For many considering the University of Chicago, images of rigorous academics and groundbreaking research might spring to mind, perhaps overshadowing the vibrant arts scene. You might not immediately associate UChicago with dance clubs, but as someone deeply passionate about both intellectual pursuits and artistic expression, I was thrilled to uncover a thriving dance culture right here on campus. Like many, my dance background was more enthusiastic than expert. My high school dabbling in Chinese traditional dance was purely for fun. So, if you’re a seasoned dancer reading this, please know I have immense respect for your dedication!
My quest to find extracurriculars during my first year quickly led me to a fantastic discovery: a wealth of dance clubs at UChicago. Beyond the massive Registered Student Organization (RSO) fair, a treasure trove of opportunities for every interest imaginable, the UChicago Dance Council hosts an annual Open House. This event is a fantastic introduction for first-year students to the dynamic dance club scene, showcasing over ten diverse groups and their unique talents. I was truly amazed by the sheer variety and energy.
One group immediately captured my attention: Excolatur Dance Crew, a competitive hip-hop and urban dance club. Their incredible music and even more impressive moves were captivating. It was love at first sight, and I began to envision myself diving into the world of hip-hop dance. Despite zero experience in the style, I convinced some friends to join me for one of Ex Crew’s public weekend workshops. These workshops offered a taste of their self-choreographed pieces and were incredibly fun and accessible. Inspired, I decided to aim for the next challenge: auditioning for the team itself. The audition mirrored the workshop format but with a much larger crowd and palpable tension. While advertised as open to all skill levels, the room was clearly filled with talent, and unfortunately, I didn’t make the team.
Undeterred, I shifted my focus to another prominent dance club: UC Dancers. As the university’s oldest dance company, they focus on modern and contemporary styles, which I thought might be a more accessible entry point than hip-hop. However, similar to my Ex Crew audition, I felt intimidated by the process, even though it was also advertised as open to dancers of all levels. Again, I didn’t find a place on the UC Dancers team, and my search continued. Drawing on my background in Chinese traditional dance, I explored Asian culture RSOs like the Chinese Undergraduate Students Association (CUSA) and Sensasia, hoping to participate in a dance performance for their cultural shows. I did join a team performing K-pop for the Korean Student Organization’s (KSO) showcase, but it didn’t feel like the right long-term fit.
Just as I was about to lose momentum, I remembered a dance club that had given me genuinely positive vibes and deserved another look. At the start of Autumn Quarter, my RA, Tiffany, had encouraged a group of us first-years to attend the “Ballroom Bootcamp” hosted by the Ballroom & Latin Dance Association (BLDA) in the International House theater. Ballroom dance was completely new to me, but the workshop was surprisingly enjoyable. We learned the basics of waltz and cha-cha with friends and even participated in a mock competition simulating the real events the team attends. To conclude, BLDA provided pizza and drinks while we watched performances from dancers of all levels, which was truly inspiring. Everyone seemed to shine with confidence and joy.
When Winter Quarter arrived and BLDA hosted another workshop, I decided to be brave and try again. This smaller workshop was just as fun, so I started attending their weekly lessons (free for newcomers in their first quarter!). Even though I was inconsistent due to not having a partner, the BLDA board remained incredibly welcoming, encouraging me to integrate into the group and explore various ballroom and Latin dance styles. Finally, after a period of focusing on academics, Carol, the competition manager, contacted me. She had found me a partner and invited me to compete at Valparaiso University.
The idea of competition was daunting, especially considering my limited experience of only two weeks of commitment. Even after meeting my partner, Andrew, who had slightly more experience, I doubted my ability to learn sixteen different ballroom and Latin dance styles in such a short time. But then I remembered: everyone has to start somewhere.
The beauty of collegiate ballroom dance is its leveled structure: Newcomer, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and so on. This meant I wouldn’t be completely out of my depth on the dance floor, as everyone in the Newcomer level was relatively new, with just a few weeks more training than me. The competition turned out to be a fantastic experience. The three-hour carpool, pre-competition “hair party,” last-minute practice sessions, and team dinner were all incredible bonding experiences. It was a wonderful weekend escape from academic pressures, and I’m incredibly grateful I decided to try ballroom, despite my initial hesitations.
While BLDA had to pause in-person activities for a period, my passion for dance has only grown stronger. I eagerly anticipate returning to the dance floor and making up for lost time with my BLDA family. Joining a dance club has truly enriched my UChicago experience, and I encourage anyone curious about dance to explore the diverse and welcoming dance club community here. You might just find your rhythm and your people in one of UChicago’s fantastic dance clubs.
