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, break-up dinners, even 10-pin bowling .

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, although some of our members dance at a competitive level.

What does it cost to join?
$2/ year (cash only) .

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 on your first dance lesson and we'll sign you up then and there!

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 Latin 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?
The majority of our members are from the latin scene so that's what we do most of. You might make the following rough estimates:

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.

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:

• Tuesday nights at the Treasury Casino (Livewire Bar) from 9pm.
• 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!
Yes, it is .