Inter-what? The lowdown on Intervarsity...

Intervaristy....the word on everybody's lips post Medal Tests...If you're feeling dazed and confused amongst all of the partner-grabbing and routine-planning, never fear, your blogging friend is here!

2011 Intervarsity Team

Inter-what?!?
Intervarsity - A competition (a friendly one) where we (UCT) compete against Stellenbosch, Wits, Rhodes, Tuks and NMMU. This year, the competition is being hosted by Tuks in Pretoria on Saturday 11 August.

What does it involve?

Liza and Richard get their Salsa on

We leave UCT on Thursday 9 August early in the morning. After traveling on the LUXURY bus for a while, singing songs, playing games and getting a good night's rest <ahem> we will arrive in Pretoria on Friday 10 August for the 'Black and White' Social where we get to meet the dancers from the other universities (the competition!). We will spend the night in one of Pretoria's lovely backpackers and be ready for the main event - the 2012 National Student Ballroom and Latin Dance Championships (aka Intervarsity). Then it's back on the bus (with our trophies and medals!).

There is also a very cool Broadway Social at UCT on Friday 3 August to prepare for Intervarsity and you'll get to see the Formation Team's dress rehearsal!

How much is it?
For the incredibly low price of just R900 you will receive:

• A super suave 2012 UCT Ballroom Intervarsity hoodie
• Accomodation in a Pretoria Backpacker's
• Transport to and from Pretoria on a luxury bus
• Extra dance class fees for the Sunday classes (so that your dancing becomes even more amazing)
• Competition entry fees

Tebo and Liesbeth jive into the Beginner Finals

Of course your R900 does not cover all of these costs, so, your friendly UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society subsidies the rest so that you can enjoy Intervarsity on a student budget!

The Competition
The actual competition which starts at 10am on Saturday 11 August, is an entire day of dancing. That doesn't mean that you yourself will dance the entire day without stopping. The competition is divided into different sections and heats. The standard Ballroom and Latin dances (which you are taught in your class - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced etc.) are divided into sections according to levels and the dances and steps that you know e.g.
Beginner Ballroom: Waltz and Rhythm Foxtrot
Beginner Latin: Cha Cha and Jive
The Ballroom and Latin sections are danced at different times (there may be a few heats and other sections in between them), so you can have one partner for Ballroom and a different partner for Latin!

Claire and Nick show off their spins

There are also Open Section dances. These are:

• Boogie
• Sokkie
• Mambo (Salsa)
• Viennese Waltz
• Paso Doble
• Same-Sex Cha Cha
• Surprise Tango (We won't know exactly what this entails until the day of the competition, but it is recommended that you do not enter this section unless you are familiar with the International Tango which is taught to Advanced dancers and up)

 These dances are 'open' because you do not need to dance with a partner at your level (e.g an Intermediate dancer can dance with a Beginner) and you will be competing against couples from all levels.

Alistair and Jeanne looking glamorous for Novice Ballroom

Each section will have heats depending on how many couples have entered that section. Once the judges have selected the couples that they want to see again, those couples progress to the Quarter Final, Semi Final and the FINAL where you collect the GOLD! The junior levels are usually earlier in the day as well as the initial rounds of the open dances. As the day progresses you will get to see the more advanced dancers in action! We get more points for Beginner couples who do well than more advanced couples who do well - Beginners, YOU ARE SUPER IMPORTANT so please come to Intervarsity!

We end the day off with the Team Dance event (where couples from various levels will be chosen by Iliana to do Waltz/Rhythm Foxtrot/Quickstep/Tango/Samba/Cha Cha/Rumba/Jive torepresent UCT in a tag-team style dance-off against the other universities), the Formation Dance (an 8-couple group dance which the formation team has been rehearsing) and the Prize Giving Ceremony! If (When) you get through all of the rounds and progress to the Final, you will receive a shiny certificate and a medal in the Prize Giving Ceremony.

Iliana, Maureen, Dom and Lara with the trophies!

