UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing

Show Down at the Hoe Down – Beginners Barn Dance Social

2012-03-04T21:14:00.001+02:00

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaw!

Over 120 cowboys, cowgirls and a couple of village idiots…er…what…canteredinto Jameson Hall for UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society’s Beginners Social– A Barn Dance! The dancing was run by the well-known barn dance caller, Caroline Blundell, who had us all dosey-doeing like pros!

With a heel and toe and away we go…and away we went indeed –kicks here, promenades there and a few gallops everywhere. We were rock-tap-turningand having an absolute blast!

Everyone dressed up for the occasion in their denims andchecks with boots and cowboy hats too (which were thrown into the airaccompanied by an enthusiastic “yeehaw!” at the end of each dance). The hallwas decorated to theme too, with plenty of hay bales, lassos, drapes andflashing lights.

After spinning our partners around the room, it was great torelax with a free bottle of vitaminwater – our Plaza Week sponsors whom wewould like to thank for their generous support.

The Barn Dance was a great start to the dancing year and wewould like to extend a warm welcome to all of our beginners. We hope that you hada fantastic time at the social and that the time you spend with UCT Ballroomand Latin Dancing Society will be just as much fun – the dances you learn and thefriends you make. Welcome!

Photos: Anton Moisey and Jennifer Marshall

Old Members’ Social

2012-02-13T22:18:00.001+02:00

“It's astounding, time is fleeting
Madness takes its toll
But listen closely, not for very much longer
I've got to keep control”

We certainly didn’t keep too muchcontrol, considering the number of ‘sweet transvestites’ that stumbled intoMolly Blackburn in their high-heels and suspenders for the Old Members’ Social– The Rocky Horror Picture Show! What better theme to celebrate the end of thepast year and the beginning of 2012 before welcoming a new batch of beginners(fresh meat!...er….what?)

With “a jump to the left…and a stepto the riii-iiiight” we danced the night away while trying to keep our wigs,corsets and suspenders from falling off. Prizes were awarded to the bestdressed…or undressed…

“With a bit of a mind flip
You're there in the time slip
And nothing can ever be the same”

The 2012 committee has a fun-filledyear packed with other exciting socials. After such a successful Plaza Weekwith over 250 sign-ups, 2012 is going to be a fantastic year for UCT Ballroom and Latin.

“So come up to the lab and see what's onthe slab. I see you shiver with antici...pation.”

PLAZA WEEK 2012

2012-02-05T19:51:00.002+02:00

Monday 7,Tuesday 8, Wednesday 9 February Jammie Plaza 9am-3pm and Med School onWednesday 9 February 12pm-3pm

PlazaWeek 2012 is nearly upon us! The 2012 Committee has been working tirelessly tomake UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing society bigger, better and bolder!

Lookout for us on Jammie Plaza (just to the right of Jameson Hall is you are facingthe city) – we’ll be wearing our bright turquoise t-shirts, handing out flyerswhich tell you all you need to know about signing-up, dancing around plaza (sothat you can see what we’re all about) and dancingon the stage in front of Jameson Hall at 12:45 on Tuesday. We’ll also have a photo display playing on ascreen for you to see what UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society has been upto as well as our PROMO VIDEO whichyou can see on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150542555420888

Whenyou sign up with UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society this year, you willreceive:

· A year’s pass toall of the beginners classes (that’s 2 beginners classes per week aswell as access the extra class on a Thursday where you’ll get to learn theViennese Waltz, paso doble, salsa, sokkie, rock ‘n roll and Argentine Tango toname a few!), free entrance to our socials, the opportunity to enter Medaltests and to represent UCT at the National Intervarsity Ballroom and LatinDancing Championships!

· Freebies when yousign up (our very own magazine, On the Ball, with articles writtenby your dancing friends) and a FREEbottle of vitaminwater!

· Instantfriends!!!!!!!!!You will automatically become part of the UCT Ballroom and Latin DancingSociety family – a group of like-minded people from different walks of life whoall share the same passion for dancing! And if you find us on Facebook, we’llsend you invitations to our extra-curricular activities (including salsa andsokkie parties!)

So look for us on Jammie Plaza and signup!

Seeyou at the first class on Valentine’s Day (Tuesday 14 February)!

A Night in India!

2011-09-30T14:34:00.012+02:00

UCT Ballroom Formal 2011: ‘A Night in India’

On the evening of Saturday the 17^th of September, the UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society arrived at Kelvin Grove for a night of elegance – in India! Saris, henna, lavish materials, bindis and even a turban or two made their way into the ballroom, which was adorned with the colours and textures of an Indian palace. Thanks to Lucy Farrow and her team of helpers, every lady was made to feel like an Indian princess and every gentleman like a maharajah.

