Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center

Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center offers dance classes and music-and-movement programs, including Dance at Ashkenaz, Bachata with Kathy Reyes, Ballet with David Bertlin, Beginning Argentine Tango, Capoeira Angola, Dholrhythms Bhangra Dance Class, East Bay Drummm Circle, Embodied Groove Movement, Soul Sanctuary, Line Dance Party, Jubilee American Dance Theatre, and Zumba with Kimmie. Dance classes are offered every day, and some classes have set prices such as $20 per class or $15 per class or session.

Programs

• Dance at Ashkenaz — All ages · Accessible studio space for dance teachers representing dance traditions from around the world.
• Bachata — Tuesdays, 7:00 pm (Beginner) and 8:30 pm (Intermediate) · $20 per class · With Kathy Reyes; $15 for students with valid ID is also stated.
• Ballet — Saturdays, 10:30 am-12:00 pm · $20 per class · Ballet at Ashkenaz with David Bertlin.
• Beginning Argentine Tango — Mondays, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm · $20 per class · Beginners welcome. No partner needed.
• Capoeira Angola — All are welcomed · Sundays, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm · $15 per class · Students learn physical movements, ritual, music and history of the game.
• Dholrhythms Bhangra Dance Class — Saturdays, 9:00 am-10:00 am · $15 per session · Class is taught by Vicki Virk.
• East Bay Drummm Circle — All ages; minors must be accompanied by an adult · 2nd Sunday of the month, 1:30 pm-3:00 pm · Everyone is welcome, from beginning-beginners to seasoned drummers.
• Embodied Groove Movement — Fridays, 11:00 am-12:00 pm · $20 per class · Class returns Friday 2026-08-07; no class 2026-09-04, 2026-09-11, or 2026-09-25.
• Soul Sanctuary — All ages · Sundays, 11:00 am-1:00 pm · Weekly welcoming and inclusive all-ages community freestyle/ecstatic/shoes optional dance.
• Line Dance Party — Mondays, 5:00 pm-6:30 pm · Exercise your body and mind by dancing to lively, upbeat music.
• Jubilee American Dance Theatre — Mondays, 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
• Zumba with Kimmie — Wednesdays, 5:00 pm-6:00 pm · $15 per class

At a glance

• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Price range: $15–$20
• General schedule: Nightly live music, dance, and movement classes, workshops, programs for children, and benefit shows. Dance classes are offered every day.
• Facility hours: Box Office Hours: Tue-Sat 10:00 am-5:00 pm; Sun-Mon closed

About the provider

Ashkenaz is described as a 50-year-old music venue and dance hall and as Berkeley’s home for international music and dance since 1973. Its mission is to build community and understanding of the world’s cultures by presenting concerts and classes in participatory dance and music rooted in traditional cultures from around the world. Ashkenaz is an internationally recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit music and culture venue, and it presents classes, workshops, programs for children, benefit shows, and volunteer opportunities.

Ashkenaz is committed to a respectful, comfortable, and family-friendly atmosphere. Soul Sanctuary states minors must be accompanied by an adult. Ashkenaz says masks are optional at public events, but health/COVID protocol details are excluded.

What families say

“As a Berkeley resident for 50 years, I'm delighted to have Ashkenaz as a cultural anchor through all our radical changes. I count on them. The dancing just doesn't get any better and the music ... well, this place keeps the lifeblood music flowing. Brings people together like no place else. I love this place!” — Francesca, Ashkenaz community member

“This place is just plain fun. No more needs to be said.” — Doug M, Ashkenaz community member

“[Ashkenaz] is space for everyday people to come together, express themselves, and dance in a non-competitive and positive environment. The community we have built here is like none other and the reason I am still teaching and performing.” — Performer & Dance Instructor Vicki Virk

Last updated September 17, 2026.