A night to look forward to

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

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

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

“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.

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

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

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