Information
Local Social Dance Events

Local Social Dance Events

Overview

Dancebreak would love to share with you a collection of social dance and performance groups on and around campus that you may be interested in getting involved with. This is an ever-evolving list; feel free to reach out if you know of additional resources we can add!

Hear more about upcoming events by subscribing to…

  • Dancebreak: Weekly, free, DJ’d social dancing and the hub for all things social dance on campus!
  • Dance News: Dance events on the Stanford campus, and dance events sponsored by the Stanford Dance Division or its faculty members.
  • Local Dance News: Announcements of dance events in the Stanford / Palo Alto area.

For more information about social dance and norms on campus, see Richard Powers’s Stanford Social Dance website.

Social Dance Groups

All social dance groups listed in the next section are non-audition and beginner-friendly, and almost all of them hold weekly beginner classes throughout the week. There is absolutely no dance experience necessary to come check a class or social out. There is also no need to bring a dance partner, as we switch partners in classes and socials.

Cardinal West Coast Swing

What: Lessons & socials! West Coast Swing - a style of swing that is characterized by an elastic style that is typically danced to more modern music.

When/Where: Saturdays 1 - 4 pm, usually in either the EVGR-C Dance Studio, Roble Gym, or GCC Havana Room. Lessons 1 – 2:30 pm, open dancing 2:30 – 4:00 pm. Join the mailing list for the most up-to-date schedules!

Mailing List: https://mailman.stanford.edu/mailman/listinfo/cardinal-swing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cardinalswing

or contact Hikari Iwasaki (iwasakih@stanford.edu) to join the Messenger group chat

Dancebreak

What: Weekly, free, DJ’d social dancing of a variety of styles with a focus on waltz and swing. Come hang out with our campus’ largest social dancing crew, practice styles taught in Richard Powers’ Social Dance class series, learn choreographed dances (Bohemian National Polka, Romany Polka, Cross-Step Mixer, Bus Stop, Tokyo Polka, etc.), learn new moves, and have fun with us at Dancebreak! Each week, we have a beginner-friendly workshop followed by two hours of open social dancing with pizza! Subscribe to our mailing list to hear about upcoming classes. Beginners are always welcome :)

When/Where: Usually Mondays, 7:30 - 10:30 pm in Roble 113 (large gym). We have a beginner-friendly lesson from 7:30 - 8:30 followed by a two-hour DJ’d social dance with free pizza!

Times and locations vary – join our mailing list to keep up to date on location, times, and classes!

Mailing List: https://mailman.stanford.edu/mailman/listinfo/dancebreak

Los Salseros de Stanford

What: Stanford University’s salsa performance team. We are a student organization dedicated to all things salsa and are a popular group on the Stanford Campus. We have regular classes, workshops, and a bimonthly party that takes place right on the Stanford grounds and features live music and dancing. We also feature a salsa performance team that can be seen on campus and around the Bay.

When/Where: Check Facebook page or mailing list for more information!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LosSalserosDeStanford/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanfordsalsa/

Mailing List: https://mailman.stanford.edu/mailman/listinfo/salsa-amigos

Stanford Bachata Sensual and Brazilian Zouk (SBSBZ)

What: SU Bachata Sensual Club is dedicated to social dancing with a focus on Bachata Sensual. Every quarter, we organize classes taught by high quality instructors, practices, and social events. Bachata Sensual is a contemporary variation of Bachata, made in Spain. This dance style is based on solid follow and lead principles of natural motions of energy.

When: Zouk on Wednesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm. Bachata Sensual on Thursdays, 7 - 10 pm.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanford_bachata_sensual_zouk/

Mailing List: https://mailman.stanford.edu/mailman/listinfo/stanford_bachata_zouk

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ultimate_brando9

Email: subachata@stanford.edu

Stanford Ballroom (DanceSport)

What: Stanford Ballroom is a place where everyone can learn to dance in a fun and welcoming environment. Whether you want to explore the world of ballroom dancing (DanceSport), gain another artistic way of expressing yourself, or win state and national competitions, our world-class coaches and mentors will accompany you at every stage of your journey! Our weekly lessons are beginner-friendly and we also offer many socials and workshops that you can attend no matter your level of dance proficiency. For those interested in being more involved, we also provide many opportunities to participate in performances and competitions.

When/Where: Usually lessons on Mondays (evening) and practice on weekends at Roble Gym or the Graduate Community Center.

Website | Mailing List | Email | Facebook | Instagram

Stanford Swing Dancers (SSD)

What: Stanford Swing Dancers host (free!) weekly dances and lessons on Lindy Hop, Charleston, and more every Tuesday. Intermediate and beginner swing lessons, followed by a Pizza social and DJ’d social Dancing.

