Illini Dancesport
Illini Ballroom & Latin Dance offers a fun way to explore ballroom dance, make friends, and learn a lifelong skill. With different levels of lessons and practices, anyone can join to develop their dance abilities and enjoy the company of your fellow Illini—no prior experience or dance partner necessary!
Event Schedule & Location
We have space reserved regularly throughout the academic year and summer for lessons, practice, and private coach sessions. Practices and lessons normally occur in the Illini Union at 1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801. If practice is not hosted at the Union, the new location will be updated on our calendar, posted in our Discord channel, and included in our weekly email.
The best way to stay up-to-date with our practice locations, upcoming events, and other social activities is to join our mailing list.
Lessons & Socials
Summer Lessons – Tuesdays @ 7PM
We will be offering student taught lessons throughout the summer focused on Rumba, ChaCha, Jive, Waltz, Tango, and Foxtrot. Each lesson will be tailored to the participants, so these are a great way to learn the fundamentals of each dance! Lessons will be held weekly on Tuesday throughout the summer until mid-August and there is a one-time $10 participation fee due by the end of your first lesson. If you have any questions, please email us at illinidance@gmail.com.
Summer lessons begin Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM in Illini Union Room 314B.
Fall Professional Lessons – Sundays @ 7PM
To help members learn proper technique, footwork, and timing, the team offers affordable, student-friendly pricing for our lessons taught by professional dancers Kato Lindholm and Alex Tecza. These lessons will be the fastest way to learn new dances, connect you with dancers at a similar skill level, and help you develop your dance skills.
Professional lessons are typically taught Sunday evenings beginning at 7:00PM with three levels offered and a variety of dances covered throughout the semester. Please click the “Learn More” button below to see this year’s starting date and pricing options; if you have any questions, please email us at illinidance@gmail.com.
Fall Student Taught Lessons – Tu/Th @ 7PM
In addition to professional lessons, we offer student taught instruction throughout the semester to provide additional practice time, more targeted feedback, and a more informal setting to socialize. Student taught lessons are designed and led by fellow Illini students with experience in various dance styles, and while not a substitute for the professional lessons, these lessons will help you develop the basics and some fundamental technique.
Student taught lessons are typically taught Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning at 7:00PM with two levels offered and a variety of dances covered throughout the semester. Please click the “Learn More” button below to see this year’s starting date and pricing options; if you have any questions, please email us at illinidance@gmail.com.
Dance Socials & Hangouts
Throughout the semester, we host socials with various dance organizations on campus and regularly attend events at Regent Ballroom in Savoy. Social dancing offers a low-stakes way to try out dancing with people at different levels and simply enjoy the act of dancing.
Non-Dance Socials
Our members regularly host non-dance related social activities to help strengthen friendships and take a break from the semester. Whether it be a pancake night or taco night hosted at team member’s apartments, or picnics and outings to local CU restaurants, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for community outside of lessons and practice space.
