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The UCT Ballroom & Latin Dancing
Society Magazine
Volume 17—February 2011
CONTENTS
Editorial……………………………………………………………………………………2
Chair’s Welcome……………………………………………………………………….3
A Word from our Coach…………………………………………………………….4
2010 Reportback……………………………………………………… …………….5
The Beginner Experience……………………………………………..…….…….6
Chasing life with dancing feet…………………………………..………….…..8
If Dancing were Life: the lessons it could teach us…………….……..10
Website……………………………………………………………………………..….11
Flashback: Socials….…………………………………………………………..… 12
Socials 2011…………………………………………………………….…………...14
Flashback: Medal Tests………………….………………………………….……15
Medal Tests 2011……………………………………….…… ……………………17
Flashback: Intervarsity……………………………………… …………….…….19
Intervarsity 2011………………………………………………… ……………….22
Flashback: Formal…………………………………………………………..……..24
Formal 2011………………………………………………………………………….25
The Ballroom & Latin Dances………………………………………………….26
Helpful Hints for New Members……………………………………….……..29
Buying Shoes for the First Time………………………….…….…………….31
Committee 2011……………………………………………………………………33
1
Editorial
Welcome to the 17th edition of On
the Ball, the UCT Ballroom and Latin
Dancing Society’s very own magazine!
When I joined ballroom at the
beginning of 2010, I think I missed
the memo and didn’t pick up a copy
of On the Ball. And to be honest, I
really wish I had. I had no idea what
Medal Tests were, why socials were
important, or what Intervarsity was all
about. As a result, I missed out on a
lot of dancing and only really caught the “ballroom-bug” half way
though the year… I never imagined that by October I’d be part of the
committee and editing the magazine.
This is why I hope that all the beginners will read this little publication
in order to get informed about what really goes on at ballroom. Who
knows, you may just end up editing edition 18.
Look out for the special articles Helpful Hints for New Members and
Buying Shoes for the First Time. There’s also information on the
different types of ballroom and Latin dances that you will be learning
throughout the year and a handy pull-out centrefold detailing all the
highlights for 2011.
Old members, I hope that you also enjoy this year’s On the Ball. There
are some fantastic flashbacks aimed to make you feel just a little
nostalgic as you reminisce about all the good times we had last year.
Finally, I would like to say thank you to everyone who contributed to
the writing and layout of this magazine. Without you, I reckon it would
be pretty boring.
Anique Kruger
Vice Chair 2011
2
Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair… -Susan Polis Shutz
Chair’s Welcome
Hello and welcome to UCT Ballroom 2011!
After all the build-up to the Football-EventWhich-Shall-Not-Be-Named, turning over
my calendar to find that 2011 did, in fact,
exist was a bit of a shock. The committee,
however, succeeded in persuading me that
the apocalypse was only scheduled for
2012, and so we have planned a year full
of exciting events for you to look forward
to!
New members: congratulations, you’re
about to learn a skill which you’ll keep for
the rest of your life, meet lots of great
people, and have a fantastic time. UCT
Ballroom is a social dancing society, so we
don’t teach you to dance just for the sake of putting on
a performance. We teach you to dance so you can get up, get on the
dance floor and have fun, anywhere, with any partner. And
look awesome doing it.
With a social every two weeks, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to try
out your skills, and in the Intervarsity competition you’ll meet, and
dance with, members of other universities. A wonderful formal dance
ends off the year, and it’s hard to convey what an experience it is to
be all dressed (or suited) up, in a ballroom full of people who not only
know how to dance, but have such enthusiasm for it that they’ll only
stop for food.
The more you put in to the society, the more you’ll get out of it, so
don’t hesitate to get involved. In 2010 I’ve found myself surrounded
by superheroes, jogging across campus with a disco ball, giving Arwen
a run for her money in the pointy ear department, and turning half the
society into zombies. I look forward to more bizarre antics and
amazing dancing in 2011 – see you on the dance floor!
Lara Milne
Chairperson 2011
3
How can we know the dancer from the dance? -William Butler Yeats
A Word from Our Coach
Hello,
I am your dance teacher. Believe me or not, after a short time under
my guidance you will be able to dance.
It is scientifically proven that practicing ballroom dancing twice a
week reduces academic stress and anxiety, makes people happier and
more satisfied with their lives. So come to dance with us and you will
never regret it.
Here are five good reasons why to join UCT Ballroom and Latin
Dancing Society:
1.
2.
3.
4.
You will enjoy learning dances from all over the world
You will be able to dance them with different partners
You will meet interesting people and make wonderful friendships
You will have unforgettable experiences throughout the year with
our Socials, Medals, Intervarsity and Formal Ball
5. You will feel great
See you on the dancing floor!
Iliana Ianovska
Coach
4
There are short-cuts to happiness and dancing is one of them. -Vicki Baum
2010 Reportback
Another year of dancing has passed at the
speed of light (or should I say the shimmer of
sequins?). 2010 proved to be an exhilarating
year filled with lessons, action-packed socials, a
trip to Rhodes, a formation trophy, some shiny
medals and a lot of glam at the formal.
