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!

A Night in India!

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!

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

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