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!

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.