So I thought I’d tell you a little a bit more about my favourite society…
I have been involved with the Dance Society from the very beginning of my time here at York and I am about to start my second year as a member of the committee! It’s one of the most inclusive, fun loving societies on campus!
Classes
Dance Society run classes in a huge range of styles including, ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, street, commercial and zumba! All the styles have a beginners and an advanced class (with ballet having intermediate too). We have loads of people come along who have danced before but also loads who never have and want to try something new. It makes for a fab mix of people.
The ballet classes are taught by a professional teacher and all the others by advanced students. They’re different every week so if you can’t always make it, it doesn’t matter! I started out attending classes and now teach some of the tap.
Performances
There are loads of opportunities to be part of performances with the Dance Society. We take part in on-campus events from Black History Month and Roses, to putting on our annual showcase. This year we took over Central Hall and had over 130 performers! It was an absolutely fantastic night brimming with talent.
Competitions
We take part in at least three, large competitions each year and are currently planning to host our very own one next year! I have been lucky enough to be on the jazz, ballet and tap competition teams over the last few years and have loved it!
Durham – Durham Dance Fusion is the smallest dance competition we take part in with between 10-15 universities involved. It happens at the end of winter term and kicks off our Christmas in style. This year York won first place for tap, second place for contemporary, seecond place for street, third place for our wonderful Callum’s solo, who also got the award for best male. To top it off, tap got awarded the best choreography of the whole competition!
Loughborough – Loughborough is the pinnacle of our year competition wise. Over thirty universities attend a whole weekend of dance madness. There are novice and advanced categories in ballet, tap, wildcard, jazz, contemporary and street. It is so much fun to be part of, from the excitement of performing to getting to watch all the other dances, celebrity judges and the Saturday Night Social. This year York entered advanced teams in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and street. We were incredibly proud to win second place with our jazz routine and of every single team member for their effort and hard work.
Roses – Roses is an annual three day sports competition between the University of York and Lancaster University. It alternates location each year between the two cities. It is jam packed full of all sorts of sports, including dance! Everyone gets involved from competing, to organising and supporting. Last year it was held in York where we won the dance trophy and the overall tournament.
York – Watch this space!! York is hoping to hold it’s very own top level university dance competition next year. Maybe if you’re here you can get involved.
If you’d like to see any of our winning dances you can check out the pictures and videos in the gallery on our website.
Socials
Like the majority of societies dance runs socials throughout the year. We can often be found in York, in some kind of fabulous fancy dress, dancing our little hearts out! Every year we have a Christmas and a Summer Formal – fab excuses to buy new dresses and eat lovely food.
Membership
As I’ve already mentioned dance welcomes anyone and everyone. No matter your style, subject, age, previous experience there is something to get involved with. You can check out the UYDS website for extra info or have a look on the UYDS Facebook page for more about what we’re getting up to.
Committee
As with all societies York has a new committee voted in each year. Last year I was the Merchandise and Costume Coordinator, and I have just recently been voted in as the new Secretary. Being part of a committee is so much fun, I can’t wait to get started with the fab new team! Anyone can run to be on a committee and I would highly recommend it no matter what society you want to get involved in. It’s a great way to make friends and be part of something that’ll be useful for your future.
Other societies
Although this post is all about dance, I can happily say from experience that York has many societies that are just as fabulous (although dance is obvs the best, totes not biased or anything 😉 ). I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with University Choir, Pantsoc, Physoc and more. One of the best things you can do is get involved! With 63 sports clubs and nearly 200 societies to choose from I challenge anyone to not be able to find something they like here! You can check out the YUSU sports club list or societies directory for more information about the great things on offer.
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