Welcome to The Omni Movement!
New to Omni? Find here everything you need to know to get started.
WHO WE ARE
We're a community in Oakland on a mission to make partner dance accessible. Whether you've got two left feet or you're looking to elevate your partner dancing skills, we're here to help you find your groove!
WHAT WE DO
We help partner dancers level up through membership-based progressive programs and coaching. Then, we celebrate the joy of dancing through monthly socials and special events.
WHERE WE’RE LOCATED
We’re located at 2744 E 11th St, Oakland, CA 94601, United States.
To access OmniStudios, please visit the Omni Studios Access Guide
The dance styles we teach
Brazilian Zouk
What is Brazilian Zouk?
Brazilian Zouk is a smooth, flowing partner dance that evolved from Lambada in Brazil. It’s known for its fluid body movements, head isolations, and close connection between partners. Zouk is highly versatile and improvisational, danced to a range of music including pop, R&B, and traditional Zouk. The dance emphasizes a circular, wave-like motion that gives it a unique flow and expressive quality. Influences from contemporary, ballet, and other dance styles add to its creative possibilities.
West Coast Swing
What is West Coast Swing?
West Coast Swing (WCS) is a dynamic partner dance that began in California, evolving from the classic Lindy Hop. Celebrated for its adaptability and creative freedom, WCS allows dancers to interpret a diverse range of music—from pop and blues to R&B and the latest hits—with their own style. It’s all about the playful give-and-take between partners, creating a dance that flows effortlessly while staying grounded in a linear pattern. This versatility lets dancers explore musicality in unique ways, making every dance a fresh and personal experience.
Urban Kiz
What is Urban Kiz?
Urban Kiz is a modern partner dance that emerged from the traditional Angolan Kizomba, blending it with elements of hip-hop, R&B, and contemporary dance. Originating in Europe, Urban Kiz has a more structured, linear style compared to the circular movements of classic Kizomba, with an emphasis on sharp footwork, dynamic patterns, and musical interpretation. The dance is known for its urban flair, creative freedom, and the ability to adapt to various music genres, often featuring remixes, electronic beats, and modern rhythms.
Argentine Tango
What is Argentine Tango?
Argentine Tango is an intimate and expressive partner dance that originated in the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Known for its deep connection, improvisation, and intricate footwork, Tango is a dance of passion and storytelling. Unlike ballroom Tango, the Argentine style embraces fluid movements, a close embrace, and a deep musical connection between partners. What sets it apart is its deeply personal expression—dancers create their own interpretation of the music, making every dance a unique conversation.
How our progressive programs work
Our progressive programs are designed to guide you from zero to hero in different social dancing styles. Within Omni Progressive Programs, there are the tools that we currently offer:
Leveled Courses
Our leveled courses (Level 1, Level 2, etc.) are designed to provide a foundation for learning partner dances, blending vocabulary and technical concepts in a progressive manner that allows you to learn at a comfortable pace.
Learn how each course is structured here.
As an Omni student, you must pass a level assessment to graduate and advance to the next level. Assessments are held during the fourth week's Practica.
Practica + Weekly Social
Practice is vital to the learning journey, which is why we offer Practica + Weekly Social – a great opportunity to refine your skills! Practicas follow each style's classes and typically last over an hour.
In the fourth week of our programs, Practicas take on a new focus. Leveled course students can sign up for assessments to advance. Those who register will have a private evaluation with two Omni instructors during the first hour of Practica, where they’ll demonstrate their competencies to progress.
Learning Circles
Learning circles are small group classes designed to help you address bad habits and fill knowledge gaps. In these sessions, you'll get to work with 2-3 instructors to get personalized feedback and engage with fellow dancers, fostering a supportive environment that encourages growth and improvement. This collaborative approach not only enhances your skills but also builds confidence as you work towards becoming a more proficient dancer.
Drills
Drills is a solo class focusing on improving technique through guided instruction and repetition. Inspired by ballet classes, our students report that this class significantly helped them improve their balance, quality of movement, and confidence in their dance.
Omni Memberships
Omni membership is a system of exchange between the student who pays a monthly fee and Omni which provides a consistent level of service each month consisting of progressive partner dance classes, socials, and much more.
We know that understanding Omni Membership might feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially since our approach is not very common in the partner dance world. Instead of the traditional pay-per-class or pay-per-cycle model, we’ve embraced a membership-based system – yep, similar to the ones you’d find at gyms!
This unique approach is designed to make your dance journey easier, more flexible, and more cost-effective while opening up exciting opportunities.
