About Dance at Exeter
The University of Exeter has one of the most vibrant performing arts and sport crossover communities in the South West, with Dance Club and the Cheerleading & Dance Club both competing at BUCS Dance Championship and UDA (Universal Dance Association) level. Styles covered span commercial, hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, pom, Bollywood, and cheerleading. Exeter dance teams have reached BUCS Dance Championship finals and UDA national competition rounds, reflecting a genuine competitive quality developed through intensive rehearsal periods and the university's professional dance studio facilities at Streatham Sports Park. The end-of-year showcase at the Exeter Northcott Theatre is one of the most popular student performance events in the city, regularly selling out.
Club History
The dance community at Exeter evolved from a single club into a cluster of groups across styles and formats through the 2010s. The cheerleading club established UDA affiliation early and has been consistently competitive at national level. The Dance Club's competition programme expanded with BUCS Dance investment, and the arrival of Bollywood and cultural dance sections reflected Exeter's growing international student community. The university's investment in the dance studio at Streatham Sports Park — purpose-built with mirrors, sprung floor, and sound system — was a key enabler of the quality that the clubs now demonstrate.
Joining the Dance Club
Dance and cheerleading auditions run in September (main intake) and January. Auditions assess movement quality, timing, and coachability — potential is valued alongside current ability. Many positions in social dance sections are available without audition. Cheerleading specifically welcomes students with no prior dance or gymnastics background — athleticism and willingness to be coached are the primary criteria at entry level.
Training
Competition teams rehearse 3–4 times per week in the dance studio at the Sports Park, each session 90–120 minutes. Intensity increases significantly in the 8 weeks before BUCS and UDA competitions. Social members attend 1–2 sessions weekly. External guest choreographers are brought in for specific competition pieces. Strength and conditioning relevant to cheerleading stunts is integrated into training sessions rather than being separate.
BUCS Competition
BUCS Dance Championship (spring term, national venue) and UDA College Nationals for cheerleading. Team categories include Hip Hop, Pom, Jazz, Contemporary, and Cheer. Individual solo categories at some events. BUCS Dance judged on choreography, technical execution, synchronisation, and stage presence. UDA judged on stunting, tumbling, jumps, pyramids, and dance content.
Teams
Highlights & Alumni
Exeter dance teams have reached BUCS Dance Championship finals. The cheerleading squad has placed in the competitive half of national university cheerleading rankings. The annual Northcott Theatre showcase sells out and is one of the most prestigious student performance events in the South West.
Tips for Prospective Members
- Prepare a short freestyle piece for auditions — and be ready to pick up combination choreography on the spot
- Cheerleading beginners are explicitly welcomed — athleticism matters more than dance experience at entry level
- Rehearsal schedules intensify dramatically in January before spring competitions — plan academic workload around this period
- The Sports Park dance studio is bookable outside scheduled sessions for extra practice — use this resource from week one
- The Northcott showcase is a major performance opportunity even for social members in ensemble pieces
Student Accommodation for Dance Players
Pennsylvania Road and St James are most practical for the rehearsal schedule at the Sports Park. Heavitree and Mount Pleasant suit students who want a quieter study-rehearsal balance. City centre is popular among those who value proximity to Exeter's performing arts venues for additional performance opportunities beyond university.
View Properties Near the University →Popular Areas for Dance Players
Most University of Exeter dance players live in one of these student areas — all within easy reach of Streatham Campus and Sports Park:
Related Sports at Exeter University
If you play dance you may also be interested in these Exeter University clubs:
Frequently Asked Questions
What dance styles are available at Exeter University?
Commercial, hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, pom, cheerleading, Bollywood, and cultural dance. Social sessions also cover Latin and street dance styles.
Can I join Exeter University Dance Club with no formal training?
Yes — many members join with no formal training and develop significantly through coaching. Cheerleading explicitly welcomes beginners. Auditions value potential alongside current ability.
Are Exeter University dance teams competitive nationally?
Yes — Exeter has reached BUCS Dance Championship finals and UDA national competition rounds. The cheerleading squad has been consistently competitive in national university rankings.
Where does Exeter University dance rehearse?
Primary rehearsals at the Streatham Sports Park dance studio (sprung floor, mirrors, sound system). Performances at the Exeter Northcott Theatre.
What accommodation suits Exeter University dance students?
Pennsylvania Road and St James for Sports Park proximity. Heavitree for a quieter study-rehearsal balance. City centre for performing arts venue proximity.
How often do competition teams rehearse at Exeter University?
3–4 times per week at 90–120 minutes per session, increasing to near-daily in the 8 weeks before BUCS and UDA competitions.