Medal Tests 2012 - What's on the catwalk this season?

After a very successful 2011 'black and white' season we have now moved on to...'polka dots'! That's right, darling, polka dots are all the rage this season and here's an idea on how to wear them and look absolutely fa-bu-lous! <claps hands while jumping up and down>. If you find yourself staring into your wardrobe, shaking your head and saying to yourself "I have NOTHING to wear!" then never fear - your friendly fashionista is here to help you every step of the what-the-heck-do-I-wear-for-Medal-Tests way!

First things first...

Bernie and Richard are rocking the 'Black and White' look

Footwear 

(check out Jen's blog: 'What you need to know before buying your first pair of Dancing Shoes' http://uctballroom.blogspot.com/2012/03/what-you-need-to-know-before-buying.html)

Gents

The oh-so-stylish men's black Ballroom shoes (the ones with the flatter heels - you don't need Latin shoes just yet) are the way to go, guys. Of course, they're not an absolute must-have but they would make your fabulosity on the dance floor that much easier to achieve. Sensible plain black shoes will do just as well. Either way, make sure that you don these bad boys with a pair of black socks - the Michael Jackson look is so last season.

Ladies

Latin shoes are so hot right now and there are so many choices - spider-toe, open-toe, closed-toe, t-bar, single-strap, crossed-strap, ankle-strap, leather, satin, black, beige, silver, gold, 2 inch heel, 2,5 inch heel, flared heel, straight heel....Not a must-have...but they're soooooo perdy <eyes glisten> and they make your dancing look shazam by helping you to glide around the floor. If you choose the sensible non-dancing shoes option make sure that they are just that, sensible. A good way to test the sensibility of a pair of non-dancing shoes is to dance in them on a wooden floor - make sure that they stay on your foot, don't cause you to slip and that they allow you to go up onto your toes in the Ballroom dances. They can be any colour as long as they are plain and don't sparkle. Don't wear heels higher than 2,5 inches...unless you enjoy living on the edge...

Andrew and Morag predict this year's in thing - POLKA DOTS!

Couture

Gents

Your fashion choices have been made for you - the only items in this season are:

• Black trousers
• Black shoes and black socks
• White shirt/black shirt (long sleeved). Your shirt must be tucked into your trousers.
• Optional black/white waistcoat
• A tie/bowtie - black/white/POLKA DOT/in a matching colour to your partner's dress
• A plain black belt may be worn - no big shiny buckles
• Sadly no jewellery (including watches) or make-up...Keep your Marolyn Manson/Kiss look for another day.

Ladies

The only must-wear this season is something that makes you like like a lady - i.e. a top and skirt/dress. The style/colour is up to you as long as you adhere to these helpful fashion do's and don'ts....no one wants to witness a fashion faux-pas on the dance floor!

Bryce and Lani in a touch of blue
Photos: Nick Heins

• Wear a skirt/dress that has a straight hem and is about knee length - jagged hems are a no-no as is flashing the audience
• To avoid flashing the audience, hot pants in the same colour as your dress (or black), are recommended. No matter how little you think your skirt flares up when you spin, take my advice - wear hot pants!
• While patterns are usually discouraged (anything that is going to make the audiences eyes dance - the only thing dancing in their eyes should be you!), but polka dots are permitted for this year's Medal Tests and very much encouraged for the Medal Test social. Colours are up to you! If you wear a skirt and top, they don't have to be the same colour, but colours that compliment each other are advised.
• Sparkles are out! The only thing that shines at UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society is your dancing and your certificate! Your outfit should make you look neat and dancerish without any sequins, diamantes, glitter or Christmas tree ornaments.
• Straps...wear them...please....I beg you! Jiving in a strapless dress is highly dangerous and it will not gain you more marks from the judges. Spaghetti straps, halter necks, racer-backs or any other strap variation is permitted as long as the straps are secure and avoid any possibility of, dare I say it, boobage...Ensure that your brassiere is hidden, your neckline is jiveable, not too low cut and that there is some fabric covering the majority of your back too. 
• Tights can be worn - skin colour is preferable.
• No jewellery (only small stud earrings are allowed) and basic make-up -  lipstick, blush, eyeliner etc.

Coiffure:

Hair must be neat and tied up if it touches the shoulders. No sparkles are allowed in any shape or form. Ladies, buns are advised as if your ponytail is particularly long, it may slap your partner in the face when you spin. 

You are more than welcome to seek fashion advice from a committee member and run your Medal Tests outfit by us. We can also help you out if you need to borrow a skirt (girls only please).

