Caltech Ballroom Dance Club

About the Caltech Ballroom Dance Team

The Caltech Ballroom Dance Team is a group of dancers devoted to dancing and improving their skill through classes, workshops, private lessons, practices, and competitions. The team currently offers Beginner & Intermediate level International-style Team Classes to give dancers the necessary training to compete in the Standard { Waltz, Quickstep, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz } and Latin { Rumba, Cha Cha, Jive, Samba, Paso Doble } dances. Team Classes are specifically geared towards people who want to learn to dance at a higher level and get the necessary training to compete. The classes focus intensively on the codified technique specific to each of the Standard & Latin dances. This emphasis on technique is essential in making your dancing look polished and in control, and in developing the necessary skill set to allow you to execute more difficult and flashier moves.

Team Membership

Benefits Mentoring by more advanced team members and/or professionals during designated practices $5 discount on professionally-taught team workshops. The opportunity to order a team jacket (custom embroidered with your name), partially subsidized by the team. $20 subsidy for USA Dance membership. (This requires at least two quarters of team membership. Forms will be sent in the Spring of each year.) CBDC Library access privileges (training videos, DVDs, music, and books). Partner matching help. Occasional special team-only workshops, outings, and additional perks as funds permit. Free entry into the Caltech Dance of the Roses competition.

Joining the Team In order to be eligible for first-time team membership, you must be: A Caltech/JPL affiliate OR The regular dance partner of a team member. If you do not fall into one of these categories but still feel that you should be eligible for team membership, please contact the team captain. To join, fill out the membership form and turn it in, along with your dues, to the team captain or class coordinator. Team dues are $20 per quarter (fall, winter, spring, summer) or $70 for one full academic year.

Duties Participate in at least one competition per year. Help with mentoring at team practices (for team members who have been dancing for at least one full academic year). Help with team building and recruiting activities such as publicity events, outings, help and advice for new (and potential) team members, etc. Volunteer at the Caltech Dance of the Roses competition.

Classes and Practices

Classes and Workshops The team usually offers a Beginner class and an Intermediate class as well as two to five professionally taught workshops each quarter. Classes and workshops are open to non-team members; however, the Intermediate class requires try-outs on the first day of class, and the workshops may have prerequisites. Team classes and workshops are listed on the master class and workshop schedules.

Practices Team practices are on Tuesdays, 9-11 pm (8-10 during the summer) and Saturdays, 4-6 pm. All practices are in the Braun Gym Multipurpose Room. Please note that if you do not have a Caltech ID, there is a $5 charge to enter the gym. Suede-soled shoes (with heel protectors for ladies' shoes) must be worn at all times in the Multipurpose Room.

Competitions

Competition Season The team organizes carpools to competitions during the collegiate dancesport season. If you would like to compete but need a partner, contact the team captains (CBDTcaptain [at] gmail.com), and they will try to match you up with other team members of a similar level. See the competitions and results page for a list of upcoming competitions and for team results in past competitions.