At this ceremony, trophies are awarded for the best Team Dance, the best Formation Dance, the most SPIRIT (so get ready to do some shouting) and best overall University (the one with the most points). Last year we won every single trophy - this year we plan to do exactly the same thing, so bring your A-game!

But winning isn't everything (although it's lots of fun). The best thing about Intervarsity is that you truly get to bond with the other members of UCT Ballroom in a way that isn't possible in regular classes. We will be spending a lot of time on the bus (with lots of stops in between) so there will be plenty of time to make new friends - friends with dancers at different levels! Your dancing will also improve dramatically with the extra classes, the different partners that you dance with for the different sections and the experience of performing at such an amazing event.

Words cannot describe the Intervarsity experience (although I've tried really hard to). Just do it!

When I Grow Up Social

When I grow up I want to be...a doctor, a ballerina, an artist, a rock star, a boxer...a ballroom dancer!!!

Rock Star!

This social took us back to our childhoods, to a time when life was simple and carefree and making a big decision would be which flavour of ice-cream to ask for. It was such fun seeing what our fellow dancers' plans for the future were when they were children and how many of them are on their way to achieving these goals - Unfortunately Harry Potter wannabes and fairies are excluded from this. A night of childhood memories and memories-in-the-making!

Iron Man

"Dancers are clearly a very optimistic bunch - if our costumes held any truth for the future, we'll never be short of scientists and Harry Potter will be swooping around on his (or in this case, her) broom stick! Never the less, the best part about the social for me was seeing lab-coated scientists waltzing along the floor, archaeologists breaking it down in a boogie, and even the likes of Bob The Builder swinging his hips to the Cha-Cha. Definitely a humorous and eventful night to remember." - Allister Smith (Beginner)

"Dressing up for the social was a great way to take off my 'normal' mask and to give free reign to another (part of my) personality." Liesbeth-Helena Gouws (Intermediate)

"It was fun as I got to remember what I wanted to be before I discovered money, girls and responsibility" - Alan Clarke (Advanced)

Mad Scientists

Photos: Jennifer Marshall

Semi-Formal: Lost in Time

Merada and Nick show off their jive kicks

Zulfa (1950s) and Alan (WWI pilot)

This year's semi-formal was a great success, with delicious food (thanks to Jen and her helpers), great company from the Maties Dance Society and beautiful decor (thanks to Bryce and his team) - including a time machine and a 'Lost' jungle! The dancers came in an assortment of olden-day and futuristic costumes. There was an Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany's, a Marilyn Monroe, Doctor Who and River Song, a WWI pilot, flappers and even an Alice in Wonderland!

The social was attended by over 100 dancers! It was such a fantastic evening, and the members agree:

Lara Milne and Chris Basson as River Song and Dr Who

"Was such an amazing feeling dressing up and walking into a place decorated to make you feel like you're in another world, knowing you can dance all night!" - Isabel Micklem (Beginner)

"Had a great time getting lost in fun" - Tebo Cochrane (Intermediate)

Rosy, Alex and Lauren in the time machine

“I loved the semi-formal because I had so much fun, dancing with so many amazing people!” - Alexander Peel (Beginner)

"The social was a blast, especially interesting comparing the moves that the UCT dancers do, to what we have been taught in our classes" - Fiona Smith, Maties Dance Society (Advanced)

"Inviting the Stellenbosch Society gave the night the atmosphere of a real ball, with strangers you could ask to dance." - Sebastian Lumpp (Beginner)

 "Even though I'm not around any more it was totally worth coming to  visit for the semi-formal. I miss you guys, thanks for a wonderful evening!" - Shaun Silson (Long Distance Member)

Mmm! Chloe and Laura enjoying Jen's pinwheel biscuits!

 "Dressing up for the semi-formal was always going to be fun, but finding an old dancing dress of my grandmother's made it spectacular. One thing I will say though - it takes a hang of a lot more co-ordination to dance in something floor-length! The evening was fantastic, the music was fun, the influx of the Stellies people was great, and Jen's pinwheel biscuits were nothing short of legendary." - Laura Barnard (Beginner)

Photos: Anton Moisey and Jared Baboo

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