Take a look at the photos from the 2011 Medal Tests http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150320971878849.419088.328866933848&type=3

Much love,

Your Friendly Dancing Fashionista

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

What you need to know before buying your first pair of Dancing Shoes

Dancing shoes are a great investment that can really enhance your Ballroom and Latin dancing so we’ve put together a step-by-step guide (pardon the pun) to buying the right pair of Dancing shoes for you.

What makes Dancing Shoes different:

They have many cool features like suede soles that prevent you from slipping or sticking to the floor. The soles are also thinner and more flexible than normal shoes, and the heels usually have a steel shank for added stability. 

A good pair of shoes can make all the difference to your enjoyment of dancing.

If the Shoe Fits

The shoes need to be snug but not tight—too loose and it will be difficult to dance, too tight and you will get blisters every time you take to the floor. A good shop assistant should be able to help you, and they should be able to order the right size for you even if it’s not in stock. You can also slightly modify the fit of a shoe using in-soles, which is useful if you have narrow feet or high arches.

Oh so Stylish

There are three basic styles of shoes: ballroom (or standard), latin, and practice (usually used by dance teachers and professionals). 

For your first pair of shoes, it is recommended that men buy the ballroom style and women the latin style of dancing shoes.

This is because men’s ballroom shoes have a flatter heel than the latin shoes. The Cuban heel is good for latin dances but makes ballroom dances more difficult. There are a few variations, but they are typically black lace-up Oxfords. 

For women, the latin shoes are suitable for ballroom or latin dances, while the ballroom shoes are only suitable for ballroom and are therefore not really useful for beginners.

Women’s latin shoes are open at the sides, with a dizzying array of styles. The heels are higher and further back than court shoes, which brings your weight 

 

forward onto your toes (a good thing, especially for latin dances!). Heel height (2”, 2.5” or 3”), toe shape, and number of ankle straps are the choices with the most impact on personal comfort. 2” heels are recommended for taller women who don’t like heels, 2.5” flared heels are good for most beginners. 3” and slim heels are not recommended for beginners. 

 

Straps that come over the top of the foot (and not just around the ankle) will give you extra stability. Closed toes, rather than the open “sandal” style, will save your toes from some battering, especially at first. It’s best to try on a few pairs before you decide which style feels most comfortable and looks best for you.

Decisions, Decisions…

When it comes to picking a suitable fabric for your shoes, men’s shoes are usually black leather, which can be matte or shiny (patent). Non-leather shoes do not wear as well as the real thing, but are less expensive.

Women’s shoes come in satin or leather. The type of material is a matter of preference, but be aware that leather will stretch a little with time. 

Treat ‘em mean, keep ‘em Clean

The golden rule is that you should never wear your dancing shoes outdoors. Keep your shoes in a bag and change into them once you’re on the dance floor. A net bag will help reduce odours and investing in a deodorising shoe spray can also help. 

Keep the soles clean of dust and wax build-up using a wire brush. Dance shops should stock these but a braai brush is also effective. Doing this will extend the life of your shoes. 

Once all the suede has worn off, your shoes will have to be resoled which can be done at most shoe repair places (don’t forget to ask if they offer student discount!). A softer brush is used to keep satin clean, while leather shoes (especially men’s) need to be treated to keep them from cracking.

The rubber heel tips on women’s shoes also occasionally need replacing before they expose the nail below. Alternatively you could buy heel protectors and replace those instead.

All about the Money

The cost of your shoes will vary depending on the style and make of shoe, but it usually falls within the price range of R200 - R1000. A good pair of entry level shoes should cost you about R400 and can last for several years if well looked-after.

Now go out and put your best dancing foot forward!

Dancing Shoes - Shopping Mission to Remac, Durbanville:
Thursday 5 April (before dancing)
Meet at Lower Campus (Tugwell parking lot) at 12pm

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/371066016257519/
or email uctballroom@gmail.com

 - written by Jennifer Marshall

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.”

PLAZA WEEK 2012

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

Plaza Week 2012 is nearly upon us! The 2012 Committee has been working tirelessly to make UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing society bigger, better and bolder!

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

When you sign up with UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society this year, you will receive:

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

·         Freebies when you sign up (our very own magazine, On the Ball, with articles written by your dancing friends) and a FREE bottle of vitaminwater!

·         Instant friends!!!!!!!!! You will automatically become part of the UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society family – a group of like-minded people from different walks of life who all share the same passion for dancing! And if you find us on Facebook, we’ll send you invitations to our extra-curricular activities (including salsa and sokkie parties!)

So look for us on Jammie Plaza and sign up!

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


Photos from Plaza Week 2012: (by Nick Heins and Lara Milne)

Neann and Simon strike a pose

Liesbeth and Mokhine break it down

Claire teaches the Ikey Tiger some moves!