FAQs

Where can I sign up for the club?
What do I need to wear?
How much do dance shoes cost?
Can I dance with my boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife?
Can members of the public join classes?
Can I try a class first?
What are the dance styles like?
What's the difference between learning to dance at Uni or a studio?
Do I have to do an exam/compete/perform?
Can anyone of any dance level join? What level is good for me?
What will I get from joining the MDS mailing list?

Where can I sign up for the club?

You can sign up during O-week and club day at Monash University. Alternatively, visit us in the Rehearsal Room (underneath the Post Office in the campus centre) and get a form from a committee member. We will be in the Rehearsal Room any time a class is running. See the class timetable for details.

What do I need to wear?

Wear any clothes that you can move around easily in. Wear shoes that won’t slip off or grip very much so that you can turn on the floor easily. However, it’s not too important for beginner classes. When you become more advanced, you might like to buy dance shoes or even a dance costume for special occasions. In Jazz/Funk, it is better to wear sneakers. You're better off wearing a short sleeve top that you can strip down to because you'll get pretty hot in most of the classes. On that note, you might want to bring a bottle of water to replenish your body of lost liquids as some of the dances are quite rigorous, especially the saucy latins and jazz/funk.

How much do dance shoes cost?

Usually $100-200. Mens shoes are more expensive than Ladies shoes (about $200) but men don’t usually have to buy special shoes or buy as often. There are special shoes for ballroom, latin, tango and swing. Dance shoes make it easier to dance – and look fantastic! Check out footwear here.

Can I dance with my boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife?

Absolutely, but be prepared to dance with other people as you usually rotate partners in classes. You can practice with your special someone and partner each other for exams or competitions if you like.

Can members of the public join classes?

Most of our members are students and staff of Monash but the public is also welcome to join. All members of the public are required by Monash Sport to pay a $60 club access fee, on top of the normal MDS membership fee and class costs. Enquire with Sport Development on 9905 9361.

Can I try a class first?

During the first week of semester 1, you can try any of the dance classes to see which ones you like. After you join up as a member, you get guest passes that allow you try classes for free.

What are the dance styles like?

Check out this link for a description of each dance style.

What's the difference between learning to dance at Uni or a studio?

The main difference is the cost. It costs more than double to dance at a studio. At Monash Uni, Monash Sport subsidises the cost of teachers and room hire so dance classes are about $5 a lesson, instead of about $12. Also, all the administration and organisation is run by volunteers – the
MDS Committee! In all other ways, Monash Dance Sport is run like a professional studio. Our dance instructors teach at other studios and are qualified. At uni, you share dance classes with other students, staff and friends.

Do I have to do an exam/compete/perform?

None of these are compulsory but we do encourage you to participate. We run dance exams (“medal” exams) once a year in September and most people who do a bronze, silver or gold class do their medal. Doing your medal allows you to elevate up the dance levels – and you really do get a medal! If you are interested in competing, MDS often sends a team to local dance competitions. Anyone can join, even absolute beginners. Monash and Melbourne Uni Dance Sport clubs even run an informal inter-university competition once a year. We don’t have a concert or anything like that, but there are opportunities to do demos at other clubs’ balls, on Open Days and at our annual formal Dinner Dance.

Can anyone of any dance level join? What level is good for me?

Yes! Many of the dance classes are especially for beginners (Bronze, Beginner, Never Danced Before and Social classes). Beginners can also do the general dance styles, like Argentine Tango, New Vogue, Rock’n’Roll and Jazz/Funk. People who have done their Bronze outside uni can do Silver, and those who have done Silver can do Gold. Those with experience in swing or salsa are welcome to try the intermediate levels. People who have dance experience in other styles and would like to skip a level can talk to a Committee member or a dance instructor.

What will I get from joining the MDS mailing list?

The mailing list provides up-to-date information about socials, timetable changes, camp, dinner dance, competitions, medal exams and performances. All news will be club-related. We do not permit advertising or non-club related news to be posted on the mailing list. Once you join, you could expect an average of one or two emails from us a month.

Last modified: January 10, 2004 by Minh Sketchley
Site created by Minh Sketchley