Allegro Ballroom

Allegro Ballroom was originally founded in 1989, and was located at 10690 San Pablo Avenue in El Cerrito. Under direction of the late Bob Knox, a master teacher and dancer who owned the facility, Allegro soon became widely known for its warm, friendly atmosphere. Dancers traveled many miles to participate in Allegro parties, classes, and events.

When Knox became ill, his students formed a non-profit club called Allegro Dancers, Inc., in October 1994, and operated the ballroom for almost a year before losing the lease. A search was launched for a location that would have space for a major ballroom, a practice floor, and a lounge, along with easy access and plentiful parking.

At our current location, opened in November 1996, we have all of the above and more. After operating the new ballroom for over two years with an all-volunteer, amateur staff, we were successful enough to hire a professional executive manager and a program director in 1999.

Members of the club loaned funds to build Allegro, and the club repaid every dollar plus interest as of February 1999. Since then all funds have been used for improving the facility and serving the dance community.