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NOTE: for information on team eligibility, duties, benefits, dues, etc., please see the main
team page.
To keep up with the team's schedule and announcements each week (about classes, practices, workshops, and other news and events), subscribe to the team announcements email list:
http://ballroom.caltech.edu/team/email.html.
- Where can I find out
what classes and workshops you're offering?
The current class and workshop schedules are on the website:
http://www.its.caltech.edu/~ballroom/classes.html
http://www.its.caltech.edu/~ballroom/workshops.html
They are also announced to the email lists
(usually before they are up on the site).
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Do I have to be a team member or a student to take classes?
No, the classes are open to all.
- What level class should I take?
- Beginner I is for both complete newbies to dancing AND those who are looking to brush up on their basics and improve their technique.
- Beginner II is for dancers who have completed a Beginner I class in the dances offered. It is usually offered in Spring quarter.
- Intermediate is for those ready to move to the next level, and there is typically a short tryout before the class. You should have mastered the basic bronze syllabus figures to be prepared for this level.
- What if I feel like I'm between the beginner and intermediate levels?
There's never any harm in re-taking the beginner class, even if you've taken it already. You will pick up lots of new things each time you take even the most basic class, and you can also help those who are completely new to ballroom dancing.
- What do you offer in addition to classes?
We usually offer 2 to 5 additional workshops per quarter for various levels of dancers. They will be publicized on the website and sent out to the email list.
- How do I register/pay for a class or workshop?
Come a few minutes early to the class so that you can sign in and pay.
You don't have to pre-register for any classes or workshops.
- What should I wear?
To classes and practices, just wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
Thick pants (jeans, corduroy, etc.) or tight (and not stretchy) clothing can sometimes make dancing a bit more difficult. To parties, most people wear what they would if they were going out for an evening to dinner and/or to a nightclub (there is no dress code enforced, however, and people typically wear a wide variety of things).
- What kind of shoes do I need?
To start, any smooth-soled shoes should do, especially those with leather or suede soles. Smooth soles make pivoting and spinning much easier. Rubber soles will make dancing particularly difficult.
Once you become a little more serious and/or are planning to compete, you should consider purchasing real dance shoes (see the "costumes/shoes" FAQ below for more information).
What if the class is too crowded?
Class attendance usually drops over the first few classes, so stick it out and most likely the herd will thin a bit and give you more room to move in future classes!
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- Why should I join the team?
The benefits of joining the team include discounts on professionally-taught workshops, mentoring from advanced team members, and access to a library of
instructional DVDs. See the full benefits and team policies at the main team page.
- How much of a time commitment is team membership?
We strongly suggest that you commit at least 4-6 hours per week, and the more the better. The team offers 2 hours of classes (at each of two different levels) and 4 hours of practice per week, and occasionally we have special workshops and events.
- How much does team membership cost?
$20 per quarter or $70 for one academic year.
- When are practices?
Tuesdays, 9-11 pm (8-10 during the summer and winter vacation) and Saturdays, 4-6 pm. All practices are in the Braun Gym Multipurpose Room.
Please note that if you do not have a Caltech ID, there is a $5 charge to enter the gym.
- How many competitions do you participate in per year?
The team sends a strong representation to the Caltech, UCSD, and UCR competitions each year, and usually sends a few couples to the Stanford competition.
Individual couples also sometimes participate in several of the other competitions listed on our competitions page:
http://ballroom.caltech.edu/competitions.html.
- What other kinds of things does the team do?
We hold parties, outings to local events, and occasionally performances both on campus and in the community. Many team members' closest friends are in the club and on the team, so we also often spend time hanging out off the dance floor as well, at birthday parties, barbecues, dinners, and other such fun stuff!
- Do I have to have a partner?
No partner required, though you should work on finding one as soon as possible so you'll have one to practice and possibly compete with.
- How do I find a partner?
The best way is to keep coming to classes and practices and just pick someone you'd like to practice with. Partners don't have to be permanent (most people dance with several different partners during their first year), so you're encouraged to just pick someone to practice with as soon as you can. The team can also try to help you find a partner (talk to the team captain).
- Do I have to have dance experience to join?
No experience required at all.
- What if I'm uncoordinated and have no rhythm?
No problem! Ballroom dancing is not a dance that you necessarily have to be naturally talented at to eventually master. We've seen many "ugly ducklings" blossom into swans with enough time and practice! You may have to work a bit harder and longer than others, but you will eventually get there if you are motivated.
- Can the team help me get a date?
Um, no. However, if your slick new dance moves help you impress that special someone...we'll be happy to take partial credit. :)
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- Where can I find out more about competitions?
Check the right panel of this page:
http://dancesportucr.com/resources.htm
where you will find a competition level primer, survival guide, FAQ, judges' tips, and more.
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