A Day at the Races

A Day at the Races turned into a Night at Stellenbosch.

This year I have come to the conclusion that the UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society is having an amazing year. Our dancers are unbelievably talented, the beginners have been eager and the socials have been heaps of fun.

Saturday night was no exception. Although everyone had to go all the way to the Neelsie in Stellenbosch, come whatever may, UCT came out in full force. Not only did we have amazing numbers of people; but everyone looked extraordinarily beautiful, sophisticated and daring. The boys looked hot, the girls looked sexy and we hit that dance floor like confetti at a wedding. We sparkled and smiled, danced our hearts out and made the committee feel incredibly proud.



I saw a gleam in everyone’s eyes as UCT checked out fellow Stellenbosch dancers. Bridges were crossed and many UCT/Stellenbosch couples formed for a waltz or two. We even showed off our talents when the sokkie dances came on. The atmosphere in the Neelsie was really friendly and happy and I want to thank everyone who attended for being good to our neighbours. (Neigh-bours, get it?).



I want to thank Bryce, Lani, Bernie and Max for transforming a very dull hall into a stylish space. Although the horses looked a bit more like donkeys than racing machines, I only have myself to blame. Everything else looked amazing, the food was good and drinks kept flowing.



I also want to thank Stellenbosch for hosting the event, for helping out with the decorations and for providing the food. We hope to make this an annual tradition, so expect more inter-varsity socials in the future.

Stellenbosch, we will soon be back, don’t you worry. Except, this time, we will be a little more serious, demonstrating our talents to the dance floor at Intervarsity. See you in August.

The question on every girl’s lips: what to wear

Medal Tests: What to Wear

So, you have signed up for medal tests and you’re thinking, “Now what? What shoes do I get, what dress do I buy?”

Well, this blog is here to help you.

Shoes

Some ladies and gents have asked about shoes. Gents, don’t buy Latin shoes (the ones with the taller heel) just yet. Buy men’s ballroom shoes and make sure you have some black socks to match!

Ladies, try on different styles of Latin shoes and decide what works best for you. The width of your foot makes all the difference to the style that is most comfortable for you. Buy 2.5 inch or 2 inch shoes in a colour that you like, but which matches most of your outfits. Some girls opt for the flesh coloured shoes because they go with everything. Other girls like black shoes because they prefer darker clothing.


Clothing

The gents clothing regulations are quite restrictive. Men must wear:

• Black pants
• Black shoes and black socks
• White shirt
• Tie (choose a colour you like or the colour of your partner’s dress/skirt)

Gents, just like the ladies, no jewellery or make-up; and nothing shiny either!




Ladies, you are also restricted in what you are allowed to wear:

• Your skirt must be knee length and straight edged. It must not be patterned or sequenced
• Your top must also be plain but can be a different colour
• Girls can also wear dresses
• Please don’t show underwear (buy hotpants if necessary)
• We strongly suggest no strapless tops or dresses
• Ladies, please also leave your jewellery at home and ensure that you don’t wear excessive make-up.


Now that we have crushed your dreams of flashy outfits and stage make-up, we are free at lessons for any questions. If you would like an opinion on an outfit, please show it to us during medal test classes.

If anyone needs to borrow a skirt, please speak to us. We have some available for the expensive price of free.

Pictures: Look, its our super-human chairperson, Lara, and our heroic IT guy, Richard, showing off their medal tests outfits. Note the 2008 hairstyles. Groovy, baby!

Medal Tests FAQ

As I'm sure you all know, our annual Medal Tests are coming up on the 7th of May, and we'd like to see as many people as possible getting involved. Bernie's already written a great article about it (which you can find here), so check that out if you have any doubt that it is a fun experience.

I seem, however, to be hearing similar things from people who haven’t done it before, so here's my two (or three) cents on some frequently asked questions:

1. Stress! Doom! Horror!
Medal Tests can be stressful, particularly if you're not used to performing. But whatever feedback you get on this particular test, you can’t actually fail. You may find it's not intimidating at all - but even if you are dead scared, working through the nerves is a learning experience in itself, as is being able to accept constructive critique.


2. Give me more time – I don’t know enough steps yet!
When it comes to Medal Tests, you’re getting feedback on what you can do, at your own level. So dance to the best of your ability, focus on the basics, and don’t compare yourself to people who seem to know more steps or have better coordination. As long as you're comfortable with the steps you do know, you'll be fine. A good basic, by the way, is far more important than fancy moves!