After being greeted with a glass of bubbly, we were swept into a whirl of colour – bright pinks, reds, oranges and yellows dangled from every inch of the magnificent room, with its golden chandeliers and sweeping staircases. After having our photographs taken by a professional photographer (and practising many a dip for the camera), we were welcomed by our chairlady, Lara, to the 2011 committee’s final major event for the year.

Not only is the formal the main social event on the Ballroom calendar, but it is also a chance to thank the current committee for all that they have done for the society. The most improved beginner for the year, the dancer who shows the most promise, was also announced, and this year it went to Salahuddeen Ahmad.

The hours of searching for that perfect outfit to fit the theme - winding oneself into a sari (without looking like a sack of potatoes), searching for sari fabric, having henna done (thanks to Bhanoo Sukha of Art of Mehndi) was well worth it! No Indian-themed Formal would be complete without an appropriate line dance, so once we had had our delicious butternut soup starter and buffet main course, we all sprang onto the sprung dance floor for Iliana’s Indian routine. And of course no dancing social is complete without the Macarena, Cha Cha Slide and some Cotton Eye Joe… (we like our line dances, ok?) and plenty of Ballroom and Latin dances too!

Now that the floor had been warmed up, it was time for the final performance of the 2011 formation dance (not really Indian as such, but it did involve ‘Waka Waka’…). After that, we all tucked into the array of sweet delights.

We could have danced all night, but as the clock struck 12 (or rather, 1am), so Cinderella had to leave the ball (before her sari turned back into a draped piece of 6-metre fabric). The formal was a fantastic evening and we eagerly await the 2012 ball!

- Kathryn Luyt

Professional photos from the event can be found on our Facebook page!

AGM: running for Ballroom comm 2012!

2011-09-19T21:48:00.006+02:00

Our Annual General Meeting will take place on 29 September. One of the purposes of this meeting is to elect a new committee, who will gradually take over the reins from the current comm, and lead the society in 2012.

We have a lot of enthusiastic members this year, and would love to see many of you continuing to be involved in UCT Ballroom. There are many ways to do this – but for those who want to know more about what being on committee entails, read on...

Why should I run for committee?
Being on comm is a great way to give something back to the society, and ensure that ballroom continues to be an awesome place. It’s challenging, fun, and you will learn a ridiculous amount from the experience. No, seriously.

Only been with the society a year? Not a problem! It’s vital that we get new ideas in the mix, & keep the society in touch with both new and experienced members.

General requirements & responsibilities
You should be prepared to be an active member of the society in 2012, participating in your own class as much as possible, and interacting with other society members.

You’ll also need to

– do music duty in at least one other class per week

– attend meetings (currently on a weekly schedule)

– help out with events

– & work with the rest of the team to fulfil the requirements of your portfolio.

This might sound like a lot of work, but if everyone pulls their weight it’s really quite manageable.

If you’re thinking of taking on an event portfolio, rest assured that the responsibility does not only fall on your shoulders! Part of being on committee involves learning to delegate effectively. When it is time for your event, you can draw on the committee, and co-opt other members of the society to help you.

The AGM:

You may run for more than 1 position. They will be elected in the order listed below – so for example, you may run for both Treasurer and O-Week coordinator, but if you are voted in as Treasurer, that takes precedence. You may, however, apply for multiple positions and make it clear which ones are higher priorities for you.

At the AGM, we’ll take nominations for a portfolio, and candidates will be required to give a short motivation as to why they are suited to the job. People might ask a few questions – but remember, the AGM attendees are the same people you see every week; they don’t bite ;) Then the society members who are present will take a vote.

By the end of the evening we will have a new committee, who will work with the 2011 comm to plan the upcoming year! As well as committee members, we’ll also need lots of helpers, especially as Intervarsity comes closer, so keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved.

If you have any questions, feel free to interrogate the current committee about their portfolios, or send us an email – uctballroom[at]gmail.com . We look forward to seeing you at the AGM!

Committee positions:
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Treasurer
Socials
O-Week
Medal Tests
Intervarsity
Formal
IT

A night to look forward to

2011-08-24T19:01:00.007+02:00

On the 17 September 2011, UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society will be hosting their annual formal. This year the theme is "A Night in India" and it is going to be BEAUTIFUL!

To get you into the mood, we thought we would show you a few of the outfits which you can put together for the evening. So, put on some incense and get a load of these:

- The Sari -

A long piece of material pleated and tucked into an underskirt, with the remaining material thrown over the shoulder. Worn with a top or blouse underneath. The material is normally 6 metres in length and can be any fabric you choose.

- The Punjab -

A two piece ensemble of top and pants, worn in different styles, normally with a long scarf. The top comes down past the thighs, sometimes to knee or calf length.

- The Sharara -

A skirt and top, normally worn with a long scarf. The skirt can be either loose and flowing, or fitted at the top and loose at the bottom.

