, and the younger crowd has really taken a shine to the swing dance lessons that are offered on Wednesday nights from 8pm until midnight.

Another major draw is that Sons of Hermann Hall is family friendly, with no smoking allowed within 15 feet of the premises. So, strap on your dancing shoes, bring a few bucks for a beer, and even bring the kiddies….this is one dance hall that welcomes everyone to enjoy true Texas music.

Salsa is Smokin’ Hot at Cafe Cocomo

Voted one of the ten best places in the country to “dip into the salsa scene” by USA Today, Café Cocomo, in the revived Potrero Hill neighborhood, is the hottest place to get your Latin dance on west of Miami.  With the same beat-induced sexy atmosphere as clubs likPicture 26e the Copacabana in NYC and the Conga Room in LA, San Francisco offers one of its own.

There’s room for every salsa lover at Cafe Cocomo, with two levels of indoor and outdoor dancing.  All levels from beginner to ballroom star are welcome here – it’s all about having fun!  And with lots of seating in the outdoor patio that features waterfalls, tiki huts, and an island-style bar, you can take a rest from the crowd and enjoy the stars.

Cocomo even offers lessons for anyone who can’t get enough at the Thursday and Saturday dance parties.  Whether you’re out to add some spice to your nightlife, or looking for a killer ballroom routine, be prepared, because this salsa party is HOT!