O-week really started with a bang (and a bit of
sunburn) as we performed on the plaza,
organised free classes to whet the beginners’
appetites and were serenaded by the Kopano
guys during their Valentines Dance. L-O-V-E
indeed!
Classes were full of excited beginners and quite a few new faces at the
higher levels too. Iliana and Maureen do an exceptional job every year
of coaxing feet to tap, hips to move and bodies to glide across Molly
Blackburn. The tales that floor could tell…
The socials team made it their mission to decorate halls and deliver
the chosen themes. Where else would you find Space Cowboys and
Disco Zombies?
The formation team won at Intervarsity at Rhodes University. Our
dancers excelled and brought home many shiny medals for their
efforts.
The last item on the 2010 calendar, the Formal, saw us travel to
Rivendell, conveniently situated in Kelvin Grove. Claire did an amazing
job of transporting us to Middle Earth for a few hours.
I hope every member of the ballroom society had a fantastic year and
continues to dance in 2011.
Hayley Mc Intosh
Chairperson 2010
5
Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and
in high heels.-Faith Whittlesey
The Beginner Experience
At the end of each year we ask some members of
the beginner class to tell us about their experience of being
part of the society. Odette started dancing in 2010 and has
never looked back. Here’s what she has to say:
“Peel bananas, peel peel bananas, split
bananas,
split
split
bananas,
mash bananas...” screams the UCT chorus
from the balcony of the Rhodes University
hall at the annual Intervarsity competition
last year.
Before I even registered as a first year
student, I knew that I was going to join
the UCT Ballroom Society, and WOW, have
I had fun this year! Ballroom time is the
time to forget about other things
and enjoy yourself — to just dance!
I love ballroom because you get to interact
with so many different people. The current
bunch of dancers are great and I’ve made
brilliant friends through the society.
Although attending ballroom became difficult for me due to class on
med campus only ending at 5pm, I tried to go to all the Tuesday and
Thursday lessons. When you love something so much, you just can’t
get enough of it, and repetition really helps to conquer those new
moves.
The great thing about UCT Ballroom Society is that it is fun and social,
but you still have the opportunity to compete. Last year’s Intervarsity
in Grahamstown was a fresh experience. The way things ran was new
6
We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance. –Japanese Proverb
to the beginners, but our
“ballroom family” took care
of us.
We had electric
team-spirit going.
It is so amazing to
hear encouragement from
your fellow dancers when
you’re down on the dance
floor. The ballroom section
was first and after lunch
came the Latin. It was then
that I was in my element.
My partner, Francisco, and
I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves with the Cha-Cha
and Jive. We were really
excited about being able to do it over and over again, up to the
finals! (Especially because this was our first competition.)
All I have left to say is, see you on the dance floor. ☺
Odette Schoeman
7
I don’t want people who want to dance, I want people who have to dance.
-George Balanchine
Chasing life with dancing feet
I never imagined myself a dancer—although I gazed hopefully at
those who swayed so rhythmically to the music. Feet in high heels
gliding over the dance floor relentlessly, perfectly placed each time.
Men in tight black pants demonstrating impressive hip-work; twirling
and dipping the women at the end of their grip. They were dancers —
teasing, flaunting, secretly interacting on the dance floor.
I wanted to be one of them.
I joined UCT Ballroom and Latin
Dancing Society in 2008, reason
being: desire met opportunity.
I always thought that such a
hobby would demand much of
my time — but no — UCT
Ballroom Society is a social
society that allows you to decide
on your own practise schedule.
Since you have no ONE specific
dance partner, you may choose to attend whichever classes suit your
busy life best, leaving you with a very flexible hobby.
One of the major reasons that I joined Ballroom was to distract myself
from the stress factors in my life. Dancing definitely requires some
concentration in the beginning and does not allow for other thoughts
to infiltrate your mind. It is a wonderful way to allow yourself to slip
into a magical dimension for a couple of hours each week; distracted
from deadlines whilst challenged by the beautiful patterns created on
the dance floor.
But dancing is not only about the performance. I have made so many
new friends in this social society—people with wild imaginations and
8
Dancing can reveal all the mystery that music conceals. –Charles Baudelaire
innovative ideas, who enjoy dressing up
as goddesses, zombies and Halloween
creatures. I have met people who paint,
who sew, who bake, who sing with
magical voices. I've met rock-climbers,
horse-riders, sailors. I've met architects,
accountants, teachers, physios and even a
rocket scientist!
I've made friends that I can confide in,
friends I can lean on, friends to laugh with
and friends that I can just randomly call
up for
a night out on the dance floor.
UCT Ballroom Society is a diverse
bunch of misfits with a common
interest in the euphoria that
results from dancing. We are
friendly and enthusiastic. We are
hard-working, dedicated and
somewhat balanced. But mostly,
we are keen to have you jump on
board and join our travels across
the dance floor.
So come along and move with us
to the rhythm of life!
Liza Rossi
9
Dancing almost always turns out to be a good idea. –Anne Lamott
If Dancing were Life: the
lessons it could teach us...
• You dance your best when you are enjoying it.
• Having a supportive shoulder makes it that much easier.
• Sustaining a confident presentation can bluff people into thinking
that you are brilliant.
