Gay Games Ballroom Training Program February Schedule:

Tues, Feb 3 @ Hidden City, Pt Richmond – Team Meeting at 7:00, Class at 7:45

Wed, Feb 4 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Class at 7:45, Practice Space from 6:30

Sun, Feb 8 @ Just Dance Ballroom, Oakland 9 AM - Ballroom “Rounds” begin at 9:30 ($20 fee), Spectators may watch for free from 10:30 AM.

Mon, Feb 9 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Practice Space from 6:30 to 8:30 (sign up beforehand)

Wed, Feb 11 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Class at 7:45, Practice Space from 6:30

Wed, Feb 18 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Class at 7:45, Practice Space from 6:30

Fri, Feb 20 @ Citabria’s in Oakland – Dinner Party 6:00 PM

Mon, Feb 23 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Practice Space from 6:30 to 8:30 (sign up beforehand)

Wed, Feb 25 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Presentation class with Rafael and Citabria at 6:30; Regular Ballroom class: Routines from 7:15 to 8:30.

Locations:

Hidden City Ballroom: 304 Washington Ave., Pt. Richmond

Lake Merritt Dance: 200 Grand Ave., Oakland

Just Dance Ballroom: 2500 Embarcadero, Oakland

March Schedule:

Tues, Mar 3 @ Hidden City, Pt Richmond – Team Meeting at 7:00, Class at 7:45

Wed, Mar 4 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Class at 7:45, Half-Hour Private Lessons (sign-up) and Practice Space from 6:30. (West Coast Swing with Shin in the Lounge at 6:45)

Sun, Mar 8 @ Just Dance, Oakland 9 AM

Wed, Mar 11 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Class at 7:45, Half-Hour Private Lessons (sign-up) and Practice Space from 6:30. (West Coast Swing with Shin in the Lounge at 6:45)

Mon, Mar 16 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Practice Space from 6:30 to 8:30

Wed, Mar 18 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Class at 7:45, Half-Hour Private Lessons (sign-up) and Practice Space from 6:30. (West Coast Swing with Shin in the Lounge at 6:45)

Wed, Mar 25 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Maybe a Class or Practice from 6:30 to 8:30

Mon, Mar 30 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Practice Space from 6:30 to 8:30

Tue, Mar 31 @ Hidden City, Pt Richmond – Team Meeting at 7:00, Class at 7:45

“OQDS Ballroom 2026” is a six-month training program for International Standard Ballroom Dance (Waltz, Tango, and Quickstep) for Beginner and Intermediate levels. The goal is to prepare dancers to compete at the Gay Games in June 2026 or to perform locally.

Typical Month:

  • 1 weekly group class on Wednesdays at 7:45 PM at Lake Merritt Dance.

    • Except sometimes we will take the last Wednesday off.

  • First Tuesday of the month Class & Team Meeting at Hidden City Ballroom in Point Richmond. 

    • Team meeting: 7 PM;  Class: 7:45 PM

  • Practice Space

    • The Ballroom at Lake Merritt Dance is available for practice on Wednesdays from 6:30 PM.

    • We will also make available more dates and space for the team. 

  • “Rounds” at Just Dance Ballroom Sunday Mornings once a month. We go together. Extra fee $20/visit to be paid to Just Dance Ballroom.

  • Private lessons

    • Discount for members, per couple: $140 → $100

  • All OQDS Social Dance classes are included.

    • Don’t forget to social dance!

Group Class:

  • Group class will be taught by 1 or 2 instructors (Citabria with Emily or Rafael). 

  • Plan by month:

    • January - Begin Waltz. Think about finding a partner. 

    • February - Begin Quickstep and continue Waltz. Visualize the competition environment. Think about shoes and outfits.

    • March - Start learning Tango. Prepare for The April Affair Mock Competition. 

    • April - The April Affair is on Saturday, April 11. Continue perfecting all 3 dances. 

    • May - Polish all 3 dances. Costumes, Logistics.

    • June - Dress rehearsals. 

Performance Opportunities:

  • “The April Affair” OQDS Bay Area Mock Competition & Showcase will be on Saturday, April 11 at Lake Merritt Dance.

  • We may seek opportunities to perform at other events.

Fees:

  • $125 per person per month

The Team:

  • We are training as a team.

  • We plan to have jackets or jerseys.

  • There will be team dinners.

  • We expect team members to help coordinate, contribute creatively, and uplift one another.

FAQ

Do I need to commit to train for six months starting in January?

We want students to commit and have the opportunity to train at a higher level. We hope to get your commitment in the first month of the program. Students are allowed to withdraw.

Can I drop in for a class?

Generally, we do not allow drop-ins for this program like we do in our social dance class series.

Can I join after the first month?

We will consider new members on a case-by-case basis. New members who will partner with an existing member are welcome to join later in the season.

Why is there one monthly practice in Point Richmond?

There are many reasons and we’re happy to tell you. It’s kind of a long story though, but we feel it’s the right thing.

How do I find a partner?

Honestly, it’s hard and weird. Some people do, some don’t. Some will break up and someone might show up in your life very last-minute. Perhaps all you can do is be open to possibilities, know what you need, know your boundaries, and be okay with any outcome.

Why are we training in only International Standard?

Standard is our strength. There are now other categories including Latin, Smooth, Argentine Tango and even Country-Western Line Dance. If you want to compete in those, we might be able to connect you with instructors and studios to help you prepare.

Is this a formation team?

No. But Citabria, Emily, and Rafael are part of other formation teams. They will be in our orbit. If you’re interested in joining a formation team, we will show you the way.