Can I come to the social without doing the class?

Yes. Social dancing starts at 9:30pm and runs to 1am. Social only is $15, in advance or at the door, and a good number of people arrive at 9:30 having skipped the class entirely.

How late does it actually go?

One in the morning, every week. Around 10:00pm is the busiest the floor gets, and it starts to thin out at about 11:30pm.

Where is it and how do I get there?

The Smuin Center for Dance, 1830 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, in Potrero Hill. There is street parking on the surrounding blocks, generally free and unmetered by the time the evening starts, and Muni stops within a few minutes walk.

Every Friday · 9:30pm to 1:00am

Bachata social dancing in San Francisco

9:30pm – 1:00am
Moderna & Sensual
Social only $15
1830 17th St

Three and a half hours of social dancing every Friday night. If you already dance and you are just looking for a floor, this is the answer to that — come at 9:30, skip the class, pay $15.

Book Fridayfrom $15 Or take the class first

What the night is like

The class finishes at 9:30pm and the room turns over. Some people stay on from the class, some arrive fresh for the social.

Around 10:00pm is the busiest the floor gets. It starts to thin out at about 11:30pm, and from there the room is quieter and the dances get longer.

It runs to 1am every week.

How the floor works

Social dancing etiquette, briefly

Anyone can ask anyone

There is no convention about who asks. Walking up and asking is normal and expected, in either direction.

"No thank you" is a complete answer

Declining a dance needs no reason and is never rude. Equally, accept that it is about the moment rather than about you.

One song, then thank them

A dance is one song unless both of you clearly want another. It keeps the floor moving and it means nobody is stuck.

Look after the people near you

Big moves belong where there is room for them. On a full floor, small and clean beats large and spectacular.

Look after the beginners especially

If you have been dancing a while, please be friendly, respectful and welcoming to the people who have not. Growing the community is the whole point, and a beginner's first few dances decide whether they come back.

Practical details

Where: Smuin Center for Dance, 1830 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
When: Every Friday, 9:30pm – 1:00am
Social only: $15 in advance · $15 at the door
Class + social: $20 in advance · $25 at the door
Photography: We photograph and film on most Fridays. Tell any instructor if you would rather not appear — see the photography policy.
Shoes: We ask for non-scuffing shoes, and spike heels are not permitted. There is a cleaning station at the entrance for shoes worn on the street — please use it, the studio has a ballet floor.

Book Fridayfrom $15

Frequently asked questions

Can I come to the social without doing the class?: Yes. Social dancing starts at 9:30pm and runs to 1am. Social only is $15, in advance or at the door, and a good number of people arrive at 9:30 having skipped the class entirely.
How late does it actually go?: One in the morning, every week. Around 10:00pm is the busiest the floor gets, and it starts to thin out at about 11:30pm.
What music is played?: Less traditional bachata.
Where is it and how do I get there?: The Smuin Center for Dance, 1830 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, in Potrero Hill. There is street parking on the surrounding blocks, generally free and unmetered by the time the evening starts, and Muni stops within a few minutes walk.