Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a partner?

For the majority of our lessons – no! At all of our social classes, you will rotate between different partners in order to get the chance to dance with new people; even at technique classes, there is nothing prohibiting you from coming alone to hone your individual skills. A partner is needed if and when you decide to compete in national competitions as part of our teams. However, there is definitely no need to bring a partner with you to try out the classes – bring a friend along instead for some extra fun!

If you are an experienced ballroom or latin dancer looking for a partner, the best place to come is the Main Team trials at the start of the year. If you missed it, just come to one of the technique classes – you will find other people of similar level to yours at these classes. However, to be part of the Main Team and attend the additional Main Team practices, you will need to have a partner.

There is no need to have a fixed partner to join the Salsa and Bachata Team regardless of level, unless you are selected to be in a formation dance; in this case, a partner will be assigned to you by our instructor during training.

Where does it take place?

All Classes take place in the Junior Common Room (JCR) in the Sherfield building.

(Note that without membership you will only be able to attend scheduled lessons and won’t be able to use these as practice spaces.)

JCR: The Junior Common Room is number 20 on the South Kensington campus map; the entrance is opposite number 15. It is on the 2nd floor of the Sheffield building, next to the Senior Common Room (SCR).

Occasionally, we hold lessons in other locations; additional instructions on how to get there will be released via the respective Facebook group.

How do I get membership?

For most dancers, becoming a member costs only £20 for the entire academic year. Membership lets you access all of our social classes at a discounted package, and to join our competitive teams.

Imperial students

Imperial College students can become members of the Dance Club by purchasing membership on the Union website here.

Recent Imperial graduates

If you are not already a Life Member of the Union, you may purchase Life Membership here. Then you will be able to become a member of the Dance Club.

Non-Imperial students

You must first become a member of the Imperial College Union. Associate Union Membership is usually £5/month, discounted to £5/year for students of the Royal College of Art and Royal College of Music. To become an associate member, go in-person to the Union Helpdesk located on the ground floor of the Imperial College Union. Remember to bring your institution’s student ID card.

If you can’t attend in-person during the Union’s opening hours, please get in touch by sending us a message on Instagram @dancers_of_imperial or by writing us an email at dance@imperial.ac.uk.

Non-Imperial graduates

Imperial College Dance Club is run by students, for students. On occasion we do welcome non-Imperial graduates, for example, if they have a dance partner from Imperial or are somehow else related to the university.

Please tell us about your unique circumstances by sending us a message on Instagram @dancers_of_imperial or by writing us an email at dance@imperial.ac.uk and we will help you determine how you can join the club.