• Every rhythm determines a different dance. Listen before you begin.
• A crowded dance floor leads to many apologies.
• Finding the right partner can be difficult, but in the end that partner
will make you feel beautiful.
• Everyone dances differently.
• Keeping your souls clean ensures that you don’t slip.
• Blisters and broken nails are part of the package.
• Learning the basics correctly from the
start saves you frustration later.
• You should always be polite.
• The Dance of Love (the Rumba) is all
about the fire and ice.
• You need all the support you can get
(never wear a strapless dress).
• No matter how hard you try, you are bound to step on somebody’s
toes.
• No matter how tired you may feel, sometimes you just have to
dance.
Claire Martens
10
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we’re here we should dance. –Anon
Website
The website is your portal to everything
related to Ballroom Dancing.
We’ll keep you updated as the year progresses with news and info
on ballroom activities, especially as the important events
(Medal Tests, Intervarsity, Formal, etc.) approach.
Check out this year’s calendar, read all about your committee, find
links to dancing resources and follow our blog to keep your finger on
the pulse of the society.
www.ballroom.org.za
11
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but in your living room. –Kurt Vonnegut
Flashback: SOCIALS
You are probably still wondering what the heck everyone is going on
about socials for—but hang in there—you’ll soon understand. Socials
are about having as much fun as possible (rather similar to the entire
ballroom motto!). Although other things like training, footwork and
timing also play a role at the socials, the basic idea is that music plays
and dancers (that’s you guys) dance! Once you have a handle on a
basic or two, socials will be the best part of this society. Not only are
most of them free (and the “non-free” ones have food and the like),
but there are often also games and prizes to be dished out!
This past year we had many new faces, all of whom I’m sure will agree
that socials are a highlight. As a newcomer to dancing, attending
socials is often rather scary – but I promise you, everyone has fun! If
you are a little bit curious to find out more, then I suggest you get to
as many as possible. This not only allows you to learn more from older
members, but also gives you the opportunity to meet new people in
the society and make some friends.
In 2010 we gave you a social just
about every 3 weeks, so the fun
didn’t stop! We had a total of 14
socials throughout the year, and
with themes like Space Cowboys and
Disco Zombies, there were great
opportunities to dress up and look a
little strange on the dance floor! ☺
12
People do not stop dancing because they get older; they get older because they stop dancing.
-Anon
The semi-formals gave everyone a chance
to dress up smartly, but did not detract
from the Formal at the end of the year.
One of 2010’s semi-formals was themed
A Night at the Opera – everyone looked
fantastic.
Before a social, it is not strange to see the
committee running around in a flurry trying
to decorate either Molly or Jammie Hall. This past year was no
exception: there were asylum-ward programmes being painted,
dragons with “spade-like” tails appeared, drapes that are impossible to
hang were hung and we even had balloons for a birthday party! The
décor really helps to transform a dreary old hall into a dancing dream!
So remember: more socials = more fun!
Clair van Eyssen
13
Dancing is like dreaming with your feet. –Constanze
Socials 2011
STOP! I don’t care how pressed you are
for time; you WANT to know what I have to
tell you.
Socials are the BEST thing about ballroom —
apart from the classes themselves, and
Intervarsity, and Medal Tests and… Well,
okay, they are ONE of the best things about
ballroom. They are a place where you can
just dance. There’s no pressure of a teacher
watching and you can dance whatever you want and with whomever
you want, no matter what level they are. Socials are where you make
your friends; you know, the kind of friends you know that you’ll
remember your whole life. Yeah!
Most of our socials are themed. This means that for those who are
brave enough, it’s time to reach back into the old dress-up cupboard,
see what still fits and go wild. I remember going to one social as Gene
Simmons (you know, from KISS… the dude with the tongue). This year
themes range from Mardi Gras to Neon to a Hollywood evening.
Remember that not all socials are the same. While some are just
music, dancing and socialising, the semi-formals also have snacks and
drinks (and small entrance fees). The semi-formals are AWESOME
because they have more décor than usual and are a great excuse to
get a little more dressy—all this, we hope, creates an even more
magical atmosphere.
The committee spend many hours trying to fit in as many socials as
possible for the year, and trust me, you will want more, and more, and
more. So don’t miss any! Remember that socials are the best way to
practice and to get those moves firmly embedded into your heads (and
feet). Pull out the Need-to-Know info in the centrefold and remember
those dates. I’m soooooo stoked to see you there!
Bryce van de Laar
14
There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good. –Edwin Denby
Flashback: MEDAL TESTS
The theme for 2010’s Medal Tests was Havana Nights! Think Dirty
Dancing, Cuba and dimly lit salsa clubs. Although it may have been
tough to dress for the theme, much fun was had and last minute
practising filled the evening of the social. Those doing Medal Tests for
the first time were wondering what was going to happen, while the
“golden oldies” helped out and tried to reassure the beginners. I
stayed relatively calm, because this was my second year of running
Medal Tests.
