Why Join Us?
- All abilities welcome – No experience needed!
- Learn Ballroom & Latin –Try something new and develop your skills.
- Make new friends – Meet students from across BU.
- Regular socials – Classes, events and plenty of fun!
- Competition opportunities – Represent BU if you want to compete.
- Build confidence – Step outside your comfort zone.
- Make memories – Find your people and become part of the BLDS family!
What Do We Do?
The Ballroom & Latin Dance Society (BLDS) is an inclusive, welcoming and fun society where students can discover a new passion, continue dancing or simply try something new during their time at university.
We teach a variety of Ballroom and Latin styles, including Waltz, Quickstep, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Jive, Samba, Rumba and Paso Doble. We welcome dancers of all abilities, from complete beginners to advanced, with weekly routine classes split by ability and taught by our experienced and enthusiastic coaches.
Alongside our weekly classes, members have the opportunity to compete and represent Bournemouth University at competitions across the country. We also host our own Bournemouth Friendly competition, which we have successfully held twice before and hope to host again in the coming year.
This year, BLDS attended 8 competitions, the most we have ever attended, including Southampton, Warwick, Bath, Reading, Birmingham, Blackpool IVDC, SUDC and Bristol. Our dancers achieved an incredible: 256 recalls, 35 semi finals, 78 finals, 10 wins!
In 2025 we achieved 750/750 star grading points in the new SUBU Star Grading, being the first club or society to do so. Additionally, we have received 5* grading for 3 years running!
We organise a wide range of social events throughout the year, including drinking, sober and no-spend socials. We also take part in society swaps, giving members the chance to try activities with other BU societies.
To celebrate our members and the end of each year, we host our BLDS Awards Night, where members can nominate each other for a variety of fun awards. We also hope to continue our Christmas and summer celebrations in the coming year.
Whether you want to learn a new skill, meet new people, compete, build your confidence or simply have fun, there is something for everyone at BLDS.
Memberships
Competitive Membership: This consists of £80 (£75 Freshers week discount) for the year, and includes the following:
- 2 classes per week (TBC) taught for all abilities from Beginners to Advance
- Access to multiple open practices per week.
- Opportunities to compete at many Varsity and Friendly competitions across the country.
- Free competition entry to Nationals in Blackpool (this is worth over £30).
- Discounted travel prices to some of our competitions.
- Invitation to all our socials and our annual trip abroad.
- Access to our Christmas and end of year celebration awards.
Non-Competitive Membership: This consists of £50 (£45 Freshers week discount) for the year, and includes the following:
- 2 classes per week (TBC) taught for all abilities from Beginners to Advance
- Spectator tickets available for all competitions.
- Invitation to all our socials and our annual trip abroad.
- Access to our Christmas and end of year celebration awards.
- Option to upgrade to competitve membership.
Key Events
Freshers Fair: 26th September 2025 - Come and visit to see whether this is a society for you.
Give it a Go: (TBC)
Weekly Classes: Class timetable below (TBC), all abilities welcome!
Fun Weekly Socials: A variety of drinking, sober, and no-spend.
Amazing Competitions: If you are in a more competitive mood, you are welcome to spend a fun day dancing together at some or all of the many competitions we attend throughout the year including: Southampton (Friendly), Warwick (Varsity), Bath (Friendly), Reading (Friendly), Birmingham (Varsity), SUDA (Varsity), Blackpool (Nationals), Bristol (Friendly) and our Bournemouth competition (Friendly).
Fundrasing Activites: (TBC)
Award Night: (TBC)
Anual Trip Abroad: Every year as a society we have a trip abroad to different places, it gives a chance for everyone to bond and make new friendships! In 2025 we had a fabulous trip to Zante, Greece and we are excited to see where we travel to this year. (Easter holidays TBC).
Society Swaps: To be held throughout the year.
Class Timetable
(TBC)
This timetable is subject to change!!
Meet the Committee
President: Sophie Harkness (She/her).
Vice President: Rosie Peach (She/her).
Treasurer: Louisa Turner (She/her).
Secretary: Scarlet Ainger (She/her).
Team Captain: Merryn Emett (She/her).
Social Secretary’s: (TBC)
Social Media Officer: Mikhai Wisteria (They/she).
Meet the Coaches
Ballroom Coaches: Merryn Emett (She/her) & Sophie Harkness (She/her).
Latin Coaches: Merryn Emett (She/her) & Sophie Harkness (She/her).
What Our Members Say:
“It’s just such a relaxed atmosphere with fun people which makes it the perfect place to learn how to dance.”
''Joining BLDS has been a highlight of my uni experince, I've made great friends and shared so many experiences with them''
"The society has built my confidence and dance skills so much. I have not only become a much better dancer but I have also met some of my best friends!’"
"Joining BLDS was the best decision! When I joined I felt at home as everyone was so lovely and I’ve made some of my best friends as well as enjoying all the different things I get to be apart of"
"The friends made along the way are irreplaceable!"
“ This society has allowed me to continue my dance training whilst at uni in a supportive and friendly environment with incredible coaching! There has been so many fun socials and I have made so many wonderful memories
"Everyone is so so supportive and friendly, it is like a family"
"I love the family feeling and inclusivity within the society! Studying can quite often feel like a lot is on my plate, and going to dance classes and competitions feels like an escape from that! I've met some of my best friends through this society and am so excited for the next year"
Join our society and be a part of something special!!
Our Social Media
Instagram: @bu_blds
Tiktok: @bu_blds
Facebook Page: Blds BU
Alumni Facebook Group: BLDS Alumni Group
Linktree: bu_blds
Our Photo Gallery
