About the Dance Club
XS Latin is a dance club based in Cambridge that trains amateur dancers in the International Latin American style, specialising in formation dancing.
The club comprises three teams (XS A team, XS B team and XS C team), all of which compete nationally and internationally.
Formation dancing comprises teams of 6-8 couples performing 5-6 minute routines whilst moving in patterns and tight synchronisation.
The music and dances performed switch between the five International Latin American dance styles: Cha cha cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive.
XS Latin was founded in 1997 and was named XS to celebrate its heritage; many of its founder members were eX-Students of Cambridge University.
However, the club now comprises a wide range of members from all walks of life, both students and non-students.
XS Latin A and B teams are both trained by David Mallabone, who is a Licentiate member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and recipient of the prestigious Phyllis Haylor Scholarship 2012.
Joining XS Latin Cambridge
In general, the B/C teams are for Beginner to Intermediate level dancers, and the A team is for Pre-Championship and Open Amateur level dancers.
However, we ask that all prospective dancers, regardless of experience, initially come along to a B/C team session, where we can work out where the best place would be for you within XS Latin.
The first two weeks of training are free to new joiners, which will give you a chance to decide if this is an activity you wish to take further.
Subsequent to this trial period, there is a one-off XS membership fee of £25. After this, team members pay monthly subs as follows:
- A team: non-students £40/month (£35/month if paying by standing order); students £30/month (£25/month if paying by standing order) plus additional costs associated with competitions.
- B/C teams: non-students £35/month (£30/month if paying by standing order); students £25/month (£20/month if paying by standing order) plus additional costs associated with competitions.
Unfortunately XS does not run any classes on Tuesdays or Fridays. The A and B teams occasionally train on weekends, particularly in the run up to competitions, but these sessions are only open to dancers who also attend weekday training.
XS Latin A and B teams train dancers from the age of 15 years and over.
There is no upper age limit, and there are several dancers over 40 on both teams, but the routines demand a minimum level of fitness which should be considered when attending training.
For any dancers younger than 15, please contact us in advance.
We are always glad to hear from people who are interested in joining XS! However, some times of the year are better for new joiners than others due to the dates of our major competitions.
January and July are particularly good times to start, as they mark the beginning of a new competitive season, giving new joiners maximum time to learn the choreography.
If you are interested in joining the A or B team please contact us at contact@xslatin.org or use the contact page. We will be happy to discuss with you the best time to come along!
Training and competing with XS Latin Cambridge
The A team trains on Mondays (19:45-22:00) and Wednesdays (20:20-22:20) at Milton Community Centre (CB24 6BL).
The B/C teams train on Thursdays (20:00-22:00). The venue fluctuates between Milton Community Centre (CB24 6BL – mostly used during the summer months) and Cambourne Village College (CB23 6FR).
Both teams have members who travel from London to train with us, and we arrange lifts to/from Cambridge North train station for those people. When the B/C teams train in Cambourne, we additionally arrange lifts to/from a number of locations within Cambridge.
We are happy to advise you on the best mode of transport; please use the contact page if you have any questions.
No. The teams warmly welcome individuals as well as established couples to join.
Indeed, when teams are selected for competitions, partnerships are made by our coach in a way to form the best overall team possible.
There is a dress code for team training. This is because it allows our coach to see the teams’ patterns and synchronicity much more easily.
Men should wear black trousers and a plain white top.
Women should wear either a black skirt or black trousers, and a plain black top.
You should wear shoes that have non-marking soles, that enable you to spin, and that remain attached to your feet. Please do not wear slip-on shoes. Most new dancers quickly find that they wish to buy shoes specifically designed for competitive latin dancing. If this is the case, please ask one of our experienced dancers for advice.
There are many people who enjoy and benefit from training with XS Latin formation teams. However, only 16 couples (8 for the A team and 8 for the B team) represent XS in competition. These 16 couples are selected before every competition and are not the same couples every time.
Both XS teams aim to compete 2-3 times a season. We also perform occasional shows. Our usual competitions are below:
- UK Formation Championships (mid May)
- British Open Championships (late May/early June)
- British National Championships (November)
- World Latin Formation Championships (subject to qualification. Normally in Early December. The host nation changes annually).
- Donaupokal (Vienna. Normally in mid December).
Shows and Demonstrations
Both XS A and B are happy to give demonstrations at events. If you would like to hire us to perform for you, please read our Shows page for further information and get in touch!
Private Ballroom and Latin Coaching
Unfortunately we only have the resources to offer private lessons to couples who compete with the A team.
No. The club’s focus is entirely on its formation teams.
No. We only teach the five International Latin American dance styles: Cha cha cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive.