Cal Ballroom is UC Berkeley's competitive International Ballroom Dance Team, described as the largest on the West Coast. Members take technique classes taught by professional coaches in International Standard and Latin styles, attend competitions across California and nationally, and participate in events like the annual Berkeley Classic. Beginners are welcomed each fall as a rookie cohort and are expected to compete twice per semester. Free social dance classes are also open to the broader community through the affiliated Berkeley Ballroom Dancers.
50
Years active (social dance classes and ballroom events)
Events They Host
Berkeley Classic (24th Annual, 2025)
Annual ballroom competition held May 3, 2025 at UC Berkeley RSF Field House. Open to student and adult competitors at all levels (Newcomer through Open) in International and American Standard, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, and Nightclub styles. Spectator tickets available. Free housing offered to student competitors from a distance. Supervised rounds and a final waltz for graduating seniors were also featured.
Berkeley Beginners Competition
Annual beginner-level ballroom competition hosted by Cal Ballroom. A 2025 edition was planned; details to be announced in summer 2025.
Valentine's Day Ball
February 13, 2026. Inspired by Viennese balls. Introductory waltz lesson at 6:30pm, followed by performances and social dancing at 7:30pm. Semi-formal or formal attire recommended. Open to all UC Berkeley students and their guests (limit 2 per student) and members of collegiate ballroom teams.
Workshop Collaboration with Pointe of Berkeley
Co-hosted ballroom and ballet workshop on Sunday 8/31, 11am-1pm in Eshleman Room 240. Ballet class followed by a Latin ballroom class. Open to all, no registration needed.
Bridgerton Ball
Hosted in February of the 2025-26 season.
West Coast Fever
Annual celebration featuring a free beginning West Coast Swing lesson followed by social dancing and dance showcases in International Standard and Latin.
UC Santa Cruz Beginner Competition
Rookies competed at UC Santa Cruz's beginner competition in fall of the 2025-26 season.
CCBC Intercollegiate Showdown (Claremont)
Traveled to Claremont in November for CCBC's Intercollegiate Showdown during the 2025-26 season.
Mustang Ball (Cal Poly SLO)
Traveled to Cal Poly SLO for Mustang Ball during the 2025-26 season.
Stanford Cardinal Classic
Attended Stanford's Cardinal Classic during the 2025-26 season.
NDCA Nationals Collegiate Dance Championships (Cal Poly SLO)
Attended the inaugural NDCA Nationals Collegiate Dance Championships at Cal Poly during the 2025-26 season.
UC Santa Barbara Beach Ball
Traveled to UC Santa Barbara's Beach Ball to close out the 2025-26 season.
Member Experiences
Spring Retreat
Team retreat held in the spring. A past photo caption references a 2017 Spring Retreat.
End of Year Spring Banquet
Annual banquet for team members at the close of the year.
Fancy Rounds
Internal team practice rounds held in preparation for competition season. A 2022 example was held in November.