Karamu House Arts Academy

Sankofa Social: Urban Ballroom Dance is a vibrant and welcoming class designed for adult life-long learners of all experience levels." ...a social, mature, and soulful partner dance experience that merges the structured elegance of traditional ballroom with the smooth, rhythmic, and improvised styling of 1970s Detroit club dancing. It is often referred to as "Detroit Ballroom" or "Urban Contemporary Ballroom," focusing on fluid movement to mellow R&B, soul, and jazz music, prioritizing connection, sophistication, and a "glide" across the floor rather than high-energy, high-impact movements. - LA Times, 2012

Participants will build coordination, balance, confidence, and partner connection while exploring movement that feels both grounded and expressive. Whether you are stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or returning with experience, this class emphasizes joy, community, and personal style.

Adult Urban Ballroom Dance honors Karamu’s legacy as a home for cultural expression and artistic growth, offering adults a space to stay active, build community, and celebrate movement in an uplifting, culturally connected environment.

ATTIRE:

Comfortable clothes, shoes with a smooth bottom for dancing or sock covers over rubber soles.

Sock covers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKNDFY7P?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

This year’s program proudly aligns with Karamu House’s year-round theme:

Class Day: Tuesdays

Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM 

Program Dates: September 14 – November 7, 2026

Performance Dates:  November 6th and 7th of 2026

Location: Karamu House, 2355 East 89th Street, Cleveland, OH 44106 | Pavilion

Required Materials: Comfortable movement clothing 

Contact our Arts Education Department: Maya Israel, Arts Education Manager Email: misrael@karamuhouse.org Phone: (216) 795-7070 ext. 228