Badger Ballroom hosts two events at the start of the fall and spring semesters every year. They are open to the public, including non-students, and are perfect for anyone who wants to try some ballroom dance without any commitment to join the team. They are free to attend, and you do not need to bring dance shoes or a partner.

Kickoff

Kickoff starts with two beginner dance lessons, one hour each. A short demonstration of the dance by the Badger Ballroom Dance Team precedes each lesson. After the lessons, music plays for two more hours; all are welcome to stick around and to dance with the team. It is a great time to ask the instructors more questions and to make new friends.​

The Fall 2025 semester was kicked off on Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 6:00 to 10:00 PM.

Free week

Badger Ballroom officially designates the first week after kickoff as "Free Week," during which classes may be in a larger room on the UW-Madison campus instead of our normal studio. However, every semester, everyone's first week of lessons is free (after which we ask that you pay dues), regardless of when they join.

For the Fall 2025 semester, Free Week had the normal lesson schedule at the normal studio location.