After all the planning and
chasing after judges, the
day of Medal Tests finally
arrived. In my 4 years with
UCT Ballroom, this was the
first time that Medal Tests
have taken place on a
sunny day! The dancers
and examiners arrived and
all was set up and ready to go… until the examiners decided they
were melting in the sunlight and proceeded to move to the other side
of the hall. After all sorts of certificate printing disasters, we
encouraged all the nervous dancers to get onto the dance floor and
give the examiners a taste of what UCT Ballroom can do.
Couple after couple took the floor, attempting to impress the
examiners with their fancy footwork and elegant postures. It began
slowly, but as the examiners and dancers warmed up, things got
underway quite quickly; so much so that we ended an hour earlier
than anticipated! Once all the dancers had danced and received their
certificates to show off to their proud family and friends, it was time to
clear up and call it a day. Overall, the tests ran smoothly and most
people enjoyed the experience and preparation for INTERVARSITY!
15
Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.
-Anon
At first I was quite nervous about my own test, dancing with a new
partner at a level I felt nowhere near ready for, but it seems all those
extra classes and time spent practising at socials does pay off. Either
that, or all of my stress was so focused on organising that I didn’t
have time to worry about my own test. ☺
A huge thank you to all who helped both with planning and on the
day! I hope that you enjoyed it. For those who did not participate, I
hope that now that you have had the chance to see how it works, you
will have no excuse not to join us this year!
Adrienne Daniels
16
Dance first. Think Later. It’s the natural order. –Samuel Beckett
Medal Tests 2011
Want to improve your technique? Gain confidence on the dance floor?
Or just have some fun with dancing? Then Medal Tests is the event for
you! We arrange extra classes during April for all the people dancing in
Medal Tests in May. On the day the adjudicators will give you impartial
and constructive feedback on your dancing and you will leave with a
shiny new certificate. It is also a perfect way to start preparing for
Intervarsity, which is arguably the most fun event in the UCT Ballroom
Dancing Society calendar.
What you need to do
When the announcements for Medal Tests start (March/April), you
need to find yourself a partner-in-crime and sign up as quickly as
possible. Guys can dance with more than one girl, but are only
examined once. If you are shy or can’t find anyone on your level, we
can make arrangements for you (if you let us know well in advance).
It’s best to dance with someone at or near your level. A partner too
many levels above will make the feedback from your Medal Tests less
useful to you!
Once you have signed up, you should commit to coming to all, or
most, of the extra classes, and make sure your partner does the same.
The best cure for nerves is to be well prepared, so also try to come to
as many socials as you can. The Medal Tests social the night before is
a good opportunity to polish those dance moves and relax a bit before
the day.
On the day, make sure that you bring lots of friends and family to
watch you show off your new skills on the dance floor. The best idea is
to make a day of it, support all your friends and do some warm up
dances before you go on. If you can only arrive just before your
dance, make sure you are at least half an hour early.
After you have danced you can collect your shiny new certificate, the
evaluation from the adjudicators (full of handy tips to improve your
dancing), and information on the upcoming Intervarsity. While you’re
at it, why not join the fun and sign up for Intervarsity too?
Bernie Hubbart
17
Dance till the stars come down from the rafters. Dance, dance, dance till you drop. –W.H. Auden
Medal Tests 2011 Theme: Black & White
This year’s theme is Black & White, so come dressed up in black, or
white, or black and white, black with white stripes, white with black
stripes, black with white polka dots — you choose! Dressing up is
encouraged, especially for the Medal Test social beforehand.
DATES TO DIARISE
Extra classes:
To help you prepare for Medal Tests we will be offering
extra lessons for a few weeks beforehand.
Dates: 10, 17, 25 April; 1 May
Medal Tests Social:
The social will take place from 7pm – 11pm, an hour
earlier than usual, to give us time to set up and you time
to have a good night’s rest. Venue TBA.
Date: Friday 6 May
Medal Tests:
Slots will be available in the morning and the afternoon
with a break for lunch. Morning slots need to be filled up
first, unless you have a valid reason for having to dance
later (and not being able to wake up is not an excuse!)
Date: Saturday 7 May
18
Dance is the hidden language of the soul. –Martha Graham
PULL-OUT
2011
INFO POSTER
Beginner
Extra
Advanced
Adv./extra technique
Pre-Bronze
Beginner
Intermediate
Core technique
Beginner
-
17:00
18:00
19:00
20:00
21:00
While it is not obligatory, beginners may attend more than one class per week.
Thursday
Tuesday
Class Schedule for 2011
Classes begin on Tuesday 15 February and Thursday 17 February 2011
(designed to pull-out of magazine)
NEED-TO-KNOW INFO
UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society
NB:
Old Members’ Social
Ice-breaker Social
Beginner Social
Social
Semi-formal
Medal Test Social
Medal Tests
Pre-exam Social
Social
Intervarsity
Social
Formal
AGM
Social
Semi-Formal
5 February
26 February
12 March
25 March
16 April
6 May
7 May
20 May
30 July
5-7 August
20 August
24 September
29 September
8 October
22 October
New Comm’s theme
Roaring 20s
-
A Night in India
Vampires & Werewolves
-
Hollywood
Neon
Black and White
Black and White
A Day at the Races
Mardi Gras
In Questionable Taste
-
Cartoon Characters
THEME
WEBSITE: www.ballroom.org.za
EMAIL: [email protected]
EVENT
DATE
EVENTS
Jameson Hall
Molly Blackburn
TBA
Kelvin Grove
Molly Blackburn
Stellenbosch University
Jameson Hall
Molly Blackburn
TBA
TBA
Jameson Hall
Jameson Hall
Molly Blackburn
TBA
Molly Blackburn
VENUE
Flashback: INTERVARSITY
Intervarsity 2010, Rhodes University
When it was announced that we would be bussing up the Garden
Route to Rhodes University for Intervarsity 2010, the 2009 team
veterans were thrilled. As always, Intervarsity promised to be the most
exciting event on the Ballroom calendar.
