For many, the University of Chicago conjures images of rigorous academics, groundbreaking research, and maybe even its stunning Gothic architecture. Dance? Perhaps not the first association. Like many arriving at UChicago, I was deeply drawn to its intellectual atmosphere, yet I also harbored a growing desire to explore dance. My background was casual at best – a couple of years in a high school Chinese traditional dance club. To any serious dancers reading this, your dedication and artistry have my utmost respect! I wondered if a place renowned for intellectual pursuits could also nourish my budding passion for dance.
Luckily, my worries were unfounded. My initial foray into extracurriculars during my first year quickly unveiled a vibrant and welcoming dance scene on campus. Beyond the massive RSO (Registered Student Organization) fair, which seemed to have a club for every imaginable interest, the UChicago Dance Council hosted an Open House. This event showcased over ten diverse dance groups, each radiating unique energy and talent. I was completely captivated by the sheer variety and enthusiasm.
One group immediately caught my eye: Excolatur Dance Crew, a powerhouse competitive hip-hop and urban dance team. The infectious music and their dynamic, sharp movements were instantly appealing. I was drawn into the fantasy of exploring hip-hop dance, a style completely new to me. Despite my lack of experience, I convinced a few friends to join me for one of Ex Crew’s weekend workshops, open to the public. Dancers from the team taught segments of their own choreography. It was exhilarating, far more enjoyable than I anticipated. Fueled by this positive experience, I set my sights on auditioning for the team itself. The audition mirrored the workshop format, but with a larger crowd and palpable anticipation. Although advertised as open to all skill levels, the room was filled with impressive talent. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the team that time.
From hip-hop, 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 for someone with my limited background. However, similar to my Ex Crew audition, I felt overwhelmed by the skill level at the UC Dancers audition, even though it was also advertised as open to all levels. Again, I didn’t make the team. Undeterred, I continued my search. My past experience with Chinese traditional dance led me to explore Asian culture RSOs like the Chinese Undergraduate Students Association (CUSA) and Sensasia, hoping to find a performance opportunity in their cultural shows. I did join a K-pop dance team for the Korean Student Organization (KSO) showcase, which was fun, but it didn’t quite feel like the right long-term fit.
Just as I was about to feel discouraged, I remembered another dance group that had left a genuinely positive impression. At the beginning 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) at the International House (best dorm!). Ballroom dance was completely foreign to me, but the Bootcamp was surprisingly fun. We learned basic waltz and cha-cha steps with friends and even participated in a mock competition simulating the real events BLDA attends. The event concluded with pizza and drinks while we watched captivating performances from BLDA dancers of all levels. I was truly impressed by everyone’s passion and skