Cambridge Dancers' Club

 

Questions & answers

 

What is Cuppers?

Cuppers is CDC’s annual friendly dance competition, and is normally held around Easter time. The 2008 competition takes place on Saturday 26 April 2008, at the University Centre, Mill Lane.

There are events for dancers of all abilities (and also Salsa and RnR!) and special rounds for beginners! It’s the perfect time to try out those cool moves you’ve learned and win yourself some exciting (and often edible) prizes. :-)

It’s also a really cool time to watch other people dance (that is half the point of a competition) and see how well those CUDT people have been representing us nationally!

 

Do I need to be a student to take part?

Nope! As with the rest of CDC, everyone* is welcome. :-)

*unless you’re an axe-wielding lunatic, we’re not so keen on those...

 

Do I need to have a partner?

Nope – many people just turn up and find partners to dance with on the day. Just come to us at the judges table if you’re interested in competing but don’t have a partner. A perfect way to meet people... :-)

 

I've never competed before - can I try now?

Of course! The open rounds during the day are for everyone. Cuppers is very friendly and the whole idea is to let people who don’t normally compete have a taste of what all the fuss is about! You’d be surprised how much you like it!

 

How do I know what level to enter?

If you’re unsure, then come and ask us on the day.

 

Do I need to wear fake tan/sparkly dress/bow tie?

Only if you want! It’s an excuse to do the whole serious competition prep if you really want to... But it’s really quite a relaxed and friendly affair! Lots of people do like dressing up (this is Cambridge after all...) but most people run screaming from the fake tan. Some people even come intending to watch and get caught up and compete in jeans and a T-shirt!

 

What is this Team Match thing?

The Inter-Collegiate Team Match is the highlight of the event (though some would say the Same Sex Rumba is more exciting these days...). It’s a chance for members (actual or adoptive) of a college to compete against other colleges for the prestigious team-match trophy, and also this year, prizes donated by Supadance!

 

I'm not affiliated with a college. Can I still dance in the Team Match?

Yes, college are always looking for keen people for their team, as making up teams from the same college of exactly 4 couples each can be challenging! So adopt a college by contacting events@cambridgedancers.org and Haibo will put you in touch with the team captains.

 

Can I come along and watch/support my (adopted) college?

Of course – the more support, the more likely your college is to win! It’s been rigorously proven by scientists. Just no assassination attempts on the rivals – we encourage being nice and polite!

 

Can I drag my non-dancing friends along to watch/support my (adopted) college?

Definitely – everyone is welcome. There will be plenty of space for them to sit and cheer you on! They can come for however long they wish, we have a very relaxed door policy. Again – no axe wielding lunatics please! :-)

 

What is the situation with competitive dress?

You are very welcome to wear competitive dress for the team match, but all other events are lounge wear or casual wear only. We encourage you to dress up a bit to get into the spirit of competition, but you don’t need to buy a whole new outfit for it!

 

Is full competitive dress really allowed in the team match?

Yup :-) Be as sparkly as you want! It’s your time and sparkles. Just to warn you, the lighting will not be as bright/harsh as at national competitions etc. so you may want to tone down the makeup. :-p

 

Is practice wear allowed in other categories?

Yup. Whatever you’re comfortable in. Though we encourage people to dress up a bit if they feel like – this is Cambridge after all :-p

 

What are the eligibility rules for the team match?

If you have ever (in your life or previous lives) been affiliated with a college, you may represent that college. If you have more than one college (e.g. undergrad and grad), then you can only represent one of those, so take your pick!

If you’ve never been affiliated with a Cambridge college, you may choose to donate your loyalty to any college for the duration of the competition. Contact events@cambridgedancers.org if you’re interested in doing so.

 

What are the rules for entering the opens at more than one level?

We suggest that you only enter one of Novice, Intermediate or Advanced. Beginners are welcome to enter both Beginners and one of Novice, Intermediate or Advanced.

We encourage you to dance at the appropriate level. If you’re very very good then pit yourself against the advanced dancers and give the novices a chance to shine in their category!

 

What are the step restrictions?

There are no step restrictions for Intermediate, Advanced, Opens or Team Match. Basic and Novice are basic steps only.

The only restriction in the Same Sex Rumba and Mystery Modern is a moderate sense of decency. We ask you kindly to be as entertaining and adventurous as possible but also to think of the children...

 

Will there be time to eat?

You are welcome to come and go as you please, as long as you don’t hold up the competition. So don’t enter an event and disappear when it’s supposed to happen!

There are lots of places around town to grab a quick bite. Don’t forget the University Centre has its own cafe and restaurant within the building!

Maintained by webmaster@cambridgedancers.org. Please read the small print.