RPI Ballroom Dance
Ballroom, Latin, Lindy Hop at RPI — lessons for students and community
A ballroom dance studio offering instruction in American and International style dances including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Swing.
Photo: RPI Ballroom Dance via Google
Before your first class
No prior experience needed; most members joining each semester have never danced before.
No street shoes on the dance floor; felt-bottomed ballroom shoes, dance sneakers, and soft-soled shoes are allowed.
Comfortable clothing and shoes.
A parking lot is available behind Academy Hall, accessible on College Avenue.
About this studio
RPI Ballroom Dance is one of the largest student-run organizations at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, based in Academy Hall in Troy, New York. The group teaches ballroom, Latin, smooth, rhythm, and Lindy Hop to dancers of all skill levels, with no prior experience needed.
The club structure splits into two main tracks: Ballroom/Latin group lessons and a competitive Ballroom Team. Ballroom/Latin lessons run three times per week at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The Ballroom Team offers structured training with separate lessons for Newcomer, All Team, Bronze, and Silver levels, plus specialized mentoring in Smooth and Rhythm, and Standard. Lindy Hop lessons and open practices also run throughout the week. You don't need a partner — the club rotates partners in all lessons so you'll dance with many people.
Lessons restart each semester in Fall and Spring. The club holds a semesterly Intro Dance to welcome newcomers. All club and team lessons, along with open practices, take place in the dance studio in the basement of Academy Hall, first accessed by descending one flight of stairs from the main floor. Open practices for the Team also run most days of the week at the studio, Mueller Center, and various other campus locations.
RPI Ballroom welcomes students and non-students alike. If you are an RPI student, a single semester of club membership costs $75 (or $125 for the full year). Non-RPI members pay $120 per semester ($200 per year). Joining the competitive Ballroom Team costs an additional $55 per semester. At three lessons per week, members get roughly 30 lessons each semester. You must be 18 or older if not affiliated with RPI. Just come to a lesson and introduce yourself, or email to sign up.
What to expect
Your first visit
Arrive in comfortable clothing and shoes — many dancers wear socks or soft-soled sneakers. No street shoes are allowed on the floor. Lessons are structured group classes where an instructor teaches new material and reviews previous steps; you'll rotate partners throughout. Open practices are unstructured time to work on what you've learned.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The club is led by student officers and captains. Ballroom/Latin inquiries go to VP Kamryn Duggins; Team questions go to captains Trinity Luiz ('29) and others listed on the contact page. Mentoring in Smooth, Rhythm, and Standard is available.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
No prior experience needed; most members joining each semester have never danced before.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
No street shoes on the dance floor; felt-bottomed ballroom shoes, dance sneakers, and soft-soled shoes are allowed.
What to bring
Comfortable clothing and shoes. Felt-bottomed ballroom shoes, dance sneakers, or soft-soled shoes like Converses are popular; no street shoes allowed on the studio floor. Only water is permitted in the studio.
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
RPI Ballroom Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own RPI Ballroom Dance, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about RPI Ballroom Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does RPI Ballroom Dance teach?
RPI Ballroom Dance teaches Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Lindy Hop, Waltz and 1 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is RPI Ballroom Dance located?
RPI Ballroom Dance is located in Troy, NY. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does RPI Ballroom Dance offer private lessons?
Contact RPI Ballroom Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does RPI Ballroom Dance teach kids and adults?
RPI Ballroom Dance welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at RPI Ballroom Dance?
The fastest path is to visit RPI Ballroom Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at RPI Ballroom Dance?
A parking lot is available behind Academy Hall, accessible on College Avenue.