Team FAQ

We participate in about three to four competitions every semester. We mostly compete in the San Francisco Bay Area, but also travel to large-scale national collegiate competitions in San Diego and Boston.

We participate in about three-four competitions every semester. We are glad you asked. Over past several years, UCBD has become one of the most successful collegiate teams in the country, winning numerous individual and team titles both in local Bay Area competitions and in the traditionally ballroom-stronger New England area. And we want you to become a part of this success!

No. We are a club team, and therefore open to everyone who wants to join.

That is what we are here for – most of our advanced competitors had never danced before they joined the team. Moreover, in some cases it is easier that way, because there are no bad habits to break! Even if you do not think you can dance and have two left feet, we are ready to prove you wrong – you desire to learn and practice is all that matters.

Of course. Please come to our introductory classes during Welcome Week and our DanceSport classes during first couple of weeks in the Fall – all free of charge!

Simple – you will just follow in their footsteps. Our DanceSport training program is specifically designed to develop beginner dancers into successful DanceSport athletes. Of course, we do not work miracles – the more time and effort you invest in learning and practicing, the better dancer you will become.

Certainly. We regularly perform for both fundraising and charity causes. We also frequently provide free demos of our services, and showcase at student events.

The team practices in 234 Hearst Gym on the UC Berkeley campus. 234 Hearst has sprung hardwood floors and full-length mirrors on the walls, perfect for dancing! We are occasionally given practice space in neighboring 237 Hearst.

In your first semester on the team, you will need commit 2 hours for a DanceSport class (Wednesday night, 8 pm to 10 pm) and 2 hours for practice (Saturday afternoon, 12:30-2:30pm, or Thursday nights 8 pm to 10 pm) every week. Team members are also required to do a few hours of team duties each semester (flyering, teaching, tabling, etc.), and to commit three Saturdays every semester to competitions.

All entering team members must pay student group dues ($65) and RSF membership fees ($10). During your first semester on the team, you will take Beginner DanceSport classes for free, your registration for DanceSport competitions will be taken care of, and your practice will be supervised by intermediate and advanced dancers in both group and individual settings. Later on, you will find it useful to take technique classes and private lessons, both of which will be subsidized. Team fees can be waived or reduced due to financial hardship. 

To compete you will need a partner. However, no partner is required to join the team or take any of our classes.

Once you join the team, our Captain and our Rookie Coordinator will help you find a partner with whom you can practice and compete. For intermediate and advanced dancers who join the team, we will try to introduce you to other team members who are looking for partners.

Last semester, we had over 70 team members. We anticipate seeing some new faces this semester as well as many returning team members.

Dance shoes are not necessary, but highly recommended. If you do not have dance shoes, we recommend dancing in dress shoes, jazz shoes or socks. Pretty much anything except sneakers or sandals will work fine. We organize a large-scale purchase in October, in order to provide high-quality dance shoes to all beginners at a low cost.

Ballroom doesn’t make formal requirements on clothing, unlike other styles of dance, but it’s still good to wear something you’re comfortable in and can move in. Tight skirts and jeans can constrict your movement and are not recommended for DanceSport. Wear something that you like and are comfortable moving in. Also, feeling good about the way you look can help you feel good about your dancing, which in turn improves your dancing. If you have further questions about clothing, please ask your DanceSport instructor.

You bet. The team organizes many social events for all team members, such as fun dance outings, crazy parties, Fall and Spring retreats, annual banquet, and many more. There are plenty of opportunities for freshmen to get to know upperclassmen, and get advice on classes and living in Berkeley. Many people find their closest friends on the team, including roommates, housemates, and even soul-mates.

We recruit our rookies (beginners) starting from Welcome Week and until the end of the third week of the Fall semester. Experienced dancers can also join in the beginning of Spring semester. If you are interested in join the team in the Spring semester, but do not have much dancing experience, or will not be a freshmen in the Fall, we recommend you sign up for our Social DanceSport Program, where you will receive all the training you need, and join the team in the subsequent semester.

Just fill out some forms. - that’s all.