General Questions
I've never danced before, can I still join?
Absolutely! Our society is for everyone who loves to dance. We offer classes for all levels and different styles, and try to accommodate for everyone. Please don't be intimidated, and if you are feel free to look for a member of committee who'll be sure to reassure you.
How do I unsubscribe from e-mails?
Click on the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the e-mail.
What social events do you hold?
In previous years we have run pizza socials, brunch outings, club nights, trips to watch professional dance shows, sports night at the infamous Loop - we try to hold socials every few weeks and cater to everyone's interests.
How can I join the committee?
We hold an AGM every March to vote for next year's committee (e.g. the AGM in March 2022 decided on our committee for 2022-2023). You give a short speech to DanceSoc members and it's then put to a vote. If you do not get your first choice, you're allowed to run for a second post if you wish.
The only exception is our Fresher's Rep, who is chosen in first term.
Absolutely! Our society is for everyone who loves to dance. We offer classes for all levels and different styles, and try to accommodate for everyone. Please don't be intimidated, and if you are feel free to look for a member of committee who'll be sure to reassure you.
How do I unsubscribe from e-mails?
Click on the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the e-mail.
What social events do you hold?
In previous years we have run pizza socials, brunch outings, club nights, trips to watch professional dance shows, sports night at the infamous Loop - we try to hold socials every few weeks and cater to everyone's interests.
How can I join the committee?
We hold an AGM every March to vote for next year's committee (e.g. the AGM in March 2022 decided on our committee for 2022-2023). You give a short speech to DanceSoc members and it's then put to a vote. If you do not get your first choice, you're allowed to run for a second post if you wish.
The only exception is our Fresher's Rep, who is chosen in first term.
Membership
How much does it cost to join?
Our annual membership costs £25 and if you will join our competitive team, you will have to buy our competitive membership for £30.
What do I get with my membership?
Weekly classes all year, great socials and the ability to perform in our numerous shows.
Can I join right now? It's the middle of the year.
You're able to join at anytime, but we're unable to offer discounted membership fees so recommend you try and attend as many classes as possible to get the most of it.
I was a member last year. Do I have to join again this year?
Yes, you need to renew your membership every year.
Can I have a free trial lesson before I join?
Due to insurance/safety reasons, only members are allowed to take our classes. However, we offer trials during Try Fortnight (the first 2 weeks of Term 1) and sometimes during Give It a Go week. We can however send you class videos so you can gauge the level of the classes.
Are non-UCL students allowed to join?
Yes! You're allowed to attend our classes once you've joined like regular members. However, you need to join as an associate/visiting member of UCL Students' Union which requires an additional SU membership fee (£35 for the year or £20 for 3 months), as well as the standard £25 DanceSoc membership.
UCLU places strict regulations on non-UCL students, and there is a high volume of people requesting to join our society. In order to support your application for UCLU membership, they require you to write a thorough explanation of how you would benefit Dance Society, how you'll get involved with the society and provide examples of unique skills you can provide the society with. If you have any questions about the process, please e-mail us at: [email protected]!
Our annual membership costs £25 and if you will join our competitive team, you will have to buy our competitive membership for £30.
What do I get with my membership?
Weekly classes all year, great socials and the ability to perform in our numerous shows.
Can I join right now? It's the middle of the year.
You're able to join at anytime, but we're unable to offer discounted membership fees so recommend you try and attend as many classes as possible to get the most of it.
I was a member last year. Do I have to join again this year?
Yes, you need to renew your membership every year.
Can I have a free trial lesson before I join?
Due to insurance/safety reasons, only members are allowed to take our classes. However, we offer trials during Try Fortnight (the first 2 weeks of Term 1) and sometimes during Give It a Go week. We can however send you class videos so you can gauge the level of the classes.
Are non-UCL students allowed to join?
Yes! You're allowed to attend our classes once you've joined like regular members. However, you need to join as an associate/visiting member of UCL Students' Union which requires an additional SU membership fee (£35 for the year or £20 for 3 months), as well as the standard £25 DanceSoc membership.
UCLU places strict regulations on non-UCL students, and there is a high volume of people requesting to join our society. In order to support your application for UCLU membership, they require you to write a thorough explanation of how you would benefit Dance Society, how you'll get involved with the society and provide examples of unique skills you can provide the society with. If you have any questions about the process, please e-mail us at: [email protected]!
Classes
What kind of classes do you offer?
