Who can join BAM?
Undergraduates, grad students, and faculty/staff of the University of Maryland-College Park are all welcome to join. In some cases, UMD alumni are also allowed to join.
Do I need any dance experience?
Zero! 95% of our club members had never danced before joining. If you have any experience at all, you've got an advantage and may want to talk to the teachers or officers about participating in the intermediate classes.
Are the weekly classes open to the general public?
Not usually, but exceptions are made for selected members in the community. If you are interested please email [email protected] for further instructions.
Is there anything the general public can attend?
Most of our socials, some specified workshops, DCDI, and BAM Jam are open to the UMD community and general public. Studio A in The Stamp offers ballroom and Latin classes taught by Dan Calloway. BAM sponsors these classes, and we highly recommend them for both our members and the general public.
Where are classes and practice spaces held?
Everything is held in the School of Public Health building, in its second floor gym, Room 2101. You can get to it using the entrance closest to the Eppley Recreation Center, taking the first staircase all the way up to the top floor, and turning left directly into the gym.
how is the club adapting to covid?
Everyone at our practice space and social events is required to wear a mask unless local ordinances change. There is also plenty of hand sanitizer available right outside of our practice space. Students and faculty are required to comply with the university's vaccine mandate, while alumni/visitors must follow guidelines specified by the university for them. Sign up for announcements to keep up with any virtual social events we might have!
ARE THERE ANY FEES ASSOCIATED WITH JOINING THE CLUB?
Joining the club is free! So are our weekly classes, open practice spaces, and most of our social dances. If you decide to compete with us, there are required staffing hours and a competition team fee.
DO I NEED DANCE SHOES OR COSTUMES?
As a newcomer, you do not need dance shoes or costumes. We do recommend wearing something comfortable to move in and slick-soled shoes that won’t fall off for classes.
Later on, if you decide you want to compete, we recommend getting proper dance shoes and wearing semi-formal clothes for competitions. Costumes are not necessary until the highest levels of competition, and the club has a "closet" that members can borrow from.
Later on, if you decide you want to compete, we recommend getting proper dance shoes and wearing semi-formal clothes for competitions. Costumes are not necessary until the highest levels of competition, and the club has a "closet" that members can borrow from.
DO I NEED TO BRING A PARTNER?
No, we rotate partners during class to make sure you can learn to dance with anyone. If you decide you want to compete, we will help match you with a partner for competitions.
DO I NEED TO COMPETE?
No, you can just take classes, go social dancing, and hang out with us! We suggest trying at least one competition. It's a great way to bond with the team, get lots of extra practice, and see how you're improving! (Plus, we get our sports club status and funding because we compete.)