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

Hints and Tips for Beginners

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.