The bus trip was full of nervous chatter, but not even a break-down in
the middle of a tired little Western Cape dorpie could dampen our
spirits. Arriving on Saturday, that evening saw us getting dolled up in
black bags and using vast amounts of sellotape to design dance outfits
which would, hopefully, enclose our bodily bits, as well as our dignity.
The whole team gathered at the pre-Intervarsity social where the Rhodants kept us entertained with heaps of Latin music and
various
interactive games. While some of the team hit the pubs, many hit their
beds at a more acceptable hour, the early wake-up looming in our
sleep-deprived brains.
19
Stifling the urge to dance is bad for your health—it rusts the spirit and the
hips. –Terri Guillemets
The big day dawned and we arrived at the Monument in good spirits.
In spite of a dance floor which proved to be as sticky as pie, we all
knew that our team would show professionalism and fortitude.
Although we had a smaller team than in 2009, we had some very
strong couples on the floor. We performed well in the intermediate,
advanced and bronze sections.
Many of us, however, found
ourselves preoccupied with the
thought of the most anticipated
item on the agenda—
the formation. The formation
team had been practising since
the first few weeks of the
Ballroom year; a strenuous but
ultimately rewarding time for all
of us. It was great to see new faces in the team. The dance itself
proved to be so varied and difficult that we all experienced some
frustrating moments, but the hard work paid off when we got on that
dance floor and blew everyone away.
The Lion King theme gave us the
chance to wear beautiful costumes with
sexy spots painted on our faces.
At the end of the day UCT was third
overall and first in the formation (a feat
we have not pulled off in many years).
Many of our dancers received welldeserved medals and we were all
pumped and happy when we finally got
on the bus to travel home. The theme
song of the trip was “go go bananas”,
and after experiencing such great spirit
from our team, I am really looking
forward to the next trip.
20
Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain. –Anon
Dom will tell you more about the Bananas’ imminent visit to
Stellenbosch for Intervarsity 2011. I hope you will mash along with us.
Claire Martens
21
If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution. –Emma Goldman
Intervarsity 2011
Hmmmm... Intervarsity.
The name suggests at least two universities, brought together to do...
something! (Most likely a competition of some sort.) What the name
does not shed light upon is why UCT Ballroom veterans start grinning
animatedly when it is mentioned.
Intervarsity is an event where universities from across the country
(including UCT, Stellenbosch, TUKS, NMMU and Rhodes) gather for a
weekend of dancing, fun and competition.
I handle the logistics while the rest of you use Medal Tests to start
preparing. Extra classes are scheduled to allow for more dancing.
Partners, and individuals in search of partners, sign up and add their
names to my *cough* soul contract *cough* I mean Entrant Roster.
After weeks of anticipation, our dancers board The Bus. This year its
destination is Stellenbosch University (so the back-of-the-bus-revelry
will be short and intense). This will prepare us for the pre-competition
social, on the Friday night, where we meet other varsities and steel
our nerves for the morrow.
22
Dancing with feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another. –Anon
On the morrow, we prepare amidst a mass of nerves and excitement
and board The Bus to drive TO GLORY! We strut our stuff in the
walk-on, which introduces all the universities, and Intervarsity
begins. We chant, we yell, we cheer, we cry and above all: We
Dance! As the day progresses so do the skills, as not only the
experienced dancers begin their heats, but the beginners and
intermediates near their finals. As Intervarsity draws to its end, the
formation teams don their costumes and prepare to dazzle the
judges with their choreography and timing.
Then the scores are totalled, the winners rewarded, the individuals
granted their bragging rights and the university that has acquired the
most points overall is showered in accolades. The Spirit Cup is
awarded to the university that sets its soul (and voice boxes) behind
its dancers the most. Last year it was Stellenbosch that won
recognition as the best of the best. This year we intend to take the trophy back!
In 2011 the actual Intervarsity competition is on a Saturday, in
Stellenbosch, so we shall be taking a leisurely return to UCT. We plan
to toast our successes and commiserate over our sorrows at
beautiful wine farms, tasting fine wines, or just enjoying the
experience for those who don’t like fermented grapes.
In short, when The Roster makes its appearance, do NOT hesitate to
sign up. Intervarsity is an experience that can only be truly described
by experiencing it. Just like anyone can learn to dance, any member
can be a part of the Intervarsity experience and help us all make
memories we will never forget.
