What is DanceSport?
DanceSport is the competition aspect of ballroom dancing. There is a standard syllabus that allows dancers to master simple steps and techniques at first, but as they gain proficiency and experience, they move up in levels, allowing them to learn and master more complex steps and techniques.
What is the difference between DanceSport and social dancing?
Our social dancing lessons focus more on learning steps that can be used in a ballroom setting without focusing heavily on technique. Of course, some technique is taught to allow you to execute the steps correctly (basic hip motion and foot placement, for example), but in general, you learn many more steps in social dancing classes – it is common to learn 3 or 4 new steps in a social dancing class. In DanceSport, students learn fewer steps, but focus on the proper technique for those steps (weight placement, exact hip motion, foot placement, arm styling, body positioning, etc.). Usually, the instructor will choose 1 or 2 steps to focus on during the entire class in order to perfect the technique.
When are tryouts for the DanceSport team and social dancing?
We do not hold tryouts. We believe that anyone can dance, given the right environment and the right tools to do so. Let us help you learn how to become a better dancer. If you still have questions, please contact us for more info.
Can I join the team if I am a graduate student / a postdoc / a medical resident / don’t go to Penn?
Yes, we welcome everyone to join us. Current Penn students get a special discount – see below for pricing.
Can I join the team in the Spring semester?
Yes, we welcome you to join us throughout the year.
How much does it cost?
Team dues are $60 per semester for Penn undergraduate students, $80 per semester for graduate students, and $100 per semester for all others. We offer a $10 discount if you pay your dues before the early-bird deadline. We also have an additional $10 discount for undergraduate students who are learning ballroom dancing for the first time!