3. I just dance for fun – why should I do a test?
Dancing for fun and dancing well aren't incompatible - on the contrary, they're related. I'm sure you're aware that in your regular class you're thinking about steps and don't always focus on making the whole dance work. But in preparing for Medal Tests, you get to think about the details and how they fit into the whole picture.
Having solid technique is always preferable to being sloppy – it makes dancing a better experience for you, and for your partner. So whether you're a casual dancer or raring to go for Intervarsity, this is a very good place to start.

I hope that answers at least some of your questions ;) We're interested in what you think, so please do chat to us about how things are going. Here is the list of class times – they'll be on Sundays in Molly Blackburn, with the exception of the Easter weekend, when we'll be practising on Monday. See you there!

10am: Beginner
11am: Intermediate
12–1pm: Formation
1.30–2pm: Advanced
2.30–3pm: Pre-Bronze/Bronze

In Questionable Taste!

While advertising the upcoming social, I innocently suggested that dressing to the theme of ‘Questionable Taste’ was unlikely to permanently damage anyone’s reputation. The committee, I assured you, would go to great lengths to set a new standard for awful attire.

Little did I know that the society would take that as a challenge to produce some of the zaniest, most outrageous costumes ever seen on our dance floor. Along with the obligatory leopard print, the hall was bursting with enormous wigs, top-to-toe rainbows, awkward gym kit, and a few combinations that definitely made a getaway from the 70s. One day my eyes may recover from the multi-coloured onslaught, but it won't be any time soon.

The outfits set the tone for a crazy atmosphere. In amongst the boogies, foxtrots and waltzes, we tried out some salsa moves under the coloured lights, and even witnessed an impromptu macarena. Anyone who thinks ballroom dancers never let their hair down would’ve had their mind blown, to say the least.

If you missed out, never fear: our next social is on 25 March (the last day of term for us students) from 8 till midnight, so come along and dance away your stresses. Can’t stay for the whole evening? No problem – society members attend for free.

The theme is Mardi Gras, so grab some beads and get ready...

See you on the dance floor!
Lara

P.S. While dressing up is always a bonus, it’s not compulsory – the point of a social is to dance!

Add your own photos & keep up with society events on our Facebook page.

Formation

At the beginning of every year we start practising what is known as The Formation. This is a dance in which a number of couples perform in sequence. This sequence is choreographed by our coach, Iliana, who also chooses the songs; usually according to a common theme. The dance is made up of sections in which you change the type of dance; usually when the music changes. Iliana tends to stick to a major dance group; i.e. mostly Latin-style dances or mostly Ballroom-style dances.



The formation will be performed at Intervarsity in its own category, with most universities entering one formation group each. This means that a trophy will go to the formation winners and we are proud to say that we were the 2010 winners. In 2009, we came second; another outstanding achievement. Goes to show how committed we are!



Previous Formations

Having been part of the 2009 and 2010 formation teams, I can speak for both teams when I say that we had a really good time practicing and performing our dances. Learning the formation dance is a frustrating and sometimes difficult endeavour; with countless hours practicing sequences and timing. Being a beginner in the 2009 formation, I found it quite strenuous on my little toes, but had a good time nonetheless. Let me just say, if you keep coming to practises, you will get it sooner than you think.

When the formation finally comes together, it’s a truly great feeling. Not only do you feel a great sense of achievement, but you also start to see how beautiful it looks, with eight or ten couples doing very similar things. You also get to do a few unconventional dance routines which can feel awkward at first, but are usually quite fun.



The 2009 was a straight Viennese Waltz which was performed to the “Harry Potter” theme song. In 2010, we spiced up our routine to include numerous Ballroom-style dances (with a few sassy samba moves thrown in). This was performed to different songs from the “Lion King” soundtrack. This year we will be doing a Latin-style formation, which promises to be very African, very sexy and mountains of fun.

Would you like to do the formation in 2011?

Unlike most other universities, the UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society encourages beginners to compete in the formation. We try to team them up with a dancer from a higher level. Anyone can learn the formation, as long as you are willing to put in the time. Commitment is the biggest thing. We will be practicing at least once a week at first, which will increase just before Intervarsity to twice a week at least. We continue practicing through the holiday and sometimes on Sundays, so if you cannot make these times, then you need to reconsider doing the formation.



Yes, you have to work harder at this than anything else dance-related you have ever done. Yes, your feet are going to hurt. Yes, you are ocassionally going to feel very lost. But you get to partake in an extremely rewarding dance routine, getting to know a team of other dancers and doing something different every Tuesday night. You also get to wear a shiny new outfit. Formation is really good fun; you are going to laugh more than any other time in your life.

