Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the classes held?

Classes will be held in Eliot Dining Hall.

In the unlikely event that there are any interruptions and we need to find another venue then information will be posted onto the website, forums as well as sent around in emails.

For a map of the campus click here (Map ref: P5)

Do I have to be a student?

No, anyone can sign up to classes, and join the society.

However, only students are allowed to compete in University competitions.

Do I have to be a member of the society to join classes?

If you are a student, then yes you do need to join the society. This can be done via the Kent Union, for more info click here. If you are not a student, then please talk or email Cathryn (cja27@kent.ac.uk).

Do I need to bring a partner to the classes?

No, there are plenty of people that come to the classes without a partner, as well as teachers, so there will always be someone to dance with. However if you do come with a partner then you can dance together! The more the merrier!

What are the benefits of learning to dance?

Learning to dance is one of the best ways of improving your fitness, in dancing you will soon find that you use almost every muscle in your body. You'll need to use your shoulders to keep a good strong frame, your back and stomach to keep your posture, and your legs to move faster and lighter for latin dances or strong and controlled in ballroom dances.

Even though ballroom seems slower, I personally find it is the most tiring ;) An estimated 300 calories an hour is burned while waltzing, and roughly 1500 calories an hour doing a jive. If you can keep it up for an hour!

Learning to dance is a great way of meeting new people, especially at competitions, or social dances. It also helps improve your confidence!

Dancing is for girls!

Not a question - but something that is commonly said and needs an answer!

Ballroom and Latin dancing is just like any other sport, in terms of fitness, competition and socialising. Dancing is a common language used to help you meet other people, and steps danced at Kent will be similar across the country.

The dances were created to satisfy the balance between a male and a female while dancing. For example the tango is about the agression and passion between the two dancers, where as the Cha cha is about the two dancers teasing and flirting with each other.

And besides, what other sport or activity allows you to dance with and meet many others in one night!

What do I have to wear?

Anything comfortable, we're not looking for shirt and trousers every single week, t-shirts and jeans are absolutely fine. Same goes for the girls, although you might find it easier to dance in a skirt (though nothing too tight or short). Sensible shoes like trainers will do as well, although you can get proper dancing shoes with a suede sole. Again girls might prefer to dance in sensible heels - afterall that is what the footwork was made for!

How much do the classes cost?

Each of the classes cost £20 to join each term, however before the 31st October if you join up for ballroom and latin, you get the Competitors class for free.

Practice sessions on a Tuesday evening are also for free, but only for those who have joined a class, otherwise they are £2 per time.

When are the classes?

The classes are held every Tuesday night, at Eliot Dining Hall, times as follows:

• 6.30pm - 7.30pm Latin Class
• 7.30pm - 8.30pm Ballroom Class
• 8.30pm - 9.30pm Competition Class
• 9.30pm - 11.00pm Practice Session

The Thursday night timetable is coming out soon!

I go to a different University, can I still join or compete?

Anyone can come along to join our classes, however if you are a student of another University you will need to get permission from your University to dance in our society in the form of a letter.

In order to compete for our society you will need to get permission to dance for Kent University through another body, but we'll sort that out for you, just email Cat (cja27@kent.ac.uk).

Do I have to compete?

As much as we'd like everyone to compete - you don't have to - we're not going drag you out and throw you onto the floor!

However we do advise everyone to compete as they're a great way of socalising with the team, meeting new people, and boosting your confidence, winning trophies and a good thing to put a your CV!