Madame Tussaud's Social

Did you know that Madame Tussaud’s has been around for over two hundred years?

Dance Spice

Considering that, it was bound to make an appearance as the theme of a UCT Ballroom social at some point – and what a splendid appearance that was. Thanks again to Bryce’s visionary use of drapes and boxes (not to mention many, many (!) movie posters), Molly Blackburn became the travelling circus of famous artists and personalities that has enthralled all comers since the 1800s.

Beyonce and Ringo Starr

As the evening got underway, a wide variety of characters took the opportunity to get to know one another; the Spice Girls (more or less) scattered upon entry and met a Beatle, Ron Burgundy himself (what a lad!) and even briefly jived with a gorilla, who for his species was particularly well co-ordinated.

The jiving gorilla

Freddie Mercury’s “Don’t Stop Me  Now” elicited a full-floor takeover by one couple (the gathered crowd eagerly stopped to watch) after which several shots of our two Michael Jacksons were taken in the mandatory poses to the tune of “Black or White”.

Once the music wound down to the last waltz, it was time for everyone to head back to their own home towns (and times!) with pleasant memories of an evening dancing with the best company the last fifty years have had to offer – in the words of George Gershwin, “who could ask for anything more?”

Britney x2 and a Michael

Photos by Anton Moisey

Freeze the Floor - Semi-Formal

Ice, ice, baby!

Twice a year UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society glams a social up by adding food and drink (non-alcoholic), dressing up a tad smarter, and calling it a semi-formal. The theme for this semester's semi-formal is Freeze the Floor: a Frostacular Frozen Fantasy! It will be the first event organised by the new committee, as well as the last event of the year, so make sure you don't miss this super-cool social!

We've planned some tasty sweet treats: a white chocolate fountain, coconut ice, and cupcakes are just the tip of the iceberg! There will also be plenty of savoury delights for both carnivores and herbivores. Peter and Laura even spent a few hours in a secret lab inventing a fantastic blue punch especially for the occasion – and I can assure you it is delicious!

Stuck for what to wear? Take some inspiration from creatures that live at the poles: penguins (guys, this will be really easy for you, just wear a suit), polar bears (all-white), narwals...eskimos! You could also dress in icy cold blue. Of course if you don't have anything sub-zero to wear, don't let that be an excuse not to come.

If anyone wants to help make the magic, we'll be setting up from 5pm and any assistance will be very much appreciated!

Where: Jammie Hall

When: Saturday 13 October

Time: 8pm-12pm

Cost: R30 members, R40 non-members

Tickets will be sold in class and at the door.

So bring your happy feet and come and break the ice with your new comm!

The ice theme was inspired by Greenpeace's Save the Arctic campaign. You can find out more about their campaign to prevent oil drilling in the Arctic here http://www.savethearctic.org/

- Liesbeth Gouws

Once Upon A Time...

Once Upon a Time, 

in a land far, far away, there was a Ballroom Social. Messengers went from city to city, house to house, making this event known to all as a mystical gathering of fairy-tale characters who came from far and wide for an evening of merriment.

With the stage set, castle in the background and all, the dancing began in earnest. Esmerelda met the Cheshire Cat, Aladdin introduced himself to Sleeping Beauty, a passing pirate danced with Batman and a local piper displayed a magnificent sokkie whenever he could. While these events of legend continued, a story-book was set up next to the sound system and the tale of the Once Upon a Time social was written by those characters passing by.

As the evening drew to a close, and the dancers faded away back to their day-to-day lives, a final piece of magic was worked by the dedicated Comm. to turn Bryce's vision back into Molly Blackburn Hall.

This fairy-tale was a splendid way to lead up to the Formal, and what a wondrous social it was - The End.

Written by Peter Beare

PR Manager 2013

Photos by Anton Moisey