- Other ideas for ladies... -

A long, flowing dress can be complemented by a scarf, dangling earings and beaded jewellery. Beaded jewellery in the hair is also popular.

- The Dhoti Kurta -

Pants, worn with a long over top, or jacket, normally complemented by a long scarf. A turban can also be worn with the outfit.

- Other Ideas for men... -

A normal suit can be worn with a long scarf or turban to create the Indian feel.

Mehndi (Henna) is a popular form of temporary tattoo (body-art) with women in India since the medieval ages. It is an integral part of beautification and is generally used to decorate hands, arms, legs and feet for any occasion, especially for big celebrations like weddings…Today it is considered a romantic and exotic art form for women as well as men all over the world.

Bhanoo of Art of Mehndi is available to decorate you appropriately for our Indian formal, to arrange / book call Bhanoo on 082-637-4000 or email Bhanoo.Sukha@yahoo.com

OMG, its UCT

2011-08-24T18:41:00.006+02:00

This year has been a special year so far, particularly due to the enthusiasm and dedication of the beginners, who have blown us away with their performances at the Medal Tests and who continue to come to every practice and every social. On the 5th August, a warm and lazy Friday afternoon, we set off for an even bigger adventure. A total of 74 dancers made the short journey to Stellenbosch, to take part in the Student Nationals Competition (fondly known as Intervarsity), set to take place in the DF Malan Hall the following day.

After an hour-long bus ride, with Dominic leading cheers to keep spirits up, we settled into the iKhaya Backpackers in the heart of Stellenbosch. The formation team made a quick dash to the competition hall to do a final run-through, while the rest got ready for the social, taking place in the Neelsie at 6pm. UCT lit up the room with our dancefloor antics and were the last to leave. I wouldn’t have expected anything less from our team!

The next day was sheer madness. After a late start, a really sweet rendition of the National Anthem and a drawn-out breakfast, Stellenbosch decided to make up for lost time and paced through the rest of the day at breakneck speed. Many of the UCT dancers had entered into a wide variety of sections, and didn’t stop dancing until lunch time. More than one couple was seen making a wild dash to the marshalling area, changing partner numbers in mid-flight.

Despite the rush, UCT were all over the floor like a swarm of ants, having entered at least one couple (usually more!) into most sections. Our beginners were there in full force and even tried their hands (or feet) at the more advanced dances, such as Viennese Waltz and Paso Doble. Our passion and performances were put to the test – and when the time to hear the results, we weren’t disappointed!

In the sectional dances, UCT came first in Beginner Ballroom, Beginner Latin, Intermediate Latin, Advanced Ballroom, Advanced Latin, Pre-Bronze Ballroom, Bronze Ballroom, Bronze Latin and Gold Latin. We also had top couples in Mambo, Paso and Viennese Waltz. In fact, a UCT couple placed in the top 6 in every section we entered.

We also got the Team Dance trophy. UCT has never been very competitive in this section, as it is the belief of the coach that lower-level dancers, like those in beginner and intermediate, deserve a place in the Team Dance as much as those in higher levels. Nonetheless, winning this trophy is special and we are always glad when the performances of our team show us in such a good light.

The last item on the list was the Formation dance. Being part of the formation team requires a lot of hard work and many, many hours of practice. But the team is a special place to be, especially when you are all dressed up and waiting in line to make UCT proud. And it’s even more special when you win – just like our formation team did this year (for the 2nd year in row). Those hours of practising really paid off.

At the end of the day, a tired but proud UCT team came first overall, with a total of 199 points. Second place went to Stellenbosch with 114 points and third place to Tuks with 64 points. We even walked home with the quite large and awkward-looking Spirit Trophy for all the cheering we did throughout the day.

It has been one of the best years that UCT has had for a very long time, thanks to the spirit shown by our dancers, all of whom have been committed and hard-working members of the team. Congratulations to all! We are looking forward to making our way to Tuks next year for Intervarsity 2012.

Medal Tests – the most fun you’ll have doing a test

2011-05-11T21:32:00.010+02:00

The coffee and the hot chocolate flowed, and so did good feelings, last Saturday the 7th May. Finally, it was the much anticipated day of the Medal Tests. Jammie Hall was transformed by Bryce and his helpers for the Black & White Medal Tests social the night before. Everyone had adopted this spirit for the social and it felt like I had stepped into an old black and white movie when I walked into the hall.

From the very first warm-up dance, until the last couple left the floor, the day was filled with non-stop action. Everyone was eager and helpful and the day seemed to fly. The spectators spectated, the dancers danced and the examiners examined , and by the end of the day everyone had had a chance to show off their new or improved dancing skills and get a few useful pointers.

