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), which are recognized worldwide, and American styles (Smooth and Rhythm), which are analogs of the International styles, but danced almost exclusively in the United States.

In competitive ballroom dancing, there is one syllabus, or set of recognized figures, for each style of dance, in addition to different divisions based on experience level. As dancers progress from Newcomer, to Bronze (beginner), to Silver (intermediate), to Gold (advanced), the syllabus for accepted figures for each style expands. Many of our dancers at all skill levels dance in all four 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

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned to learn about our exciting plans for Fall 2022! In the meantime, please 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!

Stay tuned for more information about our newbie lessons in Fall 2022!