When you think of the University of Chicago, dance might not be the first thing that springs to mind. Renowned for its rigorous academics, particularly in economics, and its stunning gothic architecture, UChicago holds a reputation for intellectual pursuits. However, for students with diverse interests, including a passion for movement and rhythm, the university offers a vibrant and welcoming dance scene. As someone who appreciates both the complexities of finance and the expressive art of dance, I initially wondered if I could find an outlet for my burgeoning interest in dance on campus. Despite my limited dance background – casual participation in Chinese traditional dance in high school – I was eager to explore the possibilities.
Exploring Diverse Dance Styles: From Hip-Hop to Contemporary
My search for extracurricular activities during my first year quickly unveiled a treasure trove of Dance Clubs at UChicago. Beyond the massive Registered Student Organization (RSO) fair, a whirlwind of clubs representing every conceivable interest, the UChicago Dance Council hosted an Open House specifically designed for first-year students. This event showcased over ten different dance groups, each offering a unique flavor of dance culture. I was immediately captivated by the sheer variety and energy.
Excolatur Dance Crew, a competitive hip-hop and urban dance team, was the first group to grab my attention. Their dynamic music and impressive choreography were instantly appealing, sparking a vision of myself immersed in the world of hip-hop. Despite lacking any formal hip-hop training, 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 routines, proving to be much more enjoyable and accessible than I anticipated. Inspired, I decided to audition for the team. The audition, mirroring the workshop format, was significantly more crowded and intense. While advertised as open to all skill levels, the room was clearly filled with experienced dancers. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the team, but this only fueled my determination to explore other avenues.
Turning my attention to UC Dancers, the university’s oldest dance company, I hoped to find a better fit. They focus on modern and contemporary styles, which seemed potentially easier to learn than hip-hop. However, similar to my Ex Crew experience, the UC Dancers audition proved intimidating, despite its open-level policy. Once again, I didn’t secure a spot, prompting me to broaden my search further. My past experience with Chinese traditional dance led me to explore Asian culture RSOs like the Chinese Undergraduate Students Association (CUSA) and Sensasia. I hoped to find a dance opportunity within their annual cultural shows. While I did participate in a K-pop dance team for the Korean Student Organization (KSO) showcase, it didn’t quite resonate as a long-term commitment or the perfect fit I was seeking.
Finding a Home in Ballroom and Latin Dance
Just as I was feeling discouraged, I recalled a dance group that had made a positive impression earlier in the Autumn Quarter. 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) at the International House. Ballroom dance was completely new to me, but the workshop turned out to be surprisingly fun. We learned the basics of waltz and cha-cha alongside friends and even participated in a mock competition simulating real BLDA events. The Bootcamp concluded with pizza and drinks while we watched captivating performances from dancers of all levels within BLDA. I was genuinely impressed by the talent and the welcoming atmosphere.
When Winter Quarter arrived and BLDA hosted another workshop, I decided to give it another try. This workshop was smaller than the Bootcamp but equally enjoyable. I began attending their weekly lessons, a perk for newcomers who could attend their first quarter for free. Despite inconsistent attendance due to schoolwork and not yet having a dedicated partner, the BLDA board remained consistently welcoming, proactively reaching out and helping me integrate into the group and explore various ballroom and Latin dance styles. After a few weeks, Carol, the competition manager, contacted me with exciting news: she had found me a partner and invited me to attend an upcoming competition at Valparaiso University.
Collegiate Ballroom Dance: A Welcoming World for Beginners
The idea of competing was daunting, especially considering my limited experience of only two weeks. Even after meeting my partner, Andrew, who had slightly more experience, I was uncertain if I could master sixteen different ballroom and Latin dance styles in such a short time. However, I reminded myself that everyone starts somewhere.
One of the most appealing aspects of collegiate ballroom dance is its structured level system, ranging from Newcomer to Bronze, Silver, Gold, and beyond. This system alleviated my fear of feeling out of place on the dance floor, as everyone in the Newcomer level was essentially at the same stage, with only slight variations in training duration. The competition experience turned out to be incredibly positive. The three-hour carpool ride with teammates, pre-competition hair styling session, last-minute practice, and team dinner all contributed to a strong sense of camaraderie and fun. It was a fantastic weekend escape from academic pressures, and I was thrilled that I had taken the plunge into ballroom dance despite my initial hesitations.
Although in-person events faced a temporary pause, my enthusiasm for dance has only grown stronger. I eagerly anticipate the return to in-person activities and the opportunity to reconnect with my BLDA family. Joining BLDA has been more than just learning to dance; it’s been finding a community and a passion that I plan to pursue for a long time to come. For anyone considering exploring dance clubs at the University of Chicago, know that there’s a place for you, regardless of your experience level. The vibrant dance club scene at UChicago offers a rhythm for everyone.
