The Yale Ballroom Dance Team is a collective of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who are passionate about the elegance of dancesport. Since 1988, we have been devoted to teaching and promoting a lifelong love of ballroom dance through professional coach lessons, seminars, competitions, and social dancing. 

New members from all backgrounds are always welcome – no experience or partner required!

What is Ballroom Dance?

Ballroom dancing encompasses 19 competitive styles and numerous other social styles. The competitive dances are divided into International styles (Standard and Latin), and American styles (Smooth and Rhythm), which are mostly analogs of the International styles, but have different character and are danced almost exclusively in the United States. 

In competitive ballroom dancing, dancers begin with a limited set of allowed moves. As they progress from Newcomer, to Bronze (beginner), to Silver (intermediate), to Gold (advanced), the syllabus for accepted figures for each style expands. Most YBDT members compete in all 4 styles.

International Standard

Waltz

Tango

Foxtrot

Quickstep

Viennese Waltz

International Latin

Cha Cha

Rumba

Samba

Jive

Paso Doble

American Smooth

Waltz

Tango

Foxtrot

Viennese Waltz

American Rhythm

Cha Cha

Rumba

Mambo

Swing

Bolero

Want to try it out?

Our team is open to all Yale students, with no audition or prior experience required. Fill out this form to get on the mailing list! 

We teach lessons ranging from Newcomer to Silver. If you have previous ballroom experiences, our professional coaches can also help you advance your skills. Feel free to reach out for more info!

Also: check out our YouTube channel to see our latest performances!

Fall News

The Yale Ballroom Dance Team has been apart for far too long. We are ecstatic to present to you: "Dancing Back to Yale!" As we are finally able to all reunite on campus in Fall 2021, we are excited to keep groovin' on and welcome new dancers to our ballroom family. YBDT is excited to resume in-person ballroom lessons again on campus!

Winter News

Quarantining couldn't dampen our love for dance. YBDT celebrated the holiday season with a virtual swing foxtrot performance showcasing how our members were spending their time at home! Tune in on our Youtube channel for some ballroom holiday cheer.

Interested in Joining Us?

We would love to dance with you! 

Email webmaster@yaleballroom.org with any questions!

For the 2023-24 season, newbie lessons are held on Mondays at 8 and Wednesdays at 5. 

Please join our mailing list for locations and more details!