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

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

Inter-what? The lowdown on Intervarsity...

Intervaristy....the word on everybody's lips post Medal Tests...If you're feeling dazed and confused amongst all of the partner-grabbing and routine-planning, never fear, your blogging friend is here!

2011 Intervarsity Team

Inter-what?!?
Intervarsity - A competition (a friendly one) where we (UCT) compete against Stellenbosch, Wits, Rhodes, Tuks and NMMU. This year, the competition is being hosted by Tuks in Pretoria on Saturday 11 August.

What does it involve?

Liza and Richard get their Salsa on

We leave UCT on Thursday 9 August early in the morning. After traveling on the LUXURY bus for a while, singing songs, playing games and getting a good night's rest <ahem> we will arrive in Pretoria on Friday 10 August for the 'Black and White' Social where we get to meet the dancers from the other universities (the competition!). We will spend the night in one of Pretoria's lovely backpackers and be ready for the main event - the 2012 National Student Ballroom and Latin Dance Championships (aka Intervarsity). Then it's back on the bus (with our trophies and medals!).

There is also a very cool Broadway Social at UCT on Friday 3 August to prepare for Intervarsity and you'll get to see the Formation Team's dress rehearsal!

How much is it?
For the incredibly low price of just R900 you will receive:

• A super suave 2012 UCT Ballroom Intervarsity hoodie
• Accomodation in a Pretoria Backpacker's
• Transport to and from Pretoria on a luxury bus
• Extra dance class fees for the Sunday classes (so that your dancing becomes even more amazing)
• Competition entry fees

Tebo and Liesbeth jive into the Beginner Finals

Of course your R900 does not cover all of these costs, so, your friendly UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society subsidies the rest so that you can enjoy Intervarsity on a student budget!

The Competition
The actual competition which starts at 10am on Saturday 11 August, is an entire day of dancing. That doesn't mean that you yourself will dance the entire day without stopping. The competition is divided into different sections and heats. The standard Ballroom and Latin dances (which you are taught in your class - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced etc.) are divided into sections according to levels and the dances and steps that you know e.g.
Beginner Ballroom: Waltz and Rhythm Foxtrot
Beginner Latin: Cha Cha and Jive
The Ballroom and Latin sections are danced at different times (there may be a few heats and other sections in between them), so you can have one partner for Ballroom and a different partner for Latin!

Claire and Nick show off their spins

There are also Open Section dances. These are:

• Boogie
• Sokkie
• Mambo (Salsa)
• Viennese Waltz
• Paso Doble
• Same-Sex Cha Cha
• Surprise Tango (We won't know exactly what this entails until the day of the competition, but it is recommended that you do not enter this section unless you are familiar with the International Tango which is taught to Advanced dancers and up)

 These dances are 'open' because you do not need to dance with a partner at your level (e.g an Intermediate dancer can dance with a Beginner) and you will be competing against couples from all levels.

Alistair and Jeanne looking glamorous for Novice Ballroom

Each section will have heats depending on how many couples have entered that section. Once the judges have selected the couples that they want to see again, those couples progress to the Quarter Final, Semi Final and the FINAL where you collect the GOLD! The junior levels are usually earlier in the day as well as the initial rounds of the open dances. As the day progresses you will get to see the more advanced dancers in action! We get more points for Beginner couples who do well than more advanced couples who do well - Beginners, YOU ARE SUPER IMPORTANT so please come to Intervarsity!

We end the day off with the Team Dance event (where couples from various levels will be chosen by Iliana to do Waltz/Rhythm Foxtrot/Quickstep/Tango/Samba/Cha Cha/Rumba/Jive torepresent UCT in a tag-team style dance-off against the other universities), the Formation Dance (an 8-couple group dance which the formation team has been rehearsing) and the Prize Giving Ceremony! If (When) you get through all of the rounds and progress to the Final, you will receive a shiny certificate and a medal in the Prize Giving Ceremony.

Iliana, Maureen, Dom and Lara with the trophies!

At this ceremony, trophies are awarded for the best Team Dance, the best Formation Dance, the most SPIRIT (so get ready to do some shouting) and best overall University (the one with the most points). Last year we won every single trophy - this year we plan to do exactly the same thing, so bring your A-game!

But winning isn't everything (although it's lots of fun). The best thing about Intervarsity is that you truly get to bond with the other members of UCT Ballroom in a way that isn't possible in regular classes. We will be spending a lot of time on the bus (with lots of stops in between) so there will be plenty of time to make new friends - friends with dancers at different levels! Your dancing will also improve dramatically with the extra classes, the different partners that you dance with for the different sections and the experience of performing at such an amazing event.

Words cannot describe the Intervarsity experience (although I've tried really hard to). Just do it!

When I Grow Up Social

When I grow up I want to be...a doctor, a ballerina, an artist, a rock star, a boxer...a ballroom dancer!!!

Rock Star!

This social took us back to our childhoods, to a time when life was simple and carefree and making a big decision would be which flavour of ice-cream to ask for. It was such fun seeing what our fellow dancers' plans for the future were when they were children and how many of them are on their way to achieving these goals - Unfortunately Harry Potter wannabes and fairies are excluded from this. A night of childhood memories and memories-in-the-making!

