Ballroom Dance Club seeks new members

Upon hearing the words "ballroom dancing," one might form a mental picture of huge banquets or balls in the 19th century or vaguely recall the waltz from seventh grade gym class. But at IU, the art of these classic dances is still alive. \nFounded in 1984, the IU Ballroom Dance Club has had more than 150 members. President Robin Mock, a senior, said the membership goal is 200 for the academic year. The club performs a variety of ballroom and Latin dances. The five main ballroom dances are: modern waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, slow foxtrot and quickstep. Latin dances include: the cha cha, samba, rumba, paso doble and dive. A new addition is a night club dancing class that teaches salsa and mambo. \nMock said the cost of the club is $10 per semester and $35 per class. Classes start off at a beginner level and are offered to those with little or no experience in dance. Intermediate and advanced levels follow, as well as the new Tango Argentino class. Any student or nonstudent is invited to join at any time during the year. \n"The distribution of males and females involved is fairly even," Mock said, and added that IU offers a course called "Intro to Ballroom and Social Dance," which is separate from the club but has become increasingly popular. \nMock said the club is always looking to increase membership, and one way they promote this is through dances they hold during the year. The first dance was held a few weeks ago with about 70 in attendance, but "we'd like to have more," Mock said. The next dance is the Masquerade Ball Oct. 29 in the Frangipani room of the Indiana Memorial Union. All members get a discount to these events. \nThe club offers a social division and a competition division. Competition is open to all levels of experience; the categories are newcomer, beginner, intermediate and advanced. \nGraduate student Katianna Pihakar, vice president of the competition division, said she is excited about the three competitions this semester, which are Oct. 21 and Nov. 4. The Ohio Star is the biggest one, running from Nov. 14 to 18. \nPihakar said IU always places well in competition. Last year, Orlando Asuncion, an alumnus and former club president, and senior Heather Lawless qualified and attended the Ballroom Dancing Nationals, where hundreds of schools around the the United States competed.\nThe dress for dancing depends on the type of dance one is performing. For traditional ballroom dances, like the waltz and tango, cocktail dresses and dancing shoes suffice. Mock said, "Some girls wear prom dresses -- just long, flowy types of things."\nWith Latin dances, such as the cha cha, swing, and rumba, girls are encouraged to wear more short, flashy outfits. Slinky and bright go hand to hand with the fast, more choppy moves of Latin dancing. Men wear black pants, black shirts and performing shoes for Latin and Ballroom, unless it is a very advanced competition in which case they wear tuxedos. \nOther opportunities to test one's dancing skills are held weekly around the state. There are dances from 9-11 p.m. every Friday at the Indy Ballroom Co. for $5. Coming soon to the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis are Bobby Layne, Johnny Kaye and Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians. Dances are from 5-9 p.m., and the cost is $12 a piece. From 2:30-5 p.m., Oct. 15, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3 in Nashville is the Harry Burgess Band at Mike's Barn and Dance. It is $10 per person and includes a buffet lunch. \n"I think the class is a great way to meet new people, have fun and learn something new at the same time," said junior Ryan Chapman. \nTo learn more about the IU Ballroom Dance Club, check out the Web site at www.indiana.edu/~dance/. Practice sessions are 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays and noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays in the School of Health, Education and Physical Recreation Room 169.