FAQ
How can I join the team?
Those who are new to the team have full access to team lessons, practices, and bonding! If you regularly come to lessons/practice and would like to be part of the competition team, you can either email blastpres@gmail.com or reach out to an exec member.
You can also click here to join our mailing list to get updated information each week about lessons, practices, competitions and socials. If you just want to learn more about ballroom, feel free to join our discord!
What are the benefits of joining the team?
Being a part of the team gives you access to so many wonderful things, including joining us at ballroom and latin socials & bonding events, performing in our annual show, learning from weekly technique lessons with our professional coach, and of course getting your very own BLAST track jacket! You will also be able to attend practice, use outfits and shoes from the BLAST closet, and free entry to compete at our annual competition, the Northwestern Classic.
And of course, you’ll be joining the probably best club at Northwestern 😎
I've never danced before. Can I still join?
Yes, please come learn some new moves! We accept all levels of dancers, and almost all of our members actually join with no prior dance experience. We have drop-in beginner classes as well as a beginner's team, where you can take classes and work your way up into the intermediate and advanced levels.
Ballroom is actually very big in the collegiate scene, so you’ll fit right in with everyone else. There are levels at competitions that differentiate between skills, and the Newcomer level is specifically for people who have been dancing ballroom for less than a year (or semester in some cases).
What if I don't have a partner?
No partner is needed, and most people join without a partner! We will do our best to pair you with someone - don't worry and come learn with us!
When can I join Intermediate lessons?
Intermediate lessons are open to all beginners, but will be catered towards the dancers who:
Know the basic elements of frame and connection
Know how to count the music
Know the basic steps to all newcomer dances
So newer dancers will have to keep up. But come anyway because you'll progress faster if you do. Intermediate lessons are a great way to prepare for competitions.
Do I have to compete?
We encourage BLAST members to attend at least one competition (such as ours that we host wink wink), but you are not obligated to! Competing is a great way to challenge yourself, bond with the team and meet other dancers in the ballroom community.
I don't own a ballroom/latin dress, shoes or pants.
Don't worry, beginner lessons are held with that in mind so you only need to wear socks - no equipment necessary. Later on if you’re interested in competing, we can help you find the right clothes through our closet. We have a whole closet of outfits and shoes that you can borrow from if you’re unsure about spending money. We can help you look for your own dress and shoes once you decide it's worth the investment.