Dominic Nunes
Dates to diarise
Extra classes: 15 May, 22 May, 29 May, 5 June,
Intervarsity: Friday 5 August – Sunday 7 August
23
And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could
not hear the music. –Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
Flashback: FORMAL
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Magical, simply magical! That is the best description for our Formal of
2010.The theme was Rivendell from Lord of the Rings. We had heelves and she-elves and all sorts of mythical creatures who strangely
resembled people we know! It was held at Kelvin Grove and our
inventive committee created a magical forest ambience within the hall.
On arrival we were
greeted by friends and
given champagne. When
the doors finally opened
we were ushered into a
hall filled with ivy,
beautifully
decorated
tables and, best of all, a
large sprung dance floor!
After thanking all the precious people who made our 2010 events
awesome, the dance floor was opened by our committee members
and their partners. From then on, the rest was history, for we did what
we love best — we danced! The added bonus was, of course, an
absolutely delicious three course meal, thanks to the Kelvin Grove
caterers.
And so, if you would like to experience a magical evening filled with
beautiful people (who happen to be your good friends), great food and
hours of exhilarating dancing, then make certain that the 2011 Formal
is on your calendar and that on the day you are dressed up and ready
to dance your heart out!
Lani Strumpfer
24
To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak. –Hopi Indian Saying
Formal 2011
A Night in In di a
Now that you’ve heard about all the exciting dancing challenges and
events there are to look forward to this year, there is one more
magical night to add to your diary. At the end of every ballroom year
there is an evening where you get to be at your best, your most
beautiful and your most stylish. That night, lads and ladies, is the endof-year formal dance.
After much wracking of brain cells, we found inspiration in our fourth
pot of coffee… Divining, from the soggy coffee grounds, the name of a
distant land, we agreed that it is our great desire to transport you; to
give you a taste of an entirely different culture. A culture that is
steeped in myth and legend, the home of four of the world’s major
religions, a place of passion, romance, music, and most importantly,
dance…
Get ready to celebrate the end of the year, surrounded by twinkling
candle light, and show off your new moves amongst gold filigree, silk
hangings, elephant motifs and all the colours, sights, sounds and
romantic opulence of the great nation of India!
UCT Ballroom Committee 2011 would like to present
A Night in In di a
Kelvin Grove Ballroom
24th September 2011
Lucy Farrow
25
To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. –Agnes de Mille
The Ballroom
& Latin Dances
BALLROOM
Waltz
In fairytales, when The Prince says, “May I
have this dance?” and The Princess says,
“Yes!” they waltz. The epitome of class and
elegance, the Waltz requires musicality as it is
the only ballroom dance in 3/4 time.
Tango
“I love you! I hate you! I love you! I hate you!
DANCE WITH ME!” is the best way to describe the
Tango. This passionate dance is done with flare
and intensity, contrasting slow, smooth movements
with sharp highlights.
Rhythm Foxtrot
The Rhythm Foxtrot is a relaxed and “chatty”
dance. Popular at parties (because it is
danced easily to most music), this is one of
the more simple ballroom dances.
Don’t underestimate its importance: it
develops vital foundation technique for the
Quickstep.
Quickstep
The Quickstep is a fancy-footwork dance. It looks
almost like kids on the playground involved in an
elaborate game of hopscotch. This dance creates a lot
of opportunity for the dancers to add character to their
performance. It has a light, lilting rhythm.
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Dance is for everybody. I believe that the dance came from the people and that it should always be
delivered back to the people. –Alvin Ailey
Slow Foxtrot
The embodiment of perfection, the Slow Foxtrot, is
considered the connoisseur’s dance. The reason:
the slower you dance, the harder it is to get away
with taking shortcuts. According to famous dancer,
Len Scrivener, the first seventeen years are the
worst.
Viennese Waltz
Some say that the Viennese Waltz is the
ultimate test for the perfect partnership. Like
the Waltz, but at high speed, this dance
requires the couple to get up close and share
their centre of gravity in order to twirl
impressively around the room... needless to
say, beginners’ Viennese is a rather dizzy
experience.
LATIN
Cha-Cha
If the Cha-Cha told a story, it would be about a
cheeky young girl teasing all the boys and playing
hard to get. The Cha-Cha gets flirtatiously close, but
then pulls away, creating space. It’s great because it
gives both the man and the woman a chance to
move those hips.
Salsa
The Salsa is the party dance. It’s fun, easy to pick
up and a great way for meeting people — there’s
a reason that there are Salsa clubs all over Cape
Town. Picture short dresses, steamy Cuban bars
and snappy turns.
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Dancing is the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made.
–Ted Shawn
Rumba
If the Salsa is the one-night-stand of Latin, then the
Rumba is true love. Sexy, controlled and with an
understated power, this dance is one of the more
intimate and beautiful Latin dances.
Samba
The dance of the Rio Carnival, the Samba requires
you to move those hips all night long. It’s all about
skimpy costumes, bright colours and big smiles. It
has a relentless pulsating feel and is also a great
stomach workout.
Jive
Originating in the 1940s, the Jive is an
energetic swing dance variation. It has
persistent leggy-bounce to it and is full of wild
turns and spins. You will recognise it by its
characteristic syncopated motion.