When: Tuesdays 7:30 – 11 pm

Where: Roble Gym 115

Website: https://swing.stanford.edu/

Mailing List: https://mailman.stanford.edu/mailman/listinfo/stanfordswingdancers

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/stanfordswingdancers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanfordswingdancers

Stanford Tango Club

What: We have fostered an Argentine Tango community at Stanford for over 25 years; our activities include classes, practicas, milongas, and outings.

When/Where: Thursday nights, Roble Gym – check our mailing list!

Mailing List: https://mailman.stanford.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-club

Performance Groups (Audition-Based)

The following groups require an audition to join. Auditions are generally around the first week of the fall quarter each year. Many of the auditions are beginner-friendly and encourage beginners to come try out!

Cardinal Ballet Company (CBC)

What: Stanford’s first and only ballet company. Founded in 1993 and composed entirely of students, CBC is home to dancers from diverse backgrounds and training ranging from classical to contemporary. In addition to our 2 major full-length productions every year (the Nutcracker in the fall and a second full-length ballet in the spring), we also offer opportunities for student choreography in various forms. Our mission is to bring dancers together who love performing and share our art with the community.

Website: https://cardinalballet.stanford.edu/

Stanford Bhangra

What: The Stanford Bhangra Team practices and performs bhangra, a traditional Punjabi folk dance originates from the Punjab region in Northwestern India. The team performs traditional and hip-hop fusion variations, and holds on-campus workshops, and hosts bhangra parties. Stanford Bhangra also attends competitions throughout California and around the nation.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanfordbhangra/

Stanford Swingtime

What: Stanford’s premiere performance-based swing dance troupe. Our specialty is Savoy-style Lindy Hop, a style of swing born in late-’20s Harlem. We work with professional choreographers, dance historians, and dance legends to recreate swing-era dances and integrate current trends. Swingtime’s repertoire ranges from smooth swing with sleek moves to fast-paced Lindy Hop with jaw-dropping aerials. We are continually pressing the limits of how smooth, fast, and high we can go!

When/Where: Auditions are held at the start of Fall Quarter each year, prefaced by a set of beginner-friendly workshops to get dancers up to speed. Keep an eye on Dancebreak and Dance News mailing lists for more information.

Website: https://swingtime.stanford.edu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stanfordswingtime

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanford.swingtime/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@swingtimedancetroupe

Stanford Viennese Ball Opening Committee

What: The Stanford Viennese Ball Opening Committee is a group of 36 dancers who perform the opening dance at Stanford’s annual Viennese Ball. This elegant tradition, inspired by the grand balls of Vienna, Austria, features a carefully choreographed Viennese waltz and polka performed by the committee. The Viennese Ball itself is a formal event where attendees dress in gowns and tuxedos, enjoying a night filled with various dance styles, including waltz, swing, cha-cha, salsa, tango, and polka. The event is a highlight of Stanford’s social calendar, drawing students, alumni, and dance enthusiasts from the Bay Area.

When/Where: Auditions are held at the start of Fall Quarter each year, prefaced by a set of beginner-friendly workshops to get dancers up to speed. Keep an eye on the Dancebreak and Dance News mailing lists for more information.

Website: https://vienneseball.stanford.edu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vienneseball/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanfordvienneseball/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StanfordVienneseBall

Performance Groups (No Audition Required)

The following groups perform throughout the year, but do not require an audition to join!

Stanford Chinese Dance

What: Since 2006, Stanford Chinese Dance has fostered close community and spread appreciation for Chinese dance through classical and folkloric Chinese dance. All ethnic and dance backgrounds are welcome to join! No experience or audition required!

When/Where: Saturday, 3 – 4:30 pm, Roble 114

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanfordchinesedance/

Mailing List:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgJi9GbhgDT5EXJT72zCw9IyFilTQmnCY2ghRON5UgoJSxtQ/viewform

Related Groups

Viennese Ball Steering Committee

What: We are an extensive community of dancers (and soon-to-be dancers!) committed to planning the most memorable night of the year. If you’ve been to the Viennese Ball, we are the people wearing the red sashes running the entire night. Learn what it takes to plan a 1,500+ person event from start to finish while making lifelong friends – we have a strong network ready to welcome you this year! Just hear what our 2022 Co-Chair had to say in his feature video on Stanford Report.

When/Where: Applications are open at the start of Fall Quarter – keep an eye on the Dance-News mailing list for more information!

Off-Campus Social Dance

Social dance extends off campus too!

Close to Stanford

Greater Bay Area

Off-Campus Performance Groups

  • Danse Libre – vintage dance group with auditions in the fall. Performs at Friday Night Waltz, Viennese Ball, and other events.

Balls On Campus

There is at least one major ball on campus per quarter. These balls are publicized in the Dance News and Local Dance News mailing lists or on Facebook Events!

Fall Quarter:

  • Fall Ball

Winter Quarter:

Spring Quarter:

Recurring:

  • Jammix (must be a current or former social dance series student to attend)
Locations