UWMBDA FAQ
What's this new First Dance Voucher thing?
The First Dance Voucher is a UWMBDA program that allows you to try out UWMBDA for the first time, risk-free! You simply pay for whatever lessons or dance you would like to attend, and then ask for a voucher. This voucher will document the amount of money you spent at your first dance, and if you choose to purchase a membership later on, that amount will be deducted from the price of your membership!
Example: The first time you come to a UWMBDA Dance, you pay for a beginner lesson ($5) and admission to the dance ($5). You receive a voucher documenting that you spent a total of $10 at your first dance. The next week (or any time later on), you decide that since you had such a great time before, you would like to purchase a semester-long student membership. The price of this membership would usually be $15, but since you have your voucher for $10, the price of membership is now only $5! Ask a Council Member if you have any further questions!
Isn't ballroom dance music boring and dull?
You're probably thinking about the kind of dancing you find in old movies, with men in tuxedo's and women in full gowns - dancing to a full orchestra. Granted, that is ballroom dance, but the scene has changed a lot since then. We often dance to modern music combined with a fun mix of big band swing, latin, oldies, and disco. After you've been dancing just a little while, you will be able to pick out a lot of ballroom dance music on top forty radio stations.
What should I wear to a dance?
Most of our dances require only casual attire - jeans and a t-shirt are just fine. Some wear a dress or slacks and a nice shirt. For one or two dances a semester we dress up if the dance is listed as a formal on the Dance Schedule. It's best to wear short sleeves so that you won't be too warm while dancing. Take a look at our Photo Gallery to see what folks are wearing.
Wear comfortable shoes. However, running and cross-training shoes tend to grip the floor a bit too much, making turns more difficult. Dress shoes often slide better and are usually best. Avoid flip-flops, crocs, boots, platform shoes or extremely narrow-toed shoes as these can make dancing difficult, if not painful. If this is your first time dancing, just wear what's comfortable. As you continue to dance, ask more experienced club members about shoes specifically designed for dancing. We occasionally invite a vendor to sell dance shoes at a dance. You can find local shoe stores on our links page.
Don't I already have to be a really good dancer?
Don't I need a dance partner?
No to both questions!
UWMBDA is a social club dedicated to showing people the thrill of ballroom dancing. When you're at a dance, we simply want you to have a great time meeting new people and dancing.
Plenty of people come to dances just to learn and to have fun. For the most part they are there without partners. A lot of people are always willing to help you learn, even if you are a brand new beginner.
You never need to bring a partner!You do not need to be experienced!
We dance simply to have fun!
I am a man/woman, so do I have to dance lead/follow?
Dance with anyone!UWMBDA does not discriminate based on gender. All instructors are asked to teach their lessons in terms of lead or follow rather than man or woman. So you are welcome to take a lesson as lead or follow, regardless of gender, and you are welcome to dance with whoever will dance with you.
Who comes to these dances?
Anyone and everyone!Since UWMBDA is a UW-Madison student organization, we actively promote our events to college students. In fact, the great majority of our members attend the UW.
However, you do not need to be a student to come to dances or to join UWMBDA. Eveyone is welcome!
But I don't know how to ballroom dance!
Maybe not yet...But, if you can tap your foot to music, you can probably learn to dance. Honest! Be brave. Don't just sit on the sidelines. Dance with as many people as possible - it is an excellent way to learn. If you'd like to dance with someone, just go over and ask.
Who can help me learn?
Most of our members come to the club having no experience in dance at all. If you've noticed someone who looks like a good dancer now, you can be pretty confident that not very long ago, he or she was an absolute beginner, too.
In general, our members are quite aware of their own humble beginnings and are very gracious about helping new dancers learn.
Just stop by the admissions table at any dance and ask the person working how you can find one of many helpful people willing to teach you. These dancers are usually identified by a flower or name badge, and they are more than willing to teach you new dances or new moves.
How do I join UWMBDA?
You can join UWMBDA at any dance! Just come to the admissions table.UWMBDA memberships are availalble at student and non-student prices and can be purchased for a single semester or for the entire year. (Annual memberships are available only in the fall).
You do not need to be a member to attend the dances. However, with Membership you receive a free t-shirt or shoe brush, dance admission for $2 instead of $5, free "Advanced" and "All Level" lessons before many Dances dance, access to the Thursday lesson series, and significant discounts on workshop lessons held during the semester.
Members and non-members, alike, are welcome at all dances. How To Join