Fusion Dance
About
Fusion mixes the best of free form dance with the best of partner dancing. No defined dance style, and you just dance with lead-follow, in any way that feels good. Depending on the venue, you will see jazz moves, slow dance, contemporary, everything... some of the guys even know how to do lifts. Each song you are mostly likely with a different partner.
I didn't really discover Fusion properly until 2019! Unbelievable it took me that long, because there are venues all over the bay area.
Unlike the ecstatic dance events (which I also love) there I haven't seen people rolling around on the floor... the music is often a mixture of jazz pop and... well anything. I want to go to more and more of these events, but the first big one I discovered (thanks to my friends Lindsey and Amanda) blew me away.
San Franciso Venues
Mission Fusion
Covid Update: Mission Fusion is back, *but* it hass got a long list of covid protocols and requites a QR code! |
Mission Fusion is back!!!... However it hass got a long list of covid protocols. You need an immunization QR code and you'll need to wear a mask. Go to their website to see the full updated list.
- What: Incredible dance fusion / blues fusion event
- Cost: Only $12 at the door... $17 if you want a lesson.
- When: One Saturday each month in 2022 from 9:30 to 1 AM (see website) ... And an all levels lesson 8:30 to 9:30
- Where: St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 500 De Haro St, San Francisco, CA (map) (Potrero Hill)
- What to wear: Most guys are jeans and t-shirts or similar, women often wear salsa like dresses etc. Carefully with big earrings as a hazard.
- Website: missionfusion.com
The venue itself is really beautiful. They used to have some snacks you can eat (cheese and biscuits, plus little platters of tomatoes etc), you label your paper cup (which is fantastic) and there's wonderfully high ceilings. Covid changed all of that sadly. Such is life.
Club Deluxe
This place is incretidle! Check the caledar - they have live bands every night of the week and it's always incredible. Some of the greatest live music you've ever heard - music that gets you off your butt and dancing. Be warned it's not a huge space, but as the night progresses you might see 8 couples at a time dance.
- What: Incredible music with all kinds of dance
- Cost: Only $5 cover at the door usually.
- When: Every night other week (check caledar), but the best dance nights are Friday and Saturday.
- Where: 1511 Haight St, San Francisco, CA (map) (near Pan Handle)
- What to wear: Most guys are jeans and buttoned shirts - a little fancy. Women dress pretty well too.
- Website: www.clubdeluxe.co
It's a small venue, often really crowded.... so if you arrive late (hence I say try to get there between 8 and 9) you might be standing room early. Somehow the good dancers will find space in front of the band though. They play everything from country, to jazz and more jazz. So why would I call it fusion when it's not technically fustion. Well jazz is always fusion, and the few dancer there are always good and dance however they want. Even if you don't dance, grab a drink and the music will carry you to another dimension.
Websites
- Fusion Underground - Facebook page for Fusion Underground in Emeryville.