Paso Doble
Paso Doble: the dance of the Matador. This
dramatic dance is all about the man. He plays
the role of the bullfighter, whilst the woman is
either the flamenco dancer and adoring fan, or
the cape (in other words, an extension of the
matador’s arm). This dance is all about ego
and precision and allows for powerful poses
and dips.
Anique Kruger
28
Dancing: the vertical expression of a horizontal desire legalized by music.
-George Bernard Shaw
Helpful Hints for New Members
At UCT Ballroom we believe anyone can learn to dance. You
don’t need a partner, and you don’t need any experience to
come along and have a good time. Once you’ve taken the
plunge and joined up, however, it can still be a bit intimidating
to get on the dance floor! Here are some tips that will help you
enjoy classes more and get the most out of dancing.
You are welcome to attend as many or as few classes
at your level as you like, but obviously the more classes
you attend, the faster you will progress! Socials are
also a great opportunity to improve, so come to as
many as you possibly can.
Make sure to change partners when your teacher asks you
to do so. This is very important: she is not breaking up any
romances; she is teaching you how to dance! Part of the
skill of social dancing is being able to dance comfortably
with many different people.
Please don’t attend classes of a level higher than
your own. This frustrates more senior dancers and
won’t do any good for your technique in the long run.
It’s important to spend a year at each level to learn
new moves in the right order.
Please do not ask higher-level dancers to teach
you new steps. You run the risk of picking up bad
habits that will be very difficult to get rid of later!
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Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. –Dave Barry
Bear in mind the fact that you won’t get to
expand your social circle if you do not
change partners when requested to. There is
no expected commitment after a 3-5 minute
song!
Either the lady or the man can
request a dance, but it is considered very poor dance
etiquette to refuse a dance invitation. The only
acceptable reasons are if you don’t know the dance, you
have promised it to someone else or you are sitting that
one out because you are tired. Otherwise, accept,
accept, accept and accept again. If you decline a dance
with one person, you should not accept another person’s
invitation.
Avoid booking too many dances in advance with a person—this is also
considered poor dance etiquette.
Above all, make your partner happy! Entertain your
partner and make them feel appreciated. This is one of
the biggest secrets to success in social dancing and will
make sure you are never short of willing and
enthusiastic dance partners.
And guys, remember…
30
Dance is not an answer. Dance is a question. “Yes!” is the answer. –Anon
Buying Dance Shoes for the First Time
Had a taste and want to carry on with dancing?
The first thing you will need is a proper pair of dance
shoes. They have (among other handy features!)
suede soles that prevent you from slipping or sticking
to the floor. The soles are also thinner and more
flexible than regular 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.
Fitting a shoe
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. 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.
Choosing a style
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.
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.
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.
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Dancing is wonderful training for girls. It’s the first way you learn to guess what a
man is going to do before he does it. –Christopher Morley
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 some
battering, especially at first. It’s best to try on a
few pairs before you decide which style feels
comfortable and looks best for you.
Women’s 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.
Which material?
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.
Basic shoe care
The golden rule is that you should never wear your dance 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.
Keep the soles clean of dust and wax build-up using
a wire brush. Dance stores should stock these, but a
braai brush also works. This will extend the life of
your shoes. Once all the suede has worn off, your
shoes will have to be resoled. 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.
Price
This will vary depending on the style and make of shoe, but usually falls
within the range of R300-R1200. A good pair of entry level shoes should
cost you about R500.
Bernie Hubbart
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We should consider every day lost in which we do not dance. –Nietzsche
Committee 2011
CHAIR — Lara Milne
Hi all! I’m Lara, chair of this madhouse for 2011.
Aside from making sure the society runs as
smoothly as possible this year, I’ll be working on
my Honours in English. So if you see a stack of
books with feet (in dancing shoes), that’s probably
me.
UCT Ballroom is first and foremost a social society
— you’ll meet great people, do fun and often
spectacularly random things, and of course, learn
to sweep across a ballroom in style. I joined up in
first year with no dancing experience whatsoever,
and I can tell you it’s a fantastic experience,
whether you’re an accomplished dancer or have two left feet.
In the upcoming year I hope to see even more people getting
involved, even crazier social outfits, and lots of amazing dancing.
VICE CHAIR — Anique Kruger
Hey Guys. I’m Anique, your Vice-Chair for 2011.
My job description in four words: I am Lara’s
slave. Luckily admin-related stuff comes easy to
me so I still have lots of time to dance.
I’ve danced pretty much all my life. After an
abrupt end to 11 years of ballet (due to a “tragic
injury”), I was attracted to the gracefulness of
Ballroom and the cheekiness of Latin and decided
to join the UCT Ballroom Society. The day I fell in
love with ballroom was when I got the Viennese
Waltz right for the first time. There was
something about swirling around the room, with only my partner’s
face in focus and everything else dizzily blurred, that made me feel
like a princess or a character in a Jane Austen novel. Honestly, it was
more exciting than a first kiss!
The hopeless romantic in me recommends ballroom to anyone who
enjoys Pride and Prejudice… or Dirty Dancing for that matter.