The Perfect Dress

Even the least fashion-conscious person will find themselves contemplating their dancing get-up. So, in this post I am going to give you some ideas on what it is that makes dancing an exciting wardrobe experiment.

Rule of thumb: when you see that perfect dress or skirt, buy it!

What is the perfect dress or skirt?

The perfect dress or skirt is a plain, bright colour made from heavy material (not cotton). This skirt should either flare or be wide enough that you have plenty of space to stretch your legs. Most importantly, it must be straight at the bottom - no wavy bits or long and short bits. Plain is good because you are not allowed to wear patterned, sequined or reflective material at medal tests. Bright is also good because it helps you to stand out on a crowded dance floor.



Most importantly, the Perfect Dress has straps and a comfortable bust area. You don’t want your dress to fall off (which jives are very good at inducing), and neither do you want to spend the whole night adjusting your dress.



Where do you find the perfect dress or skirt?

We wish we knew. Girls who have great outfits have generally been looking out for perfect clothing wherever and whenever they have been out shopping. Most of my skirts have come from alternative shops (like Ska, Gypsy or from craft markets) but you can find a great skirt or dress just about anywhere. Be aware that some dresses can rise too high, especially if you have a skirt that flares past the top of your underwear. You have been warned.

The Perfect Formal Dress

The Perfect Formal Dress has a skirt that is not too tight and generally has straps. Corseted dresses also work, but then they need to be super tight. Try on your dress at the shop, bearing in mind that if it is too long (if you can’t step backwards without standing on it), then you need to get it taken up. A little bit shorter than normal is better, even if you are wearing high heels.



Our theme for the formal this year is A Night in India, so look out for something that suits the theme (head dresses, make-up or “Indian” colours/styles).


What are the other important clothing items you need?

Hotpants! Yes, it is not appropriate to show off your underwear to judges; or fellow dancers for that matter. Preferable colours for hotpants are natural or neutral colours like black, beige or brown, or alternatively the colour of your favourite skirt.

Hot pants are not as easy to find as you think – but just keep checking out the underwear section of stores. I once found some brilliant ones at Pick’nPay clothing. You can also find them at dancing shops. Make sure they are “full” – the underwear known as “boypants” don’t work!

It is also a good idea to buy a few pairs of tights, especially for winter when you want to wear skirts but the cold makes your legs turn all sorts of horrible colours. As a suggestion, long skirts and jeans are not a good idea for dancing, and I seriously recommend knee length skirts. Iliana also likes to see what your knees are doing, so wearing a skirt is the best way of showing off your technique. I have recently discovered The Tights. They are the “cropped” ones found at Foschini. Albeit expensive at R95, they are a wonderful silky material and are light and stretchy.

What to keep in your dancing bag at all times

1. Your shoes
2. A brush for your shoes (ask fellow dancers for ideas)
3. Plasters (important for the very beginning when your shoes still give blisters)
4. Safety pins
5. A spare pair of hotpants or a pair of tights
6. A water bottle
7. Spare change for the vending machines

Other items of clothing to look out for

Dress up items for socials
Leg warmers (great for winter)

Saturday was MAGIC...literally

Not to brag, or anything, but those who attended our Ice-Breaker Social on Saturday the 26th February 2011, really got a lot for a measly R10. Although the crowd wasn’t huge, those who came were certainly entertained. Think delicious homemade hamburgers with crispy chips and yummy veggies. Combine this with one of South Africa’s premium sleight of hand artists, and you are bound to have fun.

The Fat Cow makes great burgers, probably because of their focus on, well, cows. It also makes amazing deep-fried camembert and onion rings for the veggies amongst us. We decided that some entertainment would also be a fun so we decided to hire a magician. Technically, Stuart Lightbody is a sleight of hand artist whose speciality is making things disappear. He certainly had the crowd in raptures (and ruptures with his witty comments). He reads your mind, astounds your senses and leaves you awfully befuddled. Everyone who was there will attest to his amazing abilities.

I would like to thank everyone who came and chilled out with the rest of us. The whole point is to make friends, meet more people and have a good time, without the fear of performing when you have only learned a step or two.

That will soon change, trust me. That’s why the next social will take place on the 12th March at Molly Blackburn. The theme: In Questionable Taste. So, bring out your moustaches, 80’s hairstyles, leopard print dresses and granny's costume jewellery. It’s going to be epic!

To view photos of our events, check out Facebook, become friends with the committee and 'like' our page UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society