When you think of the University of Chicago, dance might not be the first thing that springs to mind. Often recognized for its rigorous academics, particularly in economics, and its stunning gothic architecture, UChicago’s vibrant arts scene can sometimes be overlooked. As someone drawn to both the complexities of finance and the expressive freedom of dance, I initially wondered if I could pursue my burgeoning passion for dance amidst the demanding academic environment. Despite my limited dance background—my high school experience in a Chinese traditional dance club was purely recreational—I was eager to explore the possibilities. For those of you with serious dance credentials, know that I hold immense respect for your dedication and artistry!
To my delightful surprise, the university campus was brimming with opportunities to dance. During my first year, navigating the numerous extracurricular fairs, I uncovered a wealth of dance clubs. The annual Registered Student Organization (RSO) fair alone showcased clubs for virtually every imaginable interest. Adding to this, the UChicago Dance Council hosted a special Open House for first-year students, presenting over ten distinct dance groups, each displaying their unique styles and talents. I was genuinely captivated by the sheer diversity and energy of the dance culture on campus.
Excolatur Dance Crew immediately grabbed my attention. This competitive hip-hop and urban dance team exuded charisma and skill. The dynamic music and incredibly sharp dance moves were instantly appealing. I was hooked and began to envision myself immersed in the world of hip-hop dance. Despite having no prior experience in this genre, I convinced a few friends to join me for one of Ex Crew’s public weekend workshops. These workshops offered a taste of their self-choreographed routines, and it was far more enjoyable and accessible than I had anticipated. Fueled by this positive experience, I decided to aim higher and audition for the team. The audition mirrored the workshop format but with a larger crowd and noticeably higher stakes. Although advertised as open to all skill levels, the audition room was clearly filled with experienced dancers, and unfortunately, I didn’t make the team.
Undeterred, I shifted my focus to UC Dancers, the university’s oldest dance company. They specialize in modern and contemporary styles, which seemed potentially more approachable for a beginner like me compared to hip-hop. However, much like my Ex Crew audition, I felt overwhelmed by the talent present at the UC Dancers audition, despite their open-level policy. Once again, I didn’t secure a spot on the team, prompting me to continue my search. Drawing upon my past experience with Chinese traditional dance, I explored various Asian cultural RSOs like the Chinese Undergraduate Students Association (CUSA) and Sensasia. I hoped to find a dance group within their annual cultural shows that I could join. While I did participate in a K-pop dance team for the Korean Student Organization (KSO) showcase, it didn’t quite resonate with me as a long-term commitment or feel like the right fit.
Just as I was about to lose momentum, I remembered a dance group that had left a very positive impression from the start. During Autumn Quarter orientation, my Resident Assistant (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—undeniably the best dorm! Ballroom dance was completely new territory for me, but the workshop proved to be incredibly fun. We learned basic waltz and cha-cha steps with friends and even participated in a mock competition that simulated the real events the team attended. To conclude the event, BLDA provided pizza and drinks while showcasing performances from dancers of all skill levels. I was genuinely impressed by the passion and talent within the group.
When Winter Quarter arrived, and BLDA announced another workshop, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and give it another try. This workshop was smaller than the Bootcamp but equally enjoyable. I then started attending their weekly lessons, which are free for newcomers during their first quarter. Even though my attendance was inconsistent due to not having a partner, the BLDA board remained incredibly welcoming and communicative, encouraging me to integrate into the group and explore the various styles of ballroom and Latin dance. Eventually, Carol, the competition manager, reached out, informing me she had found a partner and inviting me to participate in an upcoming competition at Valparaiso University.
The prospect of competing was daunting, especially considering my limited two weeks of commitment. Even after meeting my partner, Andrew, who had just one more quarter of experience, I was uncertain if I could master sixteen different ballroom and Latin dance styles in such a short timeframe. However, I realized that everyone starts somewhere.
The brilliance of collegiate ballroom dance lies in its leveling system: Newcomer, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and so on. This structure relieved my anxiety about appearing inept on the dance floor, as everyone in the Newcomer level was essentially at a similar stage, with only slightly more training than me. The competition turned out to be an amazing experience. I bonded with my team members during the three-hour carpool, pre-competition hair styling session, last-minute practices, and the team dinner. It was a fantastic weekend escape from academic pressures, and I am incredibly grateful I decided to try ballroom dance, despite my initial hesitations and lack of experience.
Although BLDA had to transition to virtual activities for a period, my enthusiasm for dance has only grown stronger. I eagerly anticipate the return to in-person events to reconnect with my dance family at BLDA and make up for lost time. I’ve truly found a community within this club and plan to remain a part of it for the foreseeable future. For anyone curious about exploring Club Dances in college, my journey highlights that universities, like the University of Chicago, offer a welcoming and diverse landscape of dance opportunities for all levels.