33
Common sense and a sense of humour are the same thing moving at different
speeds. A sense of humour is just common sense dancing. –William James
TREASURER — Alistair Bowen-Davies
Hey all. I am from Zimbabwe and
I am 21 years old, studying my
second year of Construction,
Economics and Management. I am
lucky to have inherited one of the
most organised societies at UCT
and I promise to carry that
forward in every aspect of my role
as treasurer this year. In my spare
time I enjoy yachting and golf.
I danced for 8 years, until I took a 4 year break. Now I am back
enjoying this fantastic society where I have discovered a new social
aspect that has taught me more about enjoying dance and how to
lead than I ever learnt in my competitive years.
I am always glad to share my wisdom or, simply, to dance with
whoever needs it. I make a special effort to attend every class, so I
will undoubtedly see you on the dance floor!
SOCIALS –Bryce van de Laar
So my name is Bryce, and yes, I know it rhymes
with half the English dictionary (pretty cool to
use for song writing… hmmmm). I am currently
studying music and English literature and I am
loving everything about UCT; most notably,
BALLROOM. Even though I had no dancing
background prior to joining this — for want of a
better word – “institution,” learning was easy and I am now a selfproclaimed ballroom addict.
As much as I would love to ramble on and on about myself, I am kind
of restricted by the word limit, so in short, I am going to be heading
up the socials portfolio this year. Socials happen regularly (practically
every second week, you lucky people!) so come to as many as you
can. They will be AWESOME!!!
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The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music. Bodies never
lie. -Agnes de Mile
MEDAL TESTS – Bernie Hubbart
Hola freshly recruited (or re-recruited)
dancers! Call me Bernie (Bernadette has too
many letters and Ishmael has been taken
already). I'll be your host for Medal Tests 2011.
I moved to Cape Town from Johannesburg to get
my MSc at UCT in Botany (red tides and
ecotoxicology, really it’s part of the new
Oceanography department). The ballroom and Latin dancing people at
O-week looked like so much fun that I just had to join! I've never
looked back since.
Many years (how many? That would be telling...) of happy dancing
and stubbed toes later, this society is the one I always make time for.
INTERVASITY –Dominic Nunes
Hello. I joined Ballroom in first year not knowing
anyone there and without ANY dancing training at
all. Many years later, dancing is still an addiction
I've never regretted, and I've forged friendships I
will cherish forever.
The elegance and energy of dancing with a
beautiful woman never fades (and they are all
beautiful). The point of this little blurb is not to
praise the fairer sex, unfortunately, so time for some details on my
duties. There is an annual competition, called Intervarsity, which takes
place between UCT and other SA Universities, which is going to be
hosted by Stellenbosch in 2011. It is my responsibility to get as many
of us there as possible to have awesome fun competing, cheering and
letting our "rivals" know who has "brought it!"
In short: welcome and please don’t be scared to ask anyone for a
dance.
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Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn’t music. –William Stafford
IT – Richard Parry
If you’re reading this, then it probably
means you’ve just joined the UCT Ballroom
and Latin dancing society. Congratulations!
I’m an ex-UCT student, an entrepreneur and
self-confessed dancing addict. This will be
my 4th year of dancing, but it feels like
yesterday that I started. If you’re new to the
society, then you’re in for an amazing
experience.
This year I’m in charge of everything related to IT, so if you have a
digitally related query, send it on to me. Don’t be afraid to harass the
committee, that’s what we’re here for.
FORMAL – Lucy Farrow
Hi all, my name is Lucy Farrow
and I have been involved in the
awesome UCT Ballroom Society
for about three years now.
Outside of ballroom (if there is
such a thing — I am still debating
that) I work as an office manager
and bookkeeper for a software
company, and attempt to study
my BCom degree through UNISA
in my spare time.
This year I have been given the responsibility of organising the formal
dance. This is a fantastic evening where we get to party in our best
outfits, experience the style and elegance of a beautifully decorated
ballroom, and show off the cool moves we learnt during the year,
while socialising with the other ballroom members in glitz and glam.
To this end I am reinventing the word “creative” to bring you
something super special...
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Please send me your last pair of shoes, worn out with dancing as you mentioned in your letter,
so that I may have something to press against my heart. –Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
O-WEEK - Claire Martens
I am not like the shoe that shares my
surname, Doc Martens. I am not utilitarian,
fierce and worn by German rockers from
the 60s. I am more like a dancing shoe;
soft and squishy with the annoying
tendency to cause blisters.
I will be the blister on everyone’s soul when
it comes to O-week. I will be using marketing skills never before
witnessed in Molly Blackburn (including learning everyone’s names and
promoting equality of the sexes) to convince everyone I meet that
Ballroom dancing is an irresistible social activity; one that you can even do
with your grandparents! As Maya Angelou puts it so poignantly,
“Everything in the Universe has rhythm. Everything dances.”
While I am not following my instincts on the dance floor, I will be hitting
the books in the Department of Social Development at UCT, supporting my
favourite SA bands and enjoying the cultural and environmental assets of
Cape Town; and that includes the people.
UCT BALLROOM AND LATIN
DANCING SOCIETY
www.ballroom.org.za
Comments or queries?
email: [email protected]