Do I need a partner to join?

No, you don’t need a partner to join! We rotate partners during practices, so everyone gets a chance to dance with different people and improve their skills.

What styles of ballroom dance do you practice?

The Team focuses on both Standard (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep) and Latin (Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive). The Club focuses on Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz) and Rhythm (Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo), as well as social dances including salsa, bachata, west coast swing, and more!

Is there a tryout process?

No! We are open to any NYU affiliate. We also do not have any cuts, and any member of our team is welcome to compete with us.

How often does the team practice?

Our Newcomer program has 2 lessons per week, each 2 hours long. There are also review sessions throughout the week. In the intermediate and advanced programs, we have a two-hour lesson once a week.

What should I wear to practice? 

Comfortable athletic wear and smooth-soled shoes are recommended. Whatever makes you most comfortable!

What's the time commitment?

You get to choose your own adventure: if you want to do just lessons, then you only need to commit to the lesson times. However, we recommend that dancers practice once a week on their own or with their partners. If you want to compete, we attend 2 competitions per semester on average, and we recommend that you prepare with your partners as your schedules allow.

Do I have to compete?

You get to choose whether you compete! It's not required, but it's encouraged for those looking to improve their skills.

How often do you compete?

On average, we participate in about 2-3 competitions a semester.

How do competitions work?

You dance only against dancers who started at the same time as you! In other words, you are only ever compared to your peers, not experienced dancers!

How are partnerships determined for competitions?

Partnerships can be self-selected, or our board can help match dancers based on experience, style, and goals.

Is there a cost to join?

The team is 100% FREE for NYU affiliates.

How much do competitions cost?

For currently enrolled NYU students who sign up through our form on time, competitions are free! If you are not an enrolled student, you have to cover competition registration fees yourself, which can range between $40-$60, depending on the competition.  

Do I need to buy special shoes/clothes?

For practices, regular athletic wear is fine. For more competitions and advanced dancers, we recommend buying dance shoes. There are very affordable options available, often under $30!

What kind of social events are there outside of practice?

We host dance socials and bonding events throughout the year. Ballroom is not just about dancing—it’s about making friends and having fun! We're especially proud of our Dancing With Our Stars event, where we partner newer dancers with experienced dancers and perform!

Can I join just for social dancing?

Absolutely! Our team welcomes both social and competitive dancers, so you can participate at whatever level feels right for you.