El Bembe

El Bembe runs on the first Friday night of each month (I think) at the Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center in the South End (it’s an old church on Newton Street). For someone who’s never been particularly good at Salsa or Merengue, this was probably the best, most engaging introduction to it that I got.
That the setting for this dance party is an old church is awesome. About 200 or so people can fit into the place, although a lot of the neighborhood residents won’t show up until after the newbies have their lesson around 8ish. Getting in is $ 5 or $ 10, and someone on staff sets up a fold-​out table in the lobby area for drinks (with some alcohol).
There’s a beginner lesson for n00bs like me at the beginning of the evening with an exceptionally patient instructor. We learned a little salsa, a little merengue, and sweated our asses off. There’s not a lot of ventilation in this place, although it does add to the atmosphere.
After the beginning lesson, the REAL dancers showed up. Whether they are long-​term South End residents or folks coming from other parts of the city, there was a real racial diversity at the place, and these folks do NOT mess around. It was awesome watching them, although a little intimidating, too. I brought a guest with me, so we spent most of the evening trying not to step on each other, but from what I could see, the dudes in attendance had little problem asking any non-​dancing woman if she wanted to dance.
The music was pretty good, although the night I went there wasn’t a live band. I’m not a huge fan of salsa music, but the purpose was to get people shaking they hips, and shake away they did. Because this place isn’t a traditional club, the atmosphere was really different, and pretty chill — there was a lot of interest in dancing and having a good time. I’m sure some people come to El Bembe to hook up, but I get the impression that it’s probably a smaller percentage than most clubs.
One downside of this place, though, is that parking is a bitch and a half. If you’re taking the T, it’s not too hard to get to — the silver line goes right past Newton Street and stops about a half-​block away. If you’re driving, though, there’s not a whole lot of space nearby, and Newton is a one-​way street.
Bottom line, if you want to dance with people who know what they’re doing, and you like salsa, this is solid. It’s cheap, unique, and a good time. Prepare to sweat like a fool.