Gay Games Ballroom Training Program June Schedule:
Wed, June 3 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Class at 7:45, Practice Space 6:30
Wed, June 10 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Class at 7:45, Practice Space 6:30
Wed, June 17 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Class at 7:45, Practice Space 6:30
Wed, June 24 @ Lake Merritt Dance – Maybe class, TBD. Many of us will fly out Thursday/Friday…
Every Sunday at 9 AM - Rounds @ Just Dance Ballroom (sign-up)
Every Monday 6:30 to 8:30 - Practice Space @ Lake Merritt Dance (sign-up)
“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.
We are going to the Gay Games!
Our ballroom dance team, Queer as Oak, is looking ahead to competing in the Gay Games in Valencia, Spain at the end of June.
Just a few months ago, almost all of us had never danced ballroom-style waltz, tango, or quickstep. With an April 11 showcase in mind, we forged ahead and learned not only the routines to the three dances, but also how to do them beautifully in front of an audience, stay poised and connected, navigate a crowded floor, and do it in costume.
In addition to a weekly hour-long class, we also attend extra practice sessions, schedule private lessons, and participate in special workshops to make the most of these few months we have. It has been really motivating to do all of this together as a team.
With less than 1 month to go, we are now focusing on polishing these dances and figuring out the logistics of getting to Spain.
Thank you for supporting us.
