For many, the University of Chicago conjures images of rigorous academics, particularly economics, or perhaps its stunning gothic architecture. Dance might not immediately spring to mind. As someone deeply passionate about the arts alongside the intricacies of finance, I initially wondered if I could nurture my burgeoning interest in dance within such an environment. (Let me preface this by saying I’m not a seasoned dancer. My high school experience with Chinese traditional dance was purely for fun. Experienced dancers, your dedication and skill are truly admirable!).
Luckily, my search for extracurriculars during my first year quickly revealed a vibrant dance scene on campus. Beyond the overwhelming Registered Student Organization (RSO) fair in Autumn Quarter – where you could find a club for virtually any imaginable hobby – the UChicago Dance Council hosted an Open House specifically for first-years. This event showcased over ten different groups, each presenting their unique dance styles. I was completely captivated by the sheer variety and energy.
Excolatur Dance Crew, a competitive hip-hop and urban dance team, was the first group to truly grab my attention. Their infectious music and dynamic moves were instantly appealing, sparking daydreams of diving into the world of hip-hop dance. Despite zero prior experience, I convinced a few friends to join me for one of Ex Crew’s public weekend workshops. Dancers from the team taught segments of their original choreography, and it was much more enjoyable than I anticipated. Auditioning for the team seemed like the natural next step. The audition mirrored the workshop format but with a much larger, more intense crowd. Although advertised as open to all skill levels, the room was clearly filled with talented individuals, 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 I thought might be more accessible to a beginner like myself compared to hip-hop. However, similar to my Ex Crew audition, I felt overwhelmed by the talent present, despite the stated inclusivity. Unsurprisingly, I didn’t find a spot with UC Dancers either, and my search continued. Recalling my past experience with Chinese traditional dance, I explored Asian culture RSOs like the Chinese Undergraduate Students Association (CUSA) and Sensasia. I hoped to find a dance group within their annual cultural shows. While I did join a K-pop dance team for the Korean Student Organization (KSO) showcase, it didn’t quite feel like the right long-term fit.
Just as I was about to give up on dance for the year, one group resurfaced in my mind with particularly positive vibes: the Ballroom & Latin Dance Association (BLDA). At the beginning of Autumn Quarter, my RA, Tiffany, had encouraged a group of us first-years to attend the BLDA “Ballroom Bootcamp” in the International House theater. Although ballroom dance was completely foreign to me, the workshop was surprisingly fun. We learned basic waltz and cha-cha steps with friends and even participated in a mock competition simulating real team events. To conclude the event, BLDA provided pizza and drinks while showcasing performances from dancers of all levels. I was genuinely impressed by everyone’s enthusiasm and skill.
When Winter Quarter arrived and BLDA hosted another workshop, I decided to give it another try. This smaller workshop was just as enjoyable, leading me to attend their weekly lessons (free for newcomers in their first quarter!). Despite my inconsistent attendance due to coursework and not having a partner initially, the BLDA board remained consistently welcoming. They actively helped me integrate into the group and explore various ballroom and Latin styles. Finally, after a few weeks of academic immersion, Carol, the competition manager, contacted me. She had found me a partner and invited me to an upcoming competition at Valparaiso University.
The idea of competing was daunting, especially considering my limited 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 timeframe. But, as they say, everyone starts somewhere.
The beauty of collegiate ballroom dance lies in its level-based system: Newcomer, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and so on. This structure alleviated my fear of looking completely out of place, as everyone at the Newcomer level was relatively new, with only slightly more training than myself. The competition turned out to be incredibly enjoyable. I bonded with team members during the three-hour carpool, a pre-competition “hair party,” last-minute practice sessions, and a team dinner! It was a fantastic weekend escape from academics, and I’m incredibly grateful I decided to try ballroom despite my initial hesitation.
Although BLDA had to temporarily shift away from in-person events, my passion for dance has only intensified. I eagerly anticipate returning to the dance floor and making up for lost time with my team. I’ve truly found a family within BLDA and have no intention of letting go anytime soon.
