Q: What do you guys do?
A: Our main activities are:
- Weekly dancing: We meet outside the UQ Union building every Wednesday during semester at 6pm for free, social dancing.
- Picnics: Every semester we organise a dance picnic or two in the park.
- Partying: Throughout the semester we organise groups to go dancing around Brissy and beyond.
- Movie nights: There’s no better way to admire super corny moves than to watch some dance movies (think Dirty Dancing)
- And of course, we’ll throw in some surprises along the way!
Q: Are you a dance school?
A: UQ Dance is about social dancing, and FUN. We are a social dance club, not a dance school – although some of our members dance at a competitive level. For information about where to get professional dance lessons please refer to our affiliated dance schools page. The quickest way to learn is from experienced instructors.
Q: Who teaches each week?
A: Our workshops are led by experienced members, who just love to teach their favourite style of dance!
Q: What does it cost to join?
A: $2 for the entire year!
Q: How do I join?
A: 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!
More info is available on our Join UQDance Page
Q: Can I join if I’m not a student?
A: Most definitely! Have we mentioned, it’s only $2 for everyone?
Q: Who attends on Wednesday nights?
A: People from all backgrounds, ages, levels of fitness etc. We have one thing in common, a great love of dance music, the joy of dancing, and a desire to have heaps of FUN (okay… three things then).
Q: What styles do you dance?
A: Salsa, Cha Cha, Zouk, Meringue, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Rueda, Bachata, Hip Hop and some surprises throughout the year.
Q: Do I need to bring a partner?
A: 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. Even if you do have a partner, we emphasise dancing with other people. The best way to improve your dancing is to dance with as many people as possible, especially those who are better than yourself.
Q: Can I come if I’m not a member?
A: You can sign up at any time during the semester. Just come to one of our workshops or one of our events.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Wear anything you feel comfortable and confident in, as long as its not so tight that it restricts your movement! Your least grippy shoes are best (those old worn-out things are perfect). We dance outdoors, so don’t bring suede dance shoes as they will wreck quickly. Don’t wear slip-on shoes or thongs because they will slip off and trip you, which is not a cool (only funny) dance move.
Q: I’ve heard of the style called Rueda. What is it?
A: 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.
Q: I’ve heard of the style caled Zouk. What is it?
A: 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.
Q: Where are the best places to go social dancing around Brissy?
A: For latin dancing, there are three places that stand out for weekly social dancing. On Friday nights, head to South Bank just across the street from the cinema or to Brisbane Square at the top end of Queen St next to the casino, both from 8pm. On Sunday nights, the hottest place in town is Casablanca on Caxton street from 7:30 until late. If you want to make sure other UQ dancers are there, have a look on our Events page.
