Why Join Us?
- Make new friends with a similar interest!
- Improve your dancing ability and fitness!
- Learn a new style of dance!
- Take part in competitions!
- Step out of your comfort zone!
- SUBU 5* society!
- Have fun!
What Do We Do?
The Ballroom and Latin Dance Society is an inviting and fun society, where many students can try something new or continue with their passion!
We practice and teach the following latin and ballroom styles; cha cha, jive, samba, rumba, paso, waltz, quickstep, tango, viennese waltz, foxtrot and many more. We welcome new beginners as well as students who have danced for years, with weekly technique and routine classes split for all abilities.
Members also have the opportunity to compete in inter varsity competitions held around the country. Last year we attended Nottingham, Birmingham, Blackpool Nationals and Bristol. This year we are very excited to be hosing our own competition in Bournemouth for the first time ever! Many of our beginners who had never competed before made it to the finals. As well as this, our more experienced dancers competed in novice, intermediate and open categories and consistently placed very highly. The highlight of our competition season was when one of our intermediate couples (Maddi Drake and Hannah Ramsey) won the 2023 Same Sex National Title!
Alongside practices we hold a variety of socials, including themed nights out, karaoke, cinema nights, beach BBQs, ice skating and society swaps. Previously we have taken part in society swaps with the climbing and longboarding society, teaching them how to dance. We swapped out our dance shoes for longboards and obviously we went for a drink after! At the end of the year to celebrate we hold our own awards night, nominating each other for various awards and prizes.
Membership
This pays for classes and hall hire all year, access to all of our socials aswell as a BLDS t-shirt. As a society we have tried to keep membership as affordable as possible, it works at only £1.50 a week. You cannot get better teaching for that price anywhere else!!
Private lessons are available with our coaches. Please contact them or the society for more information.
Key Events
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Freshers Fair 23rd September 2023 - COME AND MEET US AND SEE US DANCE!
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Refreshers Fair 6th February 2024 @ Talbot Campus
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Free taster sessions- Monday 25th September and Monday 2nd October @ Revolution, 18:00-20:00
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Weekly classes - All abilities welcome!
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Weekly socials
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Competitions throughout the year if you are in a more competitive mood! (Optional) – Nottingham (26/11/2023), Birmingham (27/01/2024), Blackpool nationals (24/02/2024) and Bournemouth (27/04/2024)
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Group performance dances
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Community volenteering
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Our own awards night (June)
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Easter Croatia Trip (02/04/2024 - 06/04/2024)
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Society Swaps through out the year
Class Timetable
Mondays @ BG217/BG307
18:00-20:00: Intermediate Routines Class
19:00-21:00: Novice Routines Class
18:00-19:00: Beginner/ Novice Open Practice
20:00-21:00: Intermediate Open Practice
Wednesdays @ BG316/BG218
18:00-19:00: Beginners/ Social Class
19:00-21:00: Open Practice
Fridays @ Student Hall, Talbot campus
18:00-20:00: Technique Class
20:00-21:00: Open Practice
Meet the Committee
President: Maddi Drake
Vice President: Ellie Ward-Webb
Communications Secretary: Hollie-Louise Adams
Social Secretary: Emily Masson
Treasurer & Fundraiser: Laura Songhurst
Vice Treasurer: Bethan Marie Austin
Health and Safety: Beth Greaves
Competition Organiser: Abbie Pundsack
Head Coach: Maddi Drake
Coaches: Holly Tyack and Ellie Ward-Webb
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''
"I NEVER thought I would join a dance society. Now I’m coming back for a third year and all of my best friends are from BLDS"
"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! I’ve been dancing for 18yrs with other styles, but didn’t think I would join a society when coming to uni. 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"
“This society has increased my confidence whilst at uni and now I have a dance family that are so supportive”
“ 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 <3 “
Join our society and be a part of something special!!
Our social media
Instagram: @bu_blds
Tiktok: @bu_blds
Facebook: BLDS Bournemouth University
Our photo gallery