To help you understand it better - we’ve added the breakdown below and answered some of the most common questions.
Common membership questions
-
In the event of injury, travel plans, or other reasons that would prevent you from being able to attend Omni, we suggest freezing your membership.
Memberships are granted up to 3 months of membership freezes per year where they will not incur additional fees. These months do not need to be consecutive.
See Membership Change Request Form for current freezing policies.
-
Yes!
Perks and Savings for Paying Up-front:
Commit to up-front payment of 6 months to save 10% and receive a free 50-minute private with the instructor of your choice.
Commit to a 12 month payment, and save 20%, get a free private, and an Omni-versary pass.
You can still freeze memberships during the period.
Omni is offering this for up to 20 current members at this time.
-
Membership refunds are not allowed mid-month, but you may freeze or cancel your membership for the following month.
See Membership Change Request Form for current refund policies.
-
There is a Sign-Up Fee of $59 associated with all new memberships.
This is waived if you purchase on-site after your first free class.
-
Not at all! Our classes are designed for everyone, whether you come solo or with a partner. We rotate partners during class to ensure everyone gets the chance to dance with different people, which helps improve your skills and confidence.
-
Guest Passes - This allows you to bring a friend to either a Practica or a Monthly Social for free. These passes are valid for non-members only and can only be used once per guest per event.
24/7 Studio Access – Members can use the studio outside of official Omni programming, as long as it is not in use for scheduled classes or events. Whether you want to study, stretch, or practice, the space is yours!
Omni Online Access – We’re launching an online platform to support your learning outside of class, giving you additional tools and resources to refine your skills!
Weekender Discount - Omni Weekenders are special weekend events featuring workshops and parties with some of the best dancers from around the world. As a member, you’ll receive 10% off the ticket price for every Weekender we host.
-
Absolutely! With unlimited classes, you can take classes in multiple styles.
-
The Omni Movement believes that financial status should not be a barrier to high-quality social dance instruction and community.
As such, you can either:Become an Omni Ambassador - The Omni Movement relies upon the help of volunteers, which we call Omni Ambassadors, to facilitate a variety of its offerings. In exchange for their time, Ambassadors are offered discounts to Omni programming. Learn more and apply here.
Apply for Omni Promise - Omni promises to discount up to 25% of every non-capacity-constrained event's capacity for community members who need it. Discounts are first-come, first-serve. You can learn more and apply here.
Pay Up-front - Omni is offering this for up to 20 current members at this time.
6 months - Save 10% and receive a free 50-minute private with the instructor of your choice.
12 months - Save 20%, get a free private, and an Omni-versary pass.
Refer a Friend - If you refer a friend, and they become a member, we will give you and them each a $30 credit towards Omni services. Help Omni grow and save at the same time!
Need additional help understanding the Omni Membership?
You can send us an email via info@theomnimovement.org or book a call with a membership specialist.
The learning journey
Joining an Omni program and learning or honing a skill in general requires commitment, great instruction, openness to feedback, and consistent practice.
Here are some tips to making your learning journey as awesome as it can be:
Consistently attend classes. All Omni programs are meticulously designed to level you up. Regularly showing up for classes is crucial as it helps reinforce the techniques and concepts you learn.
Practice regularly. We all know that great dancers don’t just magically become amazing; they put in the work! The more time you invest in practice, the better you'll get. That’s why our Practicas + Weekly Social are designed to let you practice alongside fellow students of all levels. It's a great way to refine your skills, learn from each other, and have some fun while you’re at it!
Be open to feedback. Getting constructive criticism is a key part of growing as a dancer. Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from your instructors and peers; they can give you great insights into your technique and performance. Use their input to spot areas where you can improve, and if something isn’t clear, just ask!
Engage with the community & have fun! Last but not least, remember to enjoy the journey! Dancing is about expressing yourself and having a blast. Connecting with fellow dancers is a huge part of the fun! Let loose and embrace the joy of movement, whether you’re practicing or hitting the dance floor. This positive mindset will make your experience so much more fulfilling and help you develop a lasting passion for dance.
First steps preparation
WHAT TO WEAR?
Wear comfortable clothes that you can move freely in – something like a nice shirt and jeans works perfectly fine! The key is to feel at ease while dancing. As for shoes, opt for a pair with a non-stick or leather sole that allows you to glide smoothly across the floor. You don’t need special dance shoes right away; just pick something comfortable and supportive.
WHAT TO BRING?
