What To Bring

No special clothing is required! You should dance in what's comfortable to you. Some dancers come to lessons in exercise clothing; some come in a T-shirt and jeans, and some dress up a little. You don't need special dance shoes at the beginner level. Instead, we recommend either dancing in socks or flexible character shoes. It's harder than you think to dance in sneakers! Feel free to bring a water bottle; and of course bring your WPI ID to check in at the end of each lesson.

At the beginning of each semester, the Treasurer collects dues payments. These are $10/term for undergraduate students and $20/term for graduate students.

PE Credit Requirements

In order to successfully complete PE credit with the Ballroom Dance Team, you will need to complete a certain number of hours of lessons, which are recorded by you checking in at the end of each lesson you attend. All students completing PE credit must also attend a Dance Competition, either to spectate or participate and compete!

For an A grade: At least 18 participation credits and 2 competition credits

For a B grade: At least 15 participation credits and 2 competition credits

For a C grade: At least 12 participation credits and 2 competition credits

Each lesson attended is worth 1 participation credit. Competing at one competition is worth 2 competition credits. Spectating at one competition is worth 1 competition credit. These credits must be accumulated over the course of one semester (two terms).

What to Expect

Beginner lessons start casually. For the first few minutes, some music is played for dancers who know some of the dance to warm up informally. Next, our instructor Norm will get everyone's attention to start the lesson. He will generally split the lesson between Leaders and Followers, who each form a rough line on opposite sides of the room. Norm will explain and demonstrate moves and techniques to the whole group first, alternating between the leader's part and the follower's part. Leaders and Followers will practice the moves individually at first, and have an opportunity to ask any questions. Then, Norm will direct the two sides to come together and form partnerships. Generally, we alternate between Followers choosing a Leader, and Leaders choosing a Follower. All of the pairs will then practice the moves together, first without music, then along with the music. Norm usually alternates between having the whole group dance in sync, and allowing the pairs to practice on their own. During the individual practice, Norm and the advanced dancers on the team will come around to answer questions and give advice. Over the course of three beginner lessons of the same dance, Norm will build upon what is taught in each previous lesson, usually building an example newcomer-level routine of moves.

What's Next?

You can fill out this following form to be part of the team. It is a requirement for you to fill the alias form to be a member and get access to more Ballroom Resources from our team!

You can also just reach out to us via email at danceofficer@wpi.edu