Group Classes » Dance With Brandee

Ballroom Dance Classes for BERKELEY YMCA Members Only

These ballroom dance group classes are designed for beginners—absolutely no experience is necessary!

The atmosphere in class is fun and friendly, and the pace is slow and steady. In fact, students who were intimidated or had trouble keeping up in group classes elsewhere tell me how comfortable and successful they feel in my classes.

You can come solo or with a partner, it doesn’t matter. We rotate partners during class so you have the opportunity to practice leading and following a variety of people.

Come get the skills and confidence you need to shine on the dance floor!

Note: You MUST be a full-service Berkeley YMCA member to take these dance classes.

Brandee leads students in a Salsa class warmup

Classes usually start with a fun warm up.

Branding leads class in practicing a new dance step

Then it's time to learn some new moves!

How Classes Work

A variety of dances are offered throughout the year. Each dance is usually taught for two consecutive months at the same time slot—a Level 1, then a Level 2 class.

You may join class at the beginning of any month, as there is always a Level 1 class being offered.

No dance partner needed. Absolutely no experience necessary to take a Level 1 class!

* YOU MUST BE A BERKELEY YMCA MEMBER TO TAKE CLASS *

Time & Location

Friday Nights, 6:30-7:30pm and 7:30-8:30pm

at the Downtown Berkeley YMCA
Aerobics Room, 2nd floor
2001 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704

Price & Registration

* YOU MUST BE A BERKELEY YMCA MEMBER TO TAKE CLASS *

Price: $25 for 4-week series ($20 if only a 3-week series)
Please register at least 24 hours in advance of first class meeting.

Register at Y Welcome desk in person or by calling 510-848-9622
OR
Sign Up Online (click on "Ballroom Dancing" in the sidebar)

Dances Taught

I teach over 20 styles of partner dancing plus line dances!

Swing & Blues: East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Balboa and Blues dancing

Salsa & Latin: Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Rumba, Cha Cha, Mambo and Samba

Ballroom: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango and Viennese Waltz

Nightclub and More: Hustle, Nightclub Two Step, Country Two Step, Zydeco and Argentine Tango

Line Dances: The Electric Slide, Hustle, Cupid Shuffle, Cha Cha Slide, Wobble, Macarena, Boot Scootin' Boogie, YMCA, etc.

Dec 2019

No classes — Happy Holidays!

Jan 2020

Viennese Waltz Level 1 (Basics)
01/10/2020 - 01/31/2020, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Learn to Whirl Around the Floor! The oldest of the ballroom dances, Viennese Waltz is...Read More

Salsa Level 1 (Basics)
01/10/2020 - 01/31/2020, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Salsa is a sexy, exciting Latin dance that’s popular throughout Latin America, the US and...Read More

Upcoming 2020 Classes

Feb: East Coast Swing 1 | Salsa 2
Mar: Waltz 1 | East Coast Swing 2
Apr: West Coast Swing 1 | Waltz 2
May: Country Two Step 1 | West Coast Swing 2
June: Cha Cha 1 | Country Two Step 2

Brandee creates a welcoming atmosphere where I’ve not only learned how to move to the music and communicate with a dance partner, but have also overcome much of my self-consciousness.

Gus

Brandee’s classes have positively impacted our lives, helping us maintain a loving connection, return to regular exercise and stay connected socially.

John & Leslie

With Brandee’s patience and encouragement, I’ve gained self-confidence as a dancer. She’s taught me how to follow a partner, hear the music and choose the appropriate dance for a song. Now I’m really having fun!

Lorraine

Brandee is a gifted teacher and steady encourager with the patience of a saint. We’ve learned several dances, made wonderful friends, and gone on several Dance Nights Out. Now we’re regularly venturing out dancing on our own!

John & Elise

Being in your classes is something I look forward to each week, and the basic levels continue to be full of discovery.

Glenn

You are surely one of the most talented dance teachers of the many I have known!

Peter