This FAQ has been compiled from various questions the society receives through emails on a daily basis. Hopefully this should answer all your questions, but if not - drop a line to ussu.ballroomdancing@surrey.ac.uk

I'm not a student, can I still dance?
Whilst we do cater for students and non-students, as a student society part funded by Surrey Student Union our priority is to offer dancing to students. We encourage all students to become members (it's cheaper for you that way!), but membership for non-students is at the discretion of the committee.

What standard do I have to be?
Any! We cater for complete beginners with no coordination, to the very advanced. Our teachers can teach you from any level, to any level.

Can I try before I buy? I'm not sure I'll like it!
Definitely! The first lesson for anyone that's not been before (to our society lessons) is free, so you can see what we do and consider whether or not you'd like to come again.

What dancing is there?
We offer ballroom, and latin american. The beginner classes are aimed at absolute beginners and will gradually work through various dances with progression through the year. For dancers with some previous experience we offer medal classes, an excellent way to learn routines and earn a medal at the end! We also run a comp class teaching more technique and flair for all levels who want to compete (beginners to advanced).

For specific information for more advanced dancers please contact us directly ussu.ballroomdancing@surrey.ac.uk.

What about competitions? How do they work?
If you want to compete, you can! You DON'T need to be a good dancer to compete. Competitions are split into beginner, novice, intermediate, and advanced levels. Beginners are not allowed to have had much tuition, so even if you're completely new there's still a chance of winning something.

Read about the competitions, then ask our team captain Catherine (see Committee) about competing!

What if I'm struggling?
Everyone struggles at the beginning, and even after that we all go through times where no progress seems to be made. The best advice to you if you really want to dance it to STICK AT IT! It does take a long time to become really good but the journey is worth it in the long run because you will have the confidence to dance socially to almost anything!

Where do you have your lessons?
Our lessons are mostly in UniHall on Wednesdays or AP 1/2 on Thursdays. UniHall is also booked by us on some Sunday evenings (see Classes)

What do I pay for?
The society gets some money from the students' union to subsidise the lessons, but it doesn't cover it all. Therefore all your money goes towards the lessons you're attending. Nothing goes on social events, because not everyone will take advantage of the socials, and nothing goes on competition entry or travel. Those areas are again subsidised by the Union, and competitors may a minimal fee towards it.

How can I find out information regularly about classes?
Simply drop us an email and we'll sign you up to our newsletter. You can ask to be unsubscribed from this at any time. It is usually one email per week giving details of all the classes, any cancellations (as some of our teachers compete at high levels!), any social events that may be happening, and general society information.

Do you have any pictures of you in action?
Yes - look at the gallery.

What does my membership get me?
Reduced lesson costs - if you plan on coming regularly then it's definitely worthwhile.

Still got a question? Email us!