Ballroom dancing can be enjoyed in a lot of different forms. Dancesport is the competitive form of ballroom dancing where dancers train and compete in specific styles, performing routines that are evaluated by judges based on technique, timing, posture, musicality, and partnership.
Dancesport Club at UCLA offers 10 dances to learn throughout the school year:
5 Latin American Dances (Cha cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive).
5 International Standard Dances (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep).
Our club welcomes dancers of all levels, from absolute beginners with no prior ballroom experience to those who have danced before and are looking to return after a break. Whether you are just starting your dance journey or reconnecting with the style, our community provides a supportive and inclusive environment to learn, grow, and enjoy ballroom dance at your own pace.
Our Newcomer Group Classes are designed to be highly beginner-friendly and accessible to dancers with little to no prior experience. Classes are taught by our advanced team members, providing a supportive learning environment guided by experienced dancers. Each session is typically 45 minutes long, beginning with a brief warm-up to prepare the body for movement. Following the warm-up, dancers focus on learning basic steps and patterns from a specific ballroom dance style scheduled for that day, helping build a strong foundation across both International Latin and International Standard styles.
We do not require any specific attire for our classes—comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely is ideal. As you will be learning and practicing a wide range of movement, we recommend wearing something flexible that does not restrict motion.
At the beginning of the quarter, ballroom or Latin dance shoes are not required. However, around Week 4 or 5, we strongly encourage students to join our Shoe Run, where you can be fitted for a pair of proper ballroom dance shoes. These shoes are designed to support technique, improve balance, and enhance your overall dancing experience as you progress.
To attend our Newcomer classes no previous experience or partner required
Newcomer classes are beginner friendly - you will get a chance to learn some steps and dance together with other people in the class.
Dancesport Club at UCLA is open to non-UCLA students and community members throughout the year. Since our classes are taking place at John Wooden Center, you will need acces to the gym to be able to attend our classes.
John Wooden Center administration allows members of dance clubs of UCLA to apply for Dance Pass.
In order to apply you will need to fill out the application with your information. The application is only available in the first 2 weeks of the beginning of each quarter
You should receive an email with instructions on how to purchase the Dance Pass within 2-3 business days.
If you have any questions regarding how to apply for Dance pass or have any problems filling it out please email us dancesport@g.ucla.edu
Dance Pass is $35 per quarter.