The Team – CUDT

The Cambridge University Dancesport Team (CUDT) represents the University of Cambridge at national Dancesport competitions across the country. Since 2012, CUDT have been National and Varsity Champions, earning us Discretionary Full Blues Status for both men and women. Any university student from the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University and the Open University is welcome to join our team.

CUDT trains and competes in the ten Dancesport dances: five Ballroom dances (Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz and Tango), and five Latin American dances (Cha cha cha, Jive, Samba, Rumba and Paso Doble). In addition to competing, CUDT performs at various events, including May Balls, corporate functions and community events. Its dancers also enjoy an active social calendar to unwind during our busy practice weeks.

Around 20 couples make up CUDT’s First Team which is selected at the beginning of the year at team trials. CUDT also provides further training on its Second Team for those with some dancesport experience, while our consistently successful Beginners’ Team introduces newcomers to the sport and team.

The success of CUDT is a product of hard work, excellent coaching, and an unwavering team spirit. If you are interested in dancing with CUDT, or if you would like CUDT to perform at your event, contact the Captains, at cudtcaptains@gmail.com.

See how much our team means to our members

*Marta, CUDT Member 2016 (Second Team)–2020; Costume Manager 2017-2018, Co-Captain 2018-2019, Welfare Officer 2019-2020*

“I joined CUDT at the beginning of my PhD, after a 5 year break from competitive dancing and I have been a member of both second and first team. I never danced as part of a team before, but the Cambridge spirit immediately hooked me in and I have been part of the team until the end of my studies here. CUDT has allowed me to become a better dancer thanks to the professional coaching and it has been a great escape from the stress of my degree. Moreover, here I made incredible friends. Joining CUDT has been one of the best decisions I could make.”

*Shaun and Grace, CUDT Members (Beginners) 2019–present*

“Dancesport is nothing if not a massive new family. We had no experience in ballroom or Latin dancing at all before joining this year, and although Grace had some ballet experience, this had stopped a good few years ago. Nonetheless, with our brilliant coaches and beginner’s captains we went from 0 ballroom experience to competing at regional and national competitions as part of the team, being so lucky as to reach a few podium places, and have become lifelong friends in the process.
Placing in 2 national finals in Blackpool and dancing in the Empress Ballroom was an absolute dream, and whatever next year holds for dance, we can’t wait!“

*Anjali, CUDT Member 2017 (Beginner)–present; Beginners’ Co-Captain 2020-2021*

“I joined CUDT because I was looking for a way to continue dancing at university, but also wanted to try something new- so taking up competitive Ballroom and Latin dancing seemed like a good idea! I didn’t expect to love being part of this team as much as I do. While the standard of teaching and competition experience is phenomenal, my favourite moments are undoubtedly training as a team.
It is an amazing feeling to not only have the support of your friends behind you as you improve, but to be able to do the same for them, too.”

*Calli, CUDT Member 2018 (Second Team)–present*

“The best decision I made in Cambridge was joining CUDT. Not only are they an elite dance team but they have the greatest team spirit I have witnessed and a supportive community, which means I have had the best experiences with them. I have made friends who I consider family throughout the three levels of teams, and whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer everyone is supportive and inclusive. I always say CUDT has been the highlight of my time in Cambridge and would recommend anyone to experience this for themselves. “