The Wende Museum’s Tea Dance series invites you to move, mingle, and unwind through the joyful rhythm of social dance. Hosted in the Glorya Kaufman Community Center, each session features different dance traditions, ranging from Argentine tango to vintage swing, led by local artists and dance instructors. No experience or partner required.

Tea dances originated in early 20th-century Britain and America as daytime socials, often held in hotels and ballrooms, offering live music, light refreshments, and a welcoming space for community connection. Revived in the queer communities of mid-century America, the tradition evolved into a vibrant celebration of expression and belonging.

In that spirit, our Sunday Tea Dances offer a space to unplug, connect, and move together. These afternoons are for everyone: curious beginners, practiced dancers, and people just looking to enjoy good music and warm company.

Come for the class, stay for the social, and rediscover the art of togetherness.

Free and open to all. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.

Schedule:

Sunday, July 13, 3-6 pm, Beach Cities Swing Band

The Beach Cities Swing Band was founded in the year 2000 by members of the El Segundo Concert Band. It is a 17-piece Big Band with featured vocalists, playing works made famous in the Big Band era by the likes of Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, and Artie Shaw, along with more modern arrangements in the traditional swing styles, and innovative new takes on famous songs. The BCSB is now operating under the umbrella of the South Bay Music Association.

The BCSB is dedicated to keeping the sound of the big band alive and out in the public. True to its name, the BSCB has performed in all the beach towns of the South Bay, including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes Estates, Long Beach, Marina Del Rey, and Los Angeles, as well as in its home base of El Segundo. The BCSB has an extensive repertoire of instrumental and vocal charts, and is available for event booking by contacting the South Bay Music Association. Whether a concert or a dance event this band is a swinging good time.

Sunday, July 20, 3-6 pm, Groove and Step

This is an all levels dance class that captures certain elements of traditional southern line dance and hip hop choreography simultaneously! The class will involve choreography however, there is still space for individual creativity and unique dance expression. Groove and Step cultivates energy, connection, and JOY! After an intial period to mix and mingle, an hour-long class will begin at 3:30, after which time, attendees will be invited to share their own line dances with the group during the open session until 6:00 pm!

About the instructor: Ronnie Martin is a professional dancer/choreographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been a part of two major dance companies, So Real Dance Co. and Texas Southern Dance Co. and has been teaching all levels of hip hop choreography for the past 10 years. Once he relocated to LA he developed a love and passion for fitness which encouraged him to create his own fun and effective way to have the best of both worlds (Dance and Fitness). He has been teaching hip hop cardio classes for 7 years now and line dance classes for 5 years ! He believes that Dance fitness is great way to get active as well decompress. His goal is to constantly create spaces for the advancement of physical and mental health in a creative way!

Sunday, August 3, 3-6 pm, Beach Cities Swing Band

Sunday, August 17, 3-6 pm, Oxygen Tango

Discover the global language of tango in this one-hour beginner class led by Oxygen Tango, a beloved LA-based school known for its welcoming, connection-driven approach. You’ll learn the essentials of this improvised social dance and be ready to join the informal practica that follows—no partner needed. Just bring comfortable clothes, shoes you can walk backward in, and a spirit of curiosity.

Sunday, August 31, 3-6 pm, Groove and Step