March 29, 2011 - 8:12pm
Campus Clubs: Ballroom Dance Club
BY CHELSEY DAMBRO
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, some are looking to find a new skill to impress their dates and one club on campus might be able to help.
Founded in 1999, the University’s Ballroom Dancing Club is an organization for members of the University and Ann Arbor communities to learn traditional and modern ballroom dance styles.
Every Sunday, members of the club gather in the Michigan Union or the Michigan League to learn dances ranging from the more traditional Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Swing and Cha-Cha to more modern dance styles like Salsa, Merengue, and the Hustle.
Unlike the University’s Ballroom Dance Team, the Ballroom Dance Club doesn’t participate in competitions, but instead focuses on creating a relaxed and social atmosphere for its dancers, according to Alice Huang, president of the club.
“The Ballroom Dance Club is exactly what its name implies: a club,” Huang said. “Expect to have fun and learn new things; it’s recreational, not competitive.”
Dancers of different levels participate in the club, which is always open to new members, Huang said.
“The levels range from absolutely beginner to very experienced,” Huang said. “The Ballroom Dance Club welcomes all dancers, whether they are searching for a dance venue, for learning opportunities, or simply for a good time with fellow dancers.”
The weekly dance sessions begin with large group lessons taught by experienced instructors and end with two hours of open dance where dancers can practice their new skills, according to Wenting Guo, the club’s vice president.
“As a newcomer, one could expect a welcoming environment for learning and developing all aspects of Ballroom, International Latin, and American Rhythm dancing,” Guo said.
People with little experience can also participate in the “Beginner’s Blitz” which occurs at the beginning of each semester. At these sessions a new dancer can learn the basics for many different dances to be better prepared for future sessions, Huang said.
One time each semester, the club hosts a party that includes members from other colleges, which allows them to showcase new dance skills, Huang said.