Whether you are Beginner or a Bronze, Silver or Gold medallist, Medal Tests is sure to have improved your technique and your confidence on the dance floor. Just in time for Intervarsity too! For those of you who didn’t, or couldn’t, make it this year, there’s just no way to describe it, you have to experience it for yourself....

Now that you have done your Medal Test, here are a few pointers for how to interpret your results and make the best of your comments:

- First and foremost you need to realise that you are marked according to your level. You don’t need to worry about looking as good as a Gold medallist if you are only a Beginner, you only need to show that you have mastered the level that you are dancing at.

- There are four possible marks you could have recieved for your Medal Test, Pass (65-74%), Commended (75-84%), Highly commended (85-89%) and Honours (90-100%). If you got Honours you can be rightly proud, they are not just handed out and require a lot of work and just a bit of luck. If your marks do not seem to add up (if you seem to be marked up), remember that the examiners can use their discretion. Anyone can make a mistake on the dance floor or have one bad dance, while at other times you can seem brilliant. The judges will look at the way you dance overall to determine your final mark.

- You will see that, along with your shiny certificate, came a comment sheet full of handy pointers; use this! If you have any trouble interpreting what they mean by something like “replace weight on the fall-away rock”, then simply ask one of the more advanced dancers or Iliana to help you interpret it. Beginners, this is especially handy for you; now is the perfect time to nip bad habits in the bud.

- If there is one thing that I have learned over the years of Medal Testing, it is to ENJOY YOURSELF! I know it’s difficult when you’re nervous and you want to do your best. But, if you show others that you are having fun, it makes them enjoy watching you. In this way you can be sure to get a better mark. Psychological trickery, perhaps, but it works.

- Best of all, there is a good chance there are photos or even a video of you dancing! Check out Facebook (some people will upload here), or speak to us. We have photos from some of the more prolific photographers(thanks Nicholas) and Iliana’s many, many videos. This is the absolute best way to see where you make mistakes and where you can improve. Not sure what Iliana meant by saying look up and keep your shoulders back? Take one look at a video or photo where your eyes are on the floor or your shoulders are slouched, and you will realise at once why it doesn’t look good at all.

Now you know you can do it, you’ve worked hard, you’ve conquered the butterflies, and you’ve danced your heart out on the floor. You can only get better and better…see you all at Intervarsity!
Bernie

*photos by Nicholas Heins.

Black and White, Baby

2011-05-11T21:27:00.005+02:00

“But, If You're Thinkin' About My Baby, It Don't Matter If You're Black Or White, oooh oooh oooh ooh” Michael Jackson

Despite the fact that Medal Tests was an ominous presence in the room, and was scheduled for early the next day, the Social on Friday 6th May was one of the best we have had this year. The floor seemed to be overflowing with couples, getting their practice in before the terrifying tests the next day. It was certainly a good chance to practice your floor craft during those potentially lethal dances like the quickstep.

Just like all the socials before, everyone looked amazing; not just because of their cute cocktail dresses or smart ties, but also because there was an obvious excitement in the air – the dancers finally know how to dance. Everybody was showing off considerable moves, more than enough leg and some amazing hip action!

The beginners are looking great this year and are working exceptionally hard at all their dances. I am so pleased with their enthusiasm; it makes me wish that I was back there with them. The fact that we have so much positive energy in the room bodes well for the society and we hope to have some strong dancers coming up through the years.

I would like to encourage all the beginners to keep on working at their basics, coming to socials and getting involved in the society.

I would like to thank the committee for putting in so much effort to make the room look wonderful. Bryce, your socials always look amazing and I know that they are well appreciated.
Claire

A Day at the Races

2011-04-18T12:01:00.007+02:00

A Day at the Races turned into a Night at Stellenbosch.

This year I have come to the conclusion that the UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society is having an amazing year. Our dancers are unbelievably talented, the beginners have been eager and the socials have been heaps of fun.

Saturday night was no exception. Although everyone had to go all the way to the Neelsie in Stellenbosch, come whatever may, UCT came out in full force. Not only did we have amazing numbers of people; but everyone looked extraordinarily beautiful, sophisticated and daring. The boys looked hot, the girls looked sexy and we hit that dance floor like confetti at a wedding. We sparkled and smiled, danced our hearts out and made the committee feel incredibly proud.

I saw a gleam in everyone’s eyes as UCT checked out fellow Stellenbosch dancers. Bridges were crossed and many UCT/Stellenbosch couples formed for a waltz or two. We even showed off our talents when the sokkie dances came on. The atmosphere in the Neelsie was really friendly and happy and I want to thank everyone who attended for being good to our neighbours. (Neigh-bours, get it?).

I want to thank Bryce, Lani, Bernie and Max for transforming a very dull hall into a stylish space. Although the horses looked a bit more like donkeys than racing machines, I only have myself to blame. Everything else looked amazing, the food was good and drinks kept flowing.

