Swing Dance Now with 2toGroove Dance

Great environment, instructors are the best, truly invested in teaching you. I did the 8 weeks of beginning Lindy Hop and every time Margie, Katie, and Pavel made sure to pay attention to every student.
Friday nights Jam’N’Blues are excellent. Building has AC. They don’t charge for H2O.

I would definitely go again — everyone there was really sweet and helpful. We had a fantastic time at the social dance, even though we had no idea what we were doing!

My husband and I needed to learn a dance for our reception to the song Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin. Margie was the go to lady. We had private lessons which helped a lot. My husband who has never been much of a dancer, came to life with Margie teaching him. We were on a very tight, short schedule to learn the whole routine, but we pulled it off perfectly. Margie is one of the best dance instructors I’ve ever had, I highly recommend her.
Thanks Margie!
Brooke
Watch the dance:

Ok here’s my bit.
To the person who posted 1 star negative review: You probably weren’t trying. Don’t let frustration be your «mental block» if you’re falling behind in class. Good luck and I hope you don’t give up on Swing!
On to the review of the classes:
I’ve been going to her classes since April this year and have seen the absolute worst dancers take beginner classes and through time and patience and most definitely practice flourish into very good Lindy hoppers. The beginner classes are for the most part static, what’s taught generally doesn’t change much but it teaches the most important building blocks for Lindy hop and swing (and even Charleston.)
Usually, a person who takes the class and practices what they’ve learned at least once or twice a week can move up to intermediate classes. This was the case for me and have been in Margie’s intermediate classes in both Encinitas and Clairemont mesa blvd locations. The great part is rather than losing my money if I miss a class, I have a 2^nd chance to make up the class at the other location that week. This is RARE.
Also,
I’ve taken classes for this type of stuff at two other locations. In one location, it was just me and the teachers (plural) were trying to teach me some weird stuff that was not Lindy hop. At the second location, there were so many people in the class it was hard to do anything right as the teacher couldn’t give me an ounce of attention.
Margie’s class is small enough where it feels like you’re getting the best bang for your buck. You get semi-​private attention to your technique and group rates. Plus you get to practice with at least a handful of other people because everybody dances differently and dancing with different people is the key to getting better. The students (at least that I’m with) genuinely care about doing it right and it’s a great place to make lasting friendships.
Another cool thing: Margie bases her always changing intermediate classes on student requests!
I highly recommend the Swing Jams on Friday as well. It’s got Air Conditioning, food, water, occasional photographer and live music. Generally just a great place to get your «Natural High.»
The fact that I drive an hour south from Oceanside should be testimony enough.
I’d say the only con is that it isn’t free but paying is something I’m willing to live with hahaha.
Jay Soltani

If you are not automatically a decent dancer, I suggest avoiding classes with Margie.
I have never automatically been a good dancer, in any style, to any music, at any time. My husband and I did take a two-​step class at Pattie Wells a few years ago that went better than expected. I kept up with the class, toward the end even picking up turns and things a step ahead of the other girls, which was encouraging.
There are a lot of things I am automatically good at, making it hard to take on things that are a struggle. The beginning of this year (2011) my husband and I decided to take another class. We agreed on several possible styles, and I began looking at classes. Margie’s Tuesday night class worked well for both of us, so I gave her a call.
I told Margie that we were beginners, definitely, and that I, in particular, am not automatically a good dancer. She said everyone in the group was at different levels, so that wasn’t a problem.
Everything started out fine, but 3 lessons in or so I clearly started to frustrate her. Looking back I think maybe I needed her to show me things more than the other couples. Her tone started to become impatient, saying to my husband at one point something like «You’re doing fine, but does she EVER let you lead?» The next lesson I broke out in tears on the dance floor when she told me angrily that I wasn’t trying hard enough. I feel pathetic even saying this, but I went in the bathroom and cried, I was so upset and frustrated.
Bottom line, if you have any dance skills and want to learn Balboa, Margie is probably the gal for you. If you are like me and find dancing challenging, go somewhere else.
I hate writing bad review, but I’m still bummed. I’m bummed about investing money (and time and energy) into a teacher I don’t think should have taken me as a student. I am even more bummed that when she saw she reduced me to tears, she did not acknowledge it all, not at the time or at a later class. I felt like she tried to avoid us as much as possible, which is why we stopped going, even though we paid for more classes. Haven’t heard anything from her since.

I have been attending the Friday JAM classes and dance for several months (when I’m not working) and LOVE it! Margie and Greg are excellent instructors and I have learned so much from them in such a short time. They offer a wide variety of weekly classes, the studio is clean, the dance floor is big, and I adore the other dancers! Unlike other venues I’ve been to, 2 to Groove has such an amazing crowd that is always beginner friendly! I have made many close friends here and I always have a great time. It is the highlight of my week!

The instructors are fantastic — very professional, fun, friendly, great teachers, and they definitely know how to dance! Their rates are very affordable and the structure of the classes is convenient and easy. I highly recommend them if you’re interested in learning how to dance.

2toGroove is one of the BEST places to learn how to swing dance in San Diego, CA. The teachers are not only very knowledgeable about the art, but their ability to teach is STELLAR. They are warm & friendly to new students as well as able to provide challenging material for the seasoned dancer. The price range is definitely affordable and worth it!
I agree with GigoloJoe. NE T… Margie is the BEST dance teacher in San Diego and has such an amazing ability to help people not only learn the steps, but ENJOY them. Greg’s enthusiasm is infectious and ability to teach new folks is also a winning combination.
Thanks, 2toGroove, for your awesome service & keeping San Diego SWINGIN”!

Definitely recommend checking this place out. The wooden floor is great for dancing and the place always has a relaxed, casual feel. The people are very friendly and accommodating to all levels of dancers. I always have a good time. Great place for Friday night dancing!

2toGroove classes are fun and informative and encourage you to move at your own pace and advance only when you are ready. Events like the Friday night Jam give students the opportunity to use what they learn in a social atmosphere. Swing dancing is a great way to meet new people and shed pounds while having a great time!

Swing Jam Fridays are a great way to cap off your work week. I love going and dancing away my troubles. There are always great people to talk to, plenty of snacks and water, and great music and dancing. The classes are great too!

The classes are designed to be for normal people and are non-​pretenious. The instructors explain and demonstrate each move clearly, then give you the opportunity to practice each move. You then are invited to continue the evening by practicing in the main dance area, where the instructors are often dancing and will dance with you (if you ask politely ;-)).
I’ve always felt very welcome at the dances. There is no alcohol served, but snacks and water are usually available. I prefer it that way as drunken dancers tend to step on me. :-)
It’s a nice location, good music, and kind people!