You can bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the class. It's also a good idea to pack some hygiene essentials, like an extra shirt and deodorant. Staying comfortable and clean will help you enjoy your time on the dance floor even more!
Navigating the social dance floor with confidence
Social dancing is an incredible experience, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming or confusing. To help you navigate the social dance floor with confidence, here are some helpful tips:
-
When asking someone to dance, a simple “Would you like to dance?” goes a long way. Remember to thank your partner afterward, too. A little politeness can make the experience more enjoyable for both of you.
-
Everyone’s there to enjoy themselves, so don’t hesitate to approach someone and ask them to dance. In West Coast Swing, it’s all about inclusivity – anyone can ask anyone, no matter their gender, skill level, or experience.
-
Nonverbal cues are a big part of dancing. Pay attention to your partner’s body language and be clear with your own. If something doesn’t feel right, communicate it gently. A good connection will enhance your dance.
-
Try dancing with a variety of partners. This not only helps you adapt to different styles and lead/follow techniques but also expands your social circle within our dance community.
-
Always be respectful of your fellow dancers’ space. If someone declines your invitation to dance, don’t take it personally. Just smile, thank them, and move on – there are plenty of other dancers who would love to hit the floor with you!
-
While it’s great to strive for excellent technique, remember that dance is about connecting with your partner and great connections often lead to amazing dance outcomes!
For more guidelines on appropriate ways to engage with fellow dancers, feel free to visit our Code of Conduct, which includes a series of statements organized by theme to guide the behavior of Omni community members.
Omni Studios: Omni’s home
We are fortunate to have secure, gated parking equipped with security cameras to ensure your peace of mind. You'll never have to worry about walking far, as the gated parking is very near our studio.
Parking
We (Omni Studios) are located inside Artthaus Studios.
It can take a while to find Omni your first time, and you might get lost. We encourage you to read this blog post for a detailed instruction on how to find and access Omni Studios.
If you decide to become an Omni member, or attend one of our socials or events, you’ll receive an email from us including the gate & door codes mentioned in the blog post.
If you’re having a hard time finding us or the codes, text (510) 200-8132 with your name and which class you’re registered for.
Finding and accessing Omni Studios
Getting started at Omni
You can begin your journey with Omni at zero risk – your first class in any or all progressive programs is completely FREE. This special offer applies exclusively to our progressive programs. Browse our programs below.
OmniKiz
OmniKiz transforms your Urban Kiz journey through structured learning, no matter where you begin.
Every Monday at OmniStudios
OmniSwing
OmniSwing provides a structured path to learning West Coast Swing, designed for both new and experienced dancers.
Every Tuesday at OmniStudios
OmniZouk
OmniZouk enriches your Brazilian Zouk skills whether you're taking your first steps or looking to level up.
Every Thursday at OmniStudios
OmniTango
OmniTango immerses you in the art of Argentine Tango with a 4-hour bootcamp, open to both new and seasoned dancers.
Every 3rd Saturday at OmniStudios
*As this is a 4-hour bootcamp, non-members will have a cost associated with the first class.
We understand that every dancer's journey is unique, with individual learning styles, goals, and challenges. If you need help deciding which program is best for you to start with, you can connect with our membership specialist to receive a free recommendation through a no-commitment consultation call.
Need help deciding which program to start with?
Already experienced? Let's find the right level for you
At Omni, we welcome dancers of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced. If you’re interested in joining at a level beyond Level 1, we offer an assessment to determine the level that best fits your current skills.
Assessments are held during the fourth week of each program cycle.
For example, in OmniZouk, which takes place every Thursday, you can attend the assessment during our Practica at 9:30 PM on the fourth Thursday of the cycle.
*If the available times don't work for you, send us an email.Omni Calendar
Stay updated with our classes and socials by adding/subscribing to our Google Calendar.
Other Omni offers
Monthly Socials
Omni hosts monthly events, like Zoukland and Sunset Swing, where our community gathers to learn and celebrate with the joy of dance. These events combine FREE beginner-friendly classes, social dancing, etc. - perfect opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate with fellow dancers!
Omni-versary
Omni-versary is the annual anniversary celebration of The Omni Movement—our biggest event each year, where you’ll get to experience all our favorite ways of gathering: intensives, workshops, performances, social dancing, and more! Special guest artists and DJs also join us to make Omni-versary as enjoyable and fun as it can be!
Weekenders
An Omni weekender is a multi-day event including workshops, socials, and other community activities that span the length of one weekend. Learn from the best dancers from around the world, and have fun with the Omni community all weekend-long!