I also want to thank Stellenbosch for hosting the event, for helping out with the decorations and for providing the food. We hope to make this an annual tradition, so expect more inter-varsity socials in the future.

Stellenbosch, we will soon be back, don’t you worry. Except, this time, we will be a little more serious, demonstrating our talents to the dance floor at Intervarsity. See you in August.

The question on every girl’s lips: what to wear

2011-04-16T10:46:00.005+02:00

Medal Tests: What to Wear

So, you have signed up for medal tests and you’re thinking, “Now what? What shoes do I get, what dress do I buy?”

Well, this blog is here to help you.

Shoes

Some ladies and gents have asked about shoes. Gents, don’t buy Latin shoes (the ones with the taller heel) just yet. Buy men’s ballroom shoes and make sure you have some black socks to match!

Ladies, try on different styles of Latin shoes and decide what works best for you. The width of your foot makes all the difference to the style that is most comfortable for you. Buy 2.5 inch or 2 inch shoes in a colour that you like, but which matches most of your outfits. Some girls opt for the flesh coloured shoes because they go with everything. Other girls like black shoes because they prefer darker clothing.

Clothing

The gents clothing regulations are quite restrictive. Men must wear:

• Black pants
• Black shoes and black socks
• White shirt
• Tie (choose a colour you like or the colour of your partner’s dress/skirt)

Gents, just like the ladies, no jewellery or make-up; and nothing shiny either!

Ladies, you are also restricted in what you are allowed to wear:

• Your skirt must be knee length and straight edged. It must not be patterned or sequenced
• Your top must also be plain but can be a different colour
• Girls can also wear dresses
• Please don’t show underwear (buy hotpants if necessary)
• We strongly suggest no strapless tops or dresses
• Ladies, please also leave your jewellery at home and ensure that you don’t wear excessive make-up.

Now that we have crushed your dreams of flashy outfits and stage make-up, we are free at lessons for any questions. If you would like an opinion on an outfit, please show it to us during medal test classes.

If anyone needs to borrow a skirt, please speak to us. We have some available for the expensive price of free.

Pictures: Look, its our super-human chairperson, Lara, and our heroic IT guy, Richard, showing off their medal tests outfits. Note the 2008 hairstyles. Groovy, baby!

Medal Tests FAQ

2011-04-05T11:40:00.012+02:00

As I'm sure you all know, our annual Medal Tests are coming up on the 7th of May, and we'd like to see as many people as possible getting involved. Bernie's already written a great article about it (which you can find here), so check that out if you have any doubt that it is a fun experience.

I seem, however, to be hearing similar things from people who haven’t done it before, so here's my two (or three) cents on some frequently asked questions:

1. Stress! Doom! Horror!
Medal Tests can be stressful, particularly if you're not used to performing. But whatever feedback you get on this particular test, you can’t actually fail. You may find it's not intimidating at all - but even if you are dead scared, working through the nerves is a learning experience in itself, as is being able to accept constructive critique.

2. Give me more time – I don’t know enough steps yet!
When it comes to Medal Tests, you’re getting feedback on what you can do, at your own level. So dance to the best of your ability, focus on the basics, and don’t compare yourself to people who seem to know more steps or have better coordination. As long as you're comfortable with the steps you do know, you'll be fine. A good basic, by the way, is far more important than fancy moves!

3. I just dance for fun – why should I do a test?
Dancing for fun and dancing well aren't incompatible - on the contrary, they're related. I'm sure you're aware that in your regular class you're thinking about steps and don't always focus on making the whole dance work. But in preparing for Medal Tests, you get to think about the details and how they fit into the whole picture.
Having solid technique is always preferable to being sloppy – it makes dancing a better experience for you, and for your partner. So whether you're a casual dancer or raring to go for Intervarsity, this is a very good place to start.

I hope that answers at least some of your questions ;) We're interested in what you think, so please do chat to us about how things are going. Here is the list of class times – they'll be on Sundays in Molly Blackburn, with the exception of the Easter weekend, when we'll be practising on Monday. See you there!

10am: Beginner
11am: Intermediate
12–1pm: Formation
1.30–2pm: Advanced
2.30–3pm: Pre-Bronze/Bronze

In Questionable Taste!

2011-03-20T15:11:00.011+02:00

While advertising the upcoming social, I innocently suggested that dressing to the theme of ‘Questionable Taste’ was unlikely to permanently damage anyone’s reputation. The committee, I assured you, would go to great lengths to set a new standard for awful attire.

Little did I know that the society would take that as a challenge to produce some of the zaniest, most outrageous costumes ever seen on our dance floor. Along with the obligatory leopard print, the hall was bursting with enormous wigs, top-to-toe rainbows, awkward gym kit, and a few combinations that definitely made a getaway from the 70s. One day my eyes may recover from the multi-coloured onslaught, but it won't be any time soon.

