FAQs
How does BBDT differ from other ballroom clubs, such as Madtown Ballroom and BAM?
BBDT is UW-Madison's competitive dance club. While some of the members often travel and compete, others join just to learn better ballroom technique. BAM is UW-Madison's more social dance club. The club often hosts social dances and a couple lesson series each semester. Madtown Ballroom is the university's performance/showcase club. The members of this club work on ballroom in a performance and choreographed sense. While the ballroom clubs around campus differ in their structure, there is often overlap between BAM, BBDT, and Madtown members, so you don't have to be exclusive to one club.
BBDT is UW-Madison's competitive dance club. While some of the members often travel and compete, others join just to learn better ballroom technique. BAM is UW-Madison's more social dance club. The club often hosts social dances and a couple lesson series each semester. Madtown Ballroom is the university's performance/showcase club. The members of this club work on ballroom in a performance and choreographed sense. While the ballroom clubs around campus differ in their structure, there is often overlap between BAM, BBDT, and Madtown members, so you don't have to be exclusive to one club.
I want to learn, but I don’t know how to dance!
Perfect! Then BBDT is for you! We are dedicated to providing the highest quality instruction and will teach you technique and steps from scratch. Most of our members had never danced before joining the team, and our coaches are experienced in training beginning dancers. There are no try-outs or auditions to join, all you need is interest!
Perfect! Then BBDT is for you! We are dedicated to providing the highest quality instruction and will teach you technique and steps from scratch. Most of our members had never danced before joining the team, and our coaches are experienced in training beginning dancers. There are no try-outs or auditions to join, all you need is interest!
What do I need to do to join the team?
Come to any of our classes, fill out a membership form, and pay your dues. That’s it! Also see: Join Us
Come to any of our classes, fill out a membership form, and pay your dues. That’s it! Also see: Join Us
Can I see how I like a class before I commit to joining the team?
Of course. Your first two classes with our weekly instructors are absolutely free. Please come check us out during the first week of class!
Of course. Your first two classes with our weekly instructors are absolutely free. Please come check us out during the first week of class!
Do I need a partner?
No, you do not need a partner to join the team. Most people join by themselves, so you can find a partner on the team if you would like to have a partner for practice and competitions. We often rotate partners for beginner class to give everyone the opportunity to dance with multiple members. However, if you do want a partner, we will try to help you find a partner with whom you can practice and compete once you join the team.
No, you do not need a partner to join the team. Most people join by themselves, so you can find a partner on the team if you would like to have a partner for practice and competitions. We often rotate partners for beginner class to give everyone the opportunity to dance with multiple members. However, if you do want a partner, we will try to help you find a partner with whom you can practice and compete once you join the team.
Why do I have to pay for lessons?
BBDT is a non-profit team, and we use money from membership dues to provide our members with the highest level of instruction, practice space, and competition experience. Like all sports, high-level instruction is not free, and we take great pride in bringing in top professional coaches.
BBDT is a non-profit team, and we use money from membership dues to provide our members with the highest level of instruction, practice space, and competition experience. Like all sports, high-level instruction is not free, and we take great pride in bringing in top professional coaches.
Do I have to compete to join the team?
You do not have to compete to benefit from the team, but many of our members find it a greatly motivating and fun experience! BBDT also hosts a showcase each semester to offer performances in a non-competitive setting. Although beginners are most welcome to perform alone, we also put together group formations so there is no pressure to perform alone.
You do not have to compete to benefit from the team, but many of our members find it a greatly motivating and fun experience! BBDT also hosts a showcase each semester to offer performances in a non-competitive setting. Although beginners are most welcome to perform alone, we also put together group formations so there is no pressure to perform alone.
What do I wear to class?
Dancing is something between an art and a sport, so you’ll need to dress for both. Wear something you can comfortably move in, but not too baggy. It is important that the instructors are able to observe your leg actions (jeans are not preferred). Most dancers prefer to dance in dress pants rather than jeans anyway. Make sure your pants are loose enough so they won’t split if you lunge or squat. In terms of footwear, socks are fine, but most members who plan to join for a semester or more purchase a pair of ballroom shoes. While these shoes seem a bit pricey, they are a great investment and last a long time. There is also usually a shoe shopping trip at the beginning of each semester!
Dancing is something between an art and a sport, so you’ll need to dress for both. Wear something you can comfortably move in, but not too baggy. It is important that the instructors are able to observe your leg actions (jeans are not preferred). Most dancers prefer to dance in dress pants rather than jeans anyway. Make sure your pants are loose enough so they won’t split if you lunge or squat. In terms of footwear, socks are fine, but most members who plan to join for a semester or more purchase a pair of ballroom shoes. While these shoes seem a bit pricey, they are a great investment and last a long time. There is also usually a shoe shopping trip at the beginning of each semester!
I am really busy. Can I still join the team?
Yes. You get out of the team what you put into it. You will still have a great time. It is most important to attend as many weekly lessons as you can, and practice will make you improve much faster. However, even taking a lesson once a week can greatly improve your dancing! You will pay the same dues as all team members, so it’s greatly to your advantage to use all of the lessons and practice space we offer!
Yes. You get out of the team what you put into it. You will still have a great time. It is most important to attend as many weekly lessons as you can, and practice will make you improve much faster. However, even taking a lesson once a week can greatly improve your dancing! You will pay the same dues as all team members, so it’s greatly to your advantage to use all of the lessons and practice space we offer!
