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About Us

UQ Dance is a UQ Union club that is run by students at the University of Queensland. The aims and objectives of our club are:

  1. To meet and dance together during semester on at least a weekly basis.
  2. To organise events involving dancing such as demos, parties, picnics and dinners.
  3. To create a fun and friendly environment for meeting new people.

Wednesday Night Dancing

Every Wednesday during semester we get together outside the Student Union Complex at 6.30pm to enjoy some fun, free, social dancing. Come along, you will enjoy yourself no matter what your level of dance experience is.

Every week we try to organise for one of our members to lead a workshop or coordinate some progressive social dancing. You don't need to bring a partner as we do a lot of partner rotation and have a great atmosphere for meeting new friends.

After this, comes the highlight of the night - 'free-dancing' to our DJ's selection of ultra-cool songs including Salsa, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Jive and much more. This is a fun way to learn new steps from experienced members and share your cool moves too! Part of the fun is to talk to everyone and dance with lots of different people. Also, don't feel shy about approaching guys/girls who are better dancers than you because dancing with them is the best way to learn and to challenge yourself!

6:30 - 7:30 pm Beginners Workshop
7:30 - 9:30 pm Free Social Dancing

NOTE:

  • In case of rain, socials will still be run; we just move a few meters under the cover of the uqunion building.
  • If you have never danced before, don't worry! Many of our members are beginners and our workshops are sure to get you kitted out at least with the basic steps. If you are really concerned, try coming ten minutes early and asking someone nice to revise some steps with you.
  • If you are an intermediate or experienced dancer and want to see more of your favourite style being danced, the best way to is to volunteer to lead a workshop in this style!

Other Activities

We organize a number of other social activities during the semester, including:

  • Dance picnics
  • Movie nights
  • Parties!
  • Dancing for worthy causes

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Club

What do you guys do?
Our main activities are:

  • Weekly dancing: We meet outside the Juice Bar every Wednesday during semester at 6:30pm for free, social dancing.
  • Picnics: Every semester we organise a dance picnic in the park.
  • Partying: We organise groups to go dancing around Brissy and beyond.
  • Other: Movie nights, and other activities!!!

When are the classes?
We do not run classes. For information about where to get dance lessons please refer to our wiki page on dance schools. The quickest way to learn is from experienced instructors.

Are you a competitive Dance club?
No. UQ Dance is about social dancing, and FUN - although some of our members dance at a competitive level.

What does it cost to join?
$2/ year.

How do I join?
Come find us at Market Day during Orientation week at the start of the first or second semester or just ask one of our friendly executives at our weekly social dance nights!

Can I join if I'm not a student?
Most definitely!

Wednesday Night Dancing

Who attends on Wednesday nights?
People from all backgrounds, ages, races, sizes etc. We have one thing in common, a great love of dance music, joy of dancing, open mind and the ability to have FUN (okay... four things then)

Where is the Juice Bar?
Just near the main refec, bakery and Pizza Caffe. Still lost? Here's a map for you.

What styles do you dance?
Salsa, merengue, bachata, zouk, rueda, banda, swing, charleston, hip hop, and anything else we can find teachers for!

Do I need to bring a partner?
No. There are plenty of people to dance with. Many people come to UQ Dance on their own and find that they can relax and unwind while dancing in a friendly atmosphere.

Can I come if I'm not a member?
Yes. However we just bought you some awesome equipment and would appreciate your $2 which allows you to come to our lessons all year!

Can I bring a friend?
Yes, bring several if you can!

What should I wear?
Wear anything you feel comfortable and confident in, as long as its not so tight that it restricts your movement! A smooth soled shoe is best, with heels for the ladies, again, only if you are comfortable in it. Don't wear slip-on shoes or slippers because they might slip off (while dancing, of course!) and cause other dancers to trip over them.

General

I’ve heard of the style called Rueda. What is it?
La Rueda (The Wheel) is a salsa group dance originated in the streets of Cuba. “Rueda” means wheel or circle. A group of two or more couples form a circle. Everyone still dances in couples, but to the calls of one leader, each couple dance moves or sequence of moves simultaneously, changing partners along the way. Its a great social dance, can greatly improve your dance skills and its lotsa fun.

I've heard of the style caled Zouk. What is it?
Brazilian zouk (also just called Zouk) is mainly danced in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia), The Netherlands and some other European countries, It uses a modified, slower, smoother, even more sensual version of the lambada and is typically danced on Zouk-love style music. Unlike forró, which is led with the whole body, or salsa, which is led with the hands; Brazilian zouk is led by the glued-to-each-other hips of the partners. Thus, in a basic sideways movement, it is the hips that move first, followed by the rest of the body, and this is part of what makes the dance so sensual.

Where are the best places to dance around Brissy?
The longest running is probably Friday nights at Cafe Denim (Southbank, across from the cinema) from 8pm. Casablanca on Caxton street also puts up a fantastic effort for free dancing every Sunday from 7pm. Both are quite popular amongst UQ Dance members, but there are many more.

Regular events:

  • Wednesday nights at the Uni Juice Bar (of course) from 6:30pm.
  • Friday nights at Cafe Denims, Southbank from 9pm - 11pm.
  • Friday nights at Brisbane Square, until midnight.
  • Sunday nights at Alhumbra, 10 McLachlan st, Fortitude Valley (next to the Family), music from 8:30pm, live band from 10pm.
  • Sunday nights at Casablancas, 7pm - late

Also, keep an eye out for news of these irregular events:

  • SOS "Salsa On Saturday" parties @ East Brisbane State Highschool, behind the Gabba (7pm till late). Usually once a month.
  • Chukale @ Uber, Boundary St West End, Friday nights.

How cool!
Very cool!!