The outfits set the tone for a crazy atmosphere. In amongst the boogies, foxtrots and waltzes, we tried out some salsa moves under the coloured lights, and even witnessed an impromptu macarena. Anyone who thinks ballroom dancers never let their hair down would’ve had their mind blown, to say the least.

If you missed out, never fear: our next social is on 25 March (the last day of term for us students) from 8 till midnight, so come along and dance away your stresses. Can’t stay for the whole evening? No problem – society members attend for free.

The theme is Mardi Gras, so grab some beads and get ready...

See you on the dance floor!
Lara

P.S. While dressing up is always a bonus, it’s not compulsory – the point of a social is to dance!

Add your own photos & keep up with society events on our Facebook page.

Formation

2011-03-09T09:06:00.008+02:00

At the beginning of every year we start practising what is known as The Formation. This is a dance in which a number of couples perform in sequence. This sequence is choreographed by our coach, Iliana, who also chooses the songs; usually according to a common theme. The dance is made up of sections in which you change the type of dance; usually when the music changes. Iliana tends to stick to a major dance group; i.e. mostly Latin-style dances or mostly Ballroom-style dances.

The formation will be performed at Intervarsity in its own category, with most universities entering one formation group each. This means that a trophy will go to the formation winners and we are proud to say that we were the 2010 winners. In 2009, we came second; another outstanding achievement. Goes to show how committed we are!

Previous Formations

Having been part of the 2009 and 2010 formation teams, I can speak for both teams when I say that we had a really good time practicing and performing our dances. Learning the formation dance is a frustrating and sometimes difficult endeavour; with countless hours practicing sequences and timing. Being a beginner in the 2009 formation, I found it quite strenuous on my little toes, but had a good time nonetheless. Let me just say, if you keep coming to practises, you will get it sooner than you think.

When the formation finally comes together, it’s a truly great feeling. Not only do you feel a great sense of achievement, but you also start to see how beautiful it looks, with eight or ten couples doing very similar things. You also get to do a few unconventional dance routines which can feel awkward at first, but are usually quite fun.

The 2009 was a straight Viennese Waltz which was performed to the “Harry Potter” theme song. In 2010, we spiced up our routine to include numerous Ballroom-style dances (with a few sassy samba moves thrown in). This was performed to different songs from the “Lion King” soundtrack. This year we will be doing a Latin-style formation, which promises to be very African, very sexy and mountains of fun.

Would you like to do the formation in 2011?

Unlike most other universities, the UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society encourages beginners to compete in the formation. We try to team them up with a dancer from a higher level. Anyone can learn the formation, as long as you are willing to put in the time. Commitment is the biggest thing. We will be practicing at least once a week at first, which will increase just before Intervarsity to twice a week at least. We continue practicing through the holiday and sometimes on Sundays, so if you cannot make these times, then you need to reconsider doing the formation.

Yes, you have to work harder at this than anything else dance-related you have ever done. Yes, your feet are going to hurt. Yes, you are ocassionally going to feel very lost. But you get to partake in an extremely rewarding dance routine, getting to know a team of other dancers and doing something different every Tuesday night. You also get to wear a shiny new outfit. Formation is really good fun; you are going to laugh more than any other time in your life.

The Perfect Dress

2011-03-01T14:39:00.005+02:00

Even the least fashion-conscious person will find themselves contemplating their dancing get-up. So, in this post I am going to give you some ideas on what it is that makes dancing an exciting wardrobe experiment.

Rule of thumb: when you see that perfect dress or skirt, buy it!

What is the perfect dress or skirt?

The perfect dress or skirt is a plain, bright colour made from heavy material (not cotton). This skirt should either flare or be wide enough that you have plenty of space to stretch your legs. Most importantly, it must be straight at the bottom - no wavy bits or long and short bits. Plain is good because you are not allowed to wear patterned, sequined or reflective material at medal tests. Bright is also good because it helps you to stand out on a crowded dance floor.

Most importantly, the Perfect Dress has straps and a comfortable bust area. You don’t want your dress to fall off (which jives are very good at inducing), and neither do you want to spend the whole night adjusting your dress.

Where do you find the perfect dress or skirt?

We wish we knew. Girls who have great outfits have generally been looking out for perfect clothing wherever and whenever they have been out shopping. Most of my skirts have come from alternative shops (like Ska, Gypsy or from craft markets) but you can find a great skirt or dress just about anywhere. Be aware that some dresses can rise too high, especially if you have a skirt that flares past the top of your underwear. You have been warned.

