In response to high demand for a more rigorous social program, we are pleased this semester to offer social DanceSport classes. This program is for those interested in learning ballroom in a structured environment more rigorous than regular social dance classes, but who are either currently uninterested or unable to join the team. Over the course of 14 weeks, you will undergo progressive Ballroom and Latin classes, learning steps and technique for all 10 international competitive dances (Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Rumba, Cha-cha, Samba, Jive, Paso Doble). For those looking to learn many dances, steps, and routines, this class will offer a fun way to do so. For those who are interested in joining the team but are currently ineligible, with this class and lots of extra practice and individual lessons, you will have the opportunity to become a team member at the Beginner level next semester. All classes will be taught by our own current Beginner and Intermediate DanceSport instructors, under whose experienced tutelage all participants will receive the resources needed to look fantastic on the dance floor, whilst also having a great time.
The class will be held from 7:15pm to 8:45pm on Tuesdays, starting from September 9th, for a total of 14 weeks (the whole semester). The location will be in Dwinelle (in the area immediate to the main entrance). In order to enroll, simply show up to the class. A partner is not required but recommended (particularly for followers), as we cannot guarantee you a partner from the class. More details can be found in the syllabus.
The fees are as follows:
- $10 per drop-in class (If you decide to enroll in a package listed above, this drop-in fee will count towards the package price once)
- $95: Introduction Package (Includes all 14 group classes, handouts, e-mail updates and class summaries + 1 complementary individual 30 min lesson.)
- $155: Basic Package (Includes all 14 group classes, handouts, e-mail updates and class summaries + 5 individual 30 min lessons.)
- $230: Full Package (Includes all 14 group classes, handouts, e-mail updates and class summaries + 10 individual 30 min lessons. These individual lessons can be taken during next semester too, if they are not completed during current semester.)
- $40 per individual 60 min lesson for individual or couple, in addition to those included in above packages. These can be requested from our Social DanceSport coordinator who will be present at all group classes.
All individual lessons are taught by advanced dancers from the team who are very experienced and will be able to significantly help you develop your dancing. With individual attention, instructors will be able to address the finer points of technique and steps tailored specifically to your needs, resulting in dramatic improvement. Note that if you will be taking these individual lessons with your partner, you will have all the lessons from both your packages. Therefore, if you are both signed up for the Basic Package you will be able to take lessons almost weekly, and if you are both signed up for the Full Package you will be able to take lessons once or twice a week. The regular time for taking individual lessons will be 6pm to 7:30pm on Tuesdays. You may choose to take more than 1 lesson in one day. However, we do not recommend taking more than 2 in one day (one full hour). These lessons are scheduled by requesting them from oh@ucbd.org by the previous Friday at the latest, who will then reply and confirm the lesson schedule for the upcoming week. For those taking individual lessons on a regular basis, alternative dates and times can also be arranged on an individual basis by speaking to our Social DanceSport coordinator who will be present at all your group classes.
Please note that enrolling in this class does not guarantee you a place on the team next semester, nor a partner. Therefore, although not necessary, it is recommended that you come with a partner, particularly if you are a follower who is looking to join the team. If you do wish to become a team member next semester, the extra guidance from individual lessons will be particularly beneficial to you and will greatly improve your chances of being able to join the team. In addition to taking individual lessons, it is imperative that you spend extensive time practicing on your own and with your partner. Instructors will give you hints and handouts in order to help you with this individual practice, but in order to be able to join the team it is essential that you do find time to practice outside of regular class time as the class itself will progress at a demanding pace.
Of course, if you wish to take the class simply as a progressive social dance class to learn dances and steps, you are certainly welcome to do so also. We aim to provide a fun atmosphere whilst also teaching the beautiful steps you see on the competition dance floor.
Questions? Email sds@ucbd.org.
We hope to see you all in class soon, enjoying the thrill of ballroom dancing!