On this page: About social classes · Frequently Asked Questions
UCBD's social dance classes are perfect for those checking out ballroom dance or interested in learning how to dance for social events. You don't need a partner or any dance experience for a social dance class, and you can drop in any time. There's no need to dress up or wear ballroom dance shoes, though if you have a pair, or a pair of dress shoes (or even socks), it makes dancing much easier.
All classes are open to everyone - no experience, partner, or special shoes are required. All participants are required by UC Berkeley to fill out a facilities waiver form. If you're stopping in for the first time, come a bit early to have time to fill it out.
UCBD offers social classes on Thursday nights, 8-9pm in 251 Hearst Gym. Each dance is taught in a 2-4 weeks segment.
If you would like to stay informed about UCBD's social events and classes, please join our low-traffic email list or subscribe to UCBD calendar.
Note: for the sakes of our patrons with sensitivities, please refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or scented lotions.
If you can't make it to our dance events, UCBD can come to you. Dance instructors and performers are available for private parties and events. Email berkeleyballroom@gmail.com with the details of the event that you're hosting, and we'll get back to you ASAP.
For Single Dance Class: (choose one)
- Drop in admission: $5 for students or $7 for non-students
- Hole punch in a multi-class pass (see below)
- 6-class pass: $25 for students, $35 for non-students
- 15-class pass: $50 for students, $70 for non-students
Why is social dancing good for all ages?
Social dancing is a fantastic way to stay in shape, or get in shape, while having a great time! It requires no previous skill and is very easy on the hips and knees. You'll meet fun, interesting people, and after every lesson you'll notice significant improvement in the way you dance. We'll help you progress at your own rate, whatever that may be, and make sure that you leave each lesson feeling great. Dancing is a wonderful activity for stress relief or just as a break from your everyday routine. You'll also have an excuse to get closer to that special someone!
Who can come to the social classes? Is it just for Berkeley students?
All classes are open to everyone, and a good portion of the dancers in some of our classes are not affiliated with Berkeley. (If you're asked for a student ID at the door to Hearst Gym, just tell them you're here for the ballroom dance class.)
Do I need a partner to take ballroom dance classes?
No, not at all. We rotate partners several times in every class so you'll be dancing with many different people.
If I have someone I want to dance with, do I have to rotate partners?
You don't have to. We strongly recommend that you do, because you'll learn leading and following skills much faster if you dance with lots of different people. (Then when you go back to your original partner at the end of class, you'll have a much better time dancing with each other, because you'll both be better dancers for having danced with other people).
Do I need any experience dancing to come to a social class or practicum?
None at all! Our social classes and practicums are meant for everyone, and don't presume any dancing experience.
Do I need to dress up for classes?
You certainly don't need to, though you're welcome to if you want to. Most people come in their everyday clothes.
Do I need special shoes?
There's no need to wear ballroom shoes for social classes, though if you have a pair, or a pair of dress shoes (or even socks), it makes dancing much easier. Many social dancers dance in their sneakers or everyday shoes.
How much does it cost?
Our current prices for various social lessons are listed above. Our social dance prices are some of the lowest in the Bay Area! Non-students may have to pay a higher fee for classes because we want to keep ballroom affordable for students, who are often on a tight budget.
Can I join in the middle of the semester?
You can come to a social class anytime. We rotate dances throughout the semester, and our multi-class passes are cost-effective well into the semester.
Can I drop in on a class other than the first week class?
You're welcome to drop in anytime - all classes are taught at a beginning level, and every class will do a quick review and overview of the dance.
How do I get to Hearst Gym?
Hearst Gym is on the south side of the Berkeley campus, across from the Berkeley Art Museum, just west of the Hearst parking structure and tennis courts, and about 100 meters east of Sproul Plaza. There's a map, directions, parking instructions, and public transit information on our “Directions” page.
What dances do you teach?
We teach all sorts of different dances, including “official” International and American dances (the dances you see at ballroom competitions: waltz, foxtrot, quickstep, tango, Viennese waltz, rumba, cha cha, samba, jive, east coast swing, bolero, mambo, paso doble), as well as "club" dances (salsa, merengue, west coast swing, jitterbug, lindy hop, nightclub two-step, hustle, Argentine tango, polka, and many more). We rotate through the most popular dances every semester, and occasionally add instruction on more unusual dances. Check out the above schedule or our calendar for the dances taught this semester.