The Perfect Formal Dress

The Perfect Formal Dress has a skirt that is not too tight and generally has straps. Corseted dresses also work, but then they need to be super tight. Try on your dress at the shop, bearing in mind that if it is too long (if you can’t step backwards without standing on it), then you need to get it taken up. A little bit shorter than normal is better, even if you are wearing high heels.

Our theme for the formal this year is A Night in India, so look out for something that suits the theme (head dresses, make-up or “Indian” colours/styles).

What are the other important clothing items you need?

Hotpants! Yes, it is not appropriate to show off your underwear to judges; or fellow dancers for that matter. Preferable colours for hotpants are natural or neutral colours like black, beige or brown, or alternatively the colour of your favourite skirt.

Hot pants are not as easy to find as you think – but just keep checking out the underwear section of stores. I once found some brilliant ones at Pick’nPay clothing. You can also find them at dancing shops. Make sure they are “full” – the underwear known as “boypants” don’t work!

It is also a good idea to buy a few pairs of tights, especially for winter when you want to wear skirts but the cold makes your legs turn all sorts of horrible colours. As a suggestion, long skirts and jeans are not a good idea for dancing, and I seriously recommend knee length skirts. Iliana also likes to see what your knees are doing, so wearing a skirt is the best way of showing off your technique. I have recently discovered The Tights. They are the “cropped” ones found at Foschini. Albeit expensive at R95, they are a wonderful silky material and are light and stretchy.

What to keep in your dancing bag at all times

1. Your shoes
2. A brush for your shoes (ask fellow dancers for ideas)
3. Plasters (important for the very beginning when your shoes still give blisters)
4. Safety pins
5. A spare pair of hotpants or a pair of tights
6. A water bottle
7. Spare change for the vending machines

Other items of clothing to look out for

Dress up items for socials
Leg warmers (great for winter)

Saturday was MAGIC...literally

2011-03-01T11:44:00.003+02:00

Not to brag, or anything, but those who attended our Ice-Breaker Social on Saturday the 26th February 2011, really got a lot for a measly R10. Although the crowd wasn’t huge, those who came were certainly entertained. Think delicious homemade hamburgers with crispy chips and yummy veggies. Combine this with one of South Africa’s premium sleight of hand artists, and you are bound to have fun.

The Fat Cow makes great burgers, probably because of their focus on, well, cows. It also makes amazing deep-fried camembert and onion rings for the veggies amongst us. We decided that some entertainment would also be a fun so we decided to hire a magician. Technically, Stuart Lightbody is a sleight of hand artist whose speciality is making things disappear. He certainly had the crowd in raptures (and ruptures with his witty comments). He reads your mind, astounds your senses and leaves you awfully befuddled. Everyone who was there will attest to his amazing abilities.

I would like to thank everyone who came and chilled out with the rest of us. The whole point is to make friends, meet more people and have a good time, without the fear of performing when you have only learned a step or two.

That will soon change, trust me. That’s why the next social will take place on the 12th March at Molly Blackburn. The theme: In Questionable Taste. So, bring out your moustaches, 80’s hairstyles, leopard print dresses and granny's costume jewellery. It’s going to be epic!

To view photos of our events, check out Facebook, become friends with the committee and 'like' our page UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society

Hints and Tips for Beginners

2011-02-25T14:25:00.002+02:00

Q: Do I need to come to every beginner class?

No, you do not have to come to every class (and there are three of those for the beginners). UCT Ballroom is not here to make dancing a chore, nor is it here to take over your studies or your social life. Dancing can be done at your pace, so keep on enjoying yourself as much as possible. That said, it is important to come to at least one class a week and coming to two is beneficial if you want to do better and if you want to meet different people.

Q: How do I practice dancing?

Come to your classes and make sure you attend socials. They are fun, free and conveniently take place at UCT. They also involve some creative freedom and artistic expression – you get to dress up. The socials coordinator would also appreciate any help decorating the hall.

We also have extra technique classes just before medal tests and intervarsity, which are useful to learn to dance with your chosen partner and to learn to improve your technique.

Q: What is the one thing a beginner must always do?

Learn the basic step properly, no matter how repetitive it may seem. When you reach intermediate level you will soon see why. It is not enough to know how to do a step; it is equally important to learn how to lead it (boys) and follow it (girls). It also takes time for your feet and your muscles to adjust to the steps. Lastly, it is a great for exercise! If you are not tired after a class, then you aren’t working hard enough.

Q: Why does it take a whole year to learn five dances?

Your body will adjust to dancing over time. Doing exercise on heals (for both men and women) takes some getting used to. Your muscles learn to stretch and adapt and your feet harden and callous. Your core muscles will also have to adjust to a better posture, as will your upper body adjust to the Ballroom and Latin hold.

For men, learning to use the floor in order to lead (by pushing off from the floor when stepping) is something that you can’t learn overnight. It takes conscious effort and practice.

Q: What are some of the things you must remember when dancing?