We offer weekly classes in Ballet, Break Dance, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Street and Tap. To find out more about our Teachers you can have a look at Teachers 23/24. We also hold additional workshops throughout the year in various styles (either with different teachers or in different styles e.g. Popping, Latin).
What should I wear?
Anything that you can move around comfortably in that allows you a free range of movement. As for shoes, trainers / socks will be fine (depending on the style). Whilst tap and pointe shoes would be beneficial, they are not compulsory.
When are classes held? Where is this class?
Information and updates can be found here or on our Instagram.
I don't know if I'm beginner or advanced, which class should I go to?
Beginners classes are intended for people who have no previous experience in that style. Advanced classes are generally suited to those with some previous experience. Feel free to join in both classes to gauge the level that's right for you. There's nothing wrong with attending a Beginners class to practise your foundation techniques, or attending Advanced in order to push yourself.
We offer weekly classes in Ballet, Break Dance, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Street and Tap. To find out more about our Teachers you can have a look at Teachers 23/24. We also hold additional workshops throughout the year in various styles (either with different teachers or in different styles e.g. Popping, Latin).
What should I wear?
Anything that you can move around comfortably in that allows you a free range of movement. As for shoes, trainers / socks will be fine (depending on the style). Whilst tap and pointe shoes would be beneficial, they are not compulsory.
When are classes held? Where is this class?
Information and updates can be found here or on our Instagram.
I don't know if I'm beginner or advanced, which class should I go to?
Beginners classes are intended for people who have no previous experience in that style. Advanced classes are generally suited to those with some previous experience. Feel free to join in both classes to gauge the level that's right for you. There's nothing wrong with attending a Beginners class to practise your foundation techniques, or attending Advanced in order to push yourself.
Shows / Competitions
How many shows does Dance Society host a year?
We host 6 shows a year, and you can read more about them here.
How can I take part in shows?
You can choreograph, dance, or both. In order to take part you need to complete a Choreographer Bid or a Dancer Audition.
What are Choreographer Bids?
At UCL, students choreograph our shows and our competition routines! If you are inspired to choreograph, sign-up for the show (or competition team) you'd like to choreograph for. The show producer will then contact you and ask you to bring yourself, your music and around 30 seconds of choreography to give the production team an overview of your ideas.
Try and include your ideal number of dancers, music genre, costuming and lighting to really portray your vision.
What are Dancer Auditions?
Once we've chosen our choreographers, they need to choose their dancers. They normally operate like a regular dance class and are led by a society member, starting with a warm up (or floor work where applicable) and finish off with a routine. Members will perform the routine in groups for the choreographers and will normally hear back within 2 weeks.
I'm unable to attend an audition, what should I do?
If you're unable to attend the audition slot for a style you're interested in, please come along to as many other auditions as you can, especially of similar styles. Most choreographers will be attending several auditions (e.g. a jazz choreographer may attend a contemporary audition). You will be able to specify on your audition form what styles you are interested in, even if you can't make that particular audition. You can also send in a video of you dancing in the style you're auditioning for to our Facebook page.
I'm not a UCL student, can I still perform in shows?
Unfortunately, only UCL students can take part in our productions, the only exception being affiliate students.
We host 6 shows a year, and you can read more about them here.
How can I take part in shows?
You can choreograph, dance, or both. In order to take part you need to complete a Choreographer Bid or a Dancer Audition.
What are Choreographer Bids?
At UCL, students choreograph our shows and our competition routines! If you are inspired to choreograph, sign-up for the show (or competition team) you'd like to choreograph for. The show producer will then contact you and ask you to bring yourself, your music and around 30 seconds of choreography to give the production team an overview of your ideas.
Try and include your ideal number of dancers, music genre, costuming and lighting to really portray your vision.
What are Dancer Auditions?
Once we've chosen our choreographers, they need to choose their dancers. They normally operate like a regular dance class and are led by a society member, starting with a warm up (or floor work where applicable) and finish off with a routine. Members will perform the routine in groups for the choreographers and will normally hear back within 2 weeks.
I'm unable to attend an audition, what should I do?
If you're unable to attend the audition slot for a style you're interested in, please come along to as many other auditions as you can, especially of similar styles. Most choreographers will be attending several auditions (e.g. a jazz choreographer may attend a contemporary audition). You will be able to specify on your audition form what styles you are interested in, even if you can't make that particular audition. You can also send in a video of you dancing in the style you're auditioning for to our Facebook page.
I'm not a UCL student, can I still perform in shows?
Unfortunately, only UCL students can take part in our productions, the only exception being affiliate students.