Iron Man

"Dancers are clearly a very optimistic bunch - if our costumes held any truth for the future, we'll never be short of scientists and Harry Potter will be swooping around on his (or in this case, her) broom stick! Never the less, the best part about the social for me was seeing lab-coated scientists waltzing along the floor, archaeologists breaking it down in a boogie, and even the likes of Bob The Builder swinging his hips to the Cha-Cha. Definitely a humorous and eventful night to remember." - Allister Smith (Beginner)

"Dressing up for the social was a great way to take off my 'normal' mask and to give free reign to another (part of my) personality." Liesbeth-Helena Gouws (Intermediate)

"It was fun as I got to remember what I wanted to be before I discovered money, girls and responsibility" - Alan Clarke (Advanced)

Mad Scientists

Photos: Jennifer Marshall

Semi-Formal: Lost in Time

Merada and Nick show off their jive kicks

Zulfa (1950s) and Alan (WWI pilot)

This year's semi-formal was a great success, with delicious food (thanks to Jen and her helpers), great company from the Maties Dance Society and beautiful decor (thanks to Bryce and his team) - including a time machine and a 'Lost' jungle! The dancers came in an assortment of olden-day and futuristic costumes. There was an Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany's, a Marilyn Monroe, Doctor Who and River Song, a WWI pilot, flappers and even an Alice in Wonderland!

The social was attended by over 100 dancers! It was such a fantastic evening, and the members agree:

Lara Milne and Chris Basson as River Song and Dr Who

"Was such an amazing feeling dressing up and walking into a place decorated to make you feel like you're in another world, knowing you can dance all night!" - Isabel Micklem (Beginner)

"Had a great time getting lost in fun" - Tebo Cochrane (Intermediate)

Rosy, Alex and Lauren in the time machine

“I loved the semi-formal because I had so much fun, dancing with so many amazing people!” - Alexander Peel (Beginner)

"The social was a blast, especially interesting comparing the moves that the UCT dancers do, to what we have been taught in our classes" - Fiona Smith, Maties Dance Society (Advanced)

"Inviting the Stellenbosch Society gave the night the atmosphere of a real ball, with strangers you could ask to dance." - Sebastian Lumpp (Beginner)

 "Even though I'm not around any more it was totally worth coming to  visit for the semi-formal. I miss you guys, thanks for a wonderful evening!" - Shaun Silson (Long Distance Member)

Mmm! Chloe and Laura enjoying Jen's pinwheel biscuits!

 "Dressing up for the semi-formal was always going to be fun, but finding an old dancing dress of my grandmother's made it spectacular. One thing I will say though - it takes a hang of a lot more co-ordination to dance in something floor-length! The evening was fantastic, the music was fun, the influx of the Stellies people was great, and Jen's pinwheel biscuits were nothing short of legendary." - Laura Barnard (Beginner)

Photos: Anton Moisey and Jared Baboo

Unda Da Sea Social

“Such wonderful things surround you… what more are you lookin’ for?”

Having carted in a considerable amount of water in the form of several blue spotlights, the Committee members did a fantastic job (once again!) of transforming the Molly Blackburn Hall into the scene of the Society’s latest social, “Unda Da Sea”, attended by jellyfish, mermaids and Kings of the Sea alike. Twirling around the dance floor, dancing required every bit of talent that the members had as they dodged fins, tentacles, seaweed and even the occasional trident.

The beginners showed off their new Jive, Cha-Cha and Boogie steps learnt over the past few weeks, then stood back to admire the more experienced dancers as they danced the Quickstep, Slow Foxtrot and Salsa; there was even a Sokkie or two to keep those eager fans satisfied…

Dancing and socialising the whole night through, the social proved what Sebastian said in the original song: “Unda Da Sea – since life is sweet here, we got the beat here, naturally!”


                                                                                         - written by Beginner, Peter Beare
Photos: Anton Moisey and Jared Baboo

Beginners' Social - Saturday Night Fever

“Night fever, night fever! We know how to do it!” <point, point, point, point and finger-gun, finger-gun, sprinkler, sprinkler, sprinkler, sprinkler>

This year’s Beginners' Social involved more sequins than I have ever seen in one place before! With a few afros, John Travolta white suits, a whole lot of peace signs and even a mirror ball, we grooved our way through the night!

This was the beginners' first social where they did Ballroom and Latin dances - Cha-cha, Jive, Salsa, Boogie, Rhythm Foxtrot and Waltz. After just five weeks of dance classes, they were confidently spinning around the floor!

We even learnt a funky line dance to go with our far out threads and the disco décor. Oh, what a night!

 Photos: Anton Moisey and Jennifer Marshall

Show Down at the Hoe Down – Beginners Barn Dance Social

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaw!

Over 120 cowboys, cowgirls and a couple of village idiots…er…what…cantered into 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-turning and having an absolute blast! 

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

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

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

Photos: Anton Moisey and Jennifer Marshall

Old Members’ Social

“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 much control, considering the number of ‘sweet transvestites’ that stumbled into Molly 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 the past 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 step to 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 best dressed…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-filled year packed with other exciting socials. After such a successful Plaza Week with 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 on the slab. I see you shiver with antici...pation.”

Black and White, Baby

“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

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.