Boogie by the Bay West Coast Swing Dance Convention

Came here for their early bird class (marching orders from my West Coast Swing prof at ccsf).  First off, it's rather expensive to park in their parking structure (charges by the hour - my final tally was around $14 for a little more than 2 hrs), so look for some on the street - should be plenty within a couple of blocks.  The lessons and the dance were just $10.  I've never taken a class that had 200 students in it!  It is a spectacle to see so many pairs of wcs enthuasiasts, all their slots lined up in parallel - there were four rows of maybe 50 people each running across the entire dance floor, which was held in the main conference room.  As we rotated partners, I think I barely got through one row to the other side of the floor.  The teachers, Kyle and Sara, were fabulous, complementing each other as they gave commentary and critique in rapid-fire succession.  And of course, there was a free dance afterwards, where all the convention competitors took to the floor and lit in on fire.  Literally.

October 5-8, 2006 in Burlingame, CA. is the best West Coast Swing dance competition in the US.  Usually on the Columbus day, holiday weekend of October.  

1200 WCSwing competitors and social dancers come from across the US, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Scotland and France to compete, take workshops and social dance on a 5200 sq. ft. dance floor.  

Four days are allotted for WCS dancing and socializing.  There is also a second ballroom for Lindy dancers.  If you want to see the best West Coast swing in the country, come out on a Saturday or Sunday night and see the best of the best compete, it is awesome to see.  If you love partner dancing, love dancing to top 40's, R & B, Motown, Blues and Jazz, this is the dance for you.  

The 3 day event pass covers watching the competitions, social dancing, 10+ workshops and Saturday buffet.  There are one day passes and evening passes avail for those who just want to check it out.

Nearby to other restaurants, Max's Opera Cafe, Elephant Bar and a movie theater.