Remember to use your floor
Remember to brush your feet
Remember that you should take every opportunity to dance
Remember to have fun, because it will make your dancing look great

Q: What is typical dancing etiquette?

A woman is never supposed to turn a man down, except when tired or when she has promised a dance to someone else.
A man should be courteous when asking a woman to dance and both partners should thank one another afterwards.
A man is supposed to be showing off the woman at her best. Difficult moves and poor leading skills will not achieve this.

Other things to remember:

You are allowed to ask more advanced dancers to dance. Just make sure that they understand that you are a beginner!

Swop partners constantly, this will improve your dancing immensely because you never know what your new partner will do. You are here to learn a skill, which involves learning how to dance, not what to dance.

Plaza Week 2011

2011-02-22T11:02:00.004+02:00

Plaza Week, during the first week of the University calendar, is the best opportunity for us to recruit you! Did we succeed? I think so. It was certainly fun, encapsulating the atmosphere of dancing which we try to maintain throughout the dancing year; even during those oh-so-serious moments of medal tests and intervarsity.

That is what dancing at UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society is all about, fun! As clichéd as it sounds, if you stop having fun, stop meeting people and stop enjoying the social aspect of dancing, then you need to reassess why you are dancing in the first place.

Getting involved is usually all it takes, just like the plaza week volunteers realised. If you were there you would have seen some (rather tired) but smiley-happy up-beat people, who are there to promote the thing that they love and believe in. You may have seen Nic and Mirada spinning in circles around the plaza, or the sweet and steadfast Leigh behind the desk. I hope you got a chance to meet some of the committee, because we are here to serve you.

If you signed up with us, thank you. We hope to make dancing mean to you, what it does to us. Dancing is many things and UCT Ballroom will give all of these to you, if you open your mind and allow your feet to follow the process.

Dancing means meeting new people all the time
Dancing means learning a life-long skill
Dancing means learning floor craft and spatial awareness
Dancing is good exercise
Dancing increases your enjoyment and your confidence in all kinds of dancing
Dancing means having fun

I want to thank all the people that came to help during plaza week:
Mirada, Nic, Rudi, Leigh, Neann, Kamla, Thandeka, Alicia, MJ, Michelle and all the Catherines and Katherines

Thanks too to the committee who made themselves available to do demos, hand out flyers and keep the spirit upbeat and happy.

UCT Monday Paper

2010-02-16T11:16:00.000+02:00

The Ballroom Dancing Society made it into the Monday Paper for its demo on Jameson Plaza during Oweek. Great free advertising :)

Don't forget the Icebreaker on Saturday afternoon. Be prepared for fun and games.

Classes start

2010-02-09T22:41:00.000+02:00

Classes started with the usual mayhem today. Beginners was packed with keen new dancers eager to try this thing called ballroom. Beginners were ably lead through the UCT line dance, foxtrot and boogie by Maureen and Iliana. Spot the helpful committee members in purple.

Intermediates were dusting of the cobwebs from their dancing shoes and learnt the chase and three chachas. Some waltz and quickstep added a little ballroom flavour.

Its a Madhouse

2010-02-07T11:42:00.000+02:00

Ballroom is a madhouse, so why not celebrate this fact with a social. Returning members dressed to theme for re-admittance to the Asylum this year. Straitjackets, labcoats and medical bracelets are in this season.

Oweek comes to an end

2010-02-05T15:02:00.000+02:00

Oweek has ended and we would like to thank all the volunteers that helped at the stall and on Medical campus. I hear we have a large number of sign-ups. Classes started on Tuesday night to get everyone back into the swing of things.

Tuesday night was Salsa and Intermediate. Intermediates went through the steps they remembered in the Waltz, Jive and Chacha.

Thursday saw the Advanced students get the shock treatment of Samba! Watch out dancers, Iliana means business this year :)

For the returning members, come shake off the cobwebs from the brain, dust off the shoes and join us for the social on Saturday night.

Oweek Day 1

2010-02-01T17:10:00.000+02:00

Orientation week started grey and cold as the committee and volunteers set up the stall and watched the general chaos unfurl on Jameson Plaza. By mid-morning we were digging out the sunscreens and hats to combat the heat.

UCT Ballroom demo'ed over lunch (Chacha, Tango, Waltz, Jive, Foxtrot, Rumba, Salsa, Boogie) with 6 couples ranging in experience from beginners to bronze. We will be out in force again tomorrow dancing on the plaza.

Don't forget that classes start tomorrow night at 6pm with advanced salsa moves.

Think Later, Dance Now

2010-02-01T16:00:00.000+02:00

O-week starts this morning with Think Later...Dance Now slogan. UCT Ballroom will be performing a demo at 13.30 on Jameson Plaza. Look out for the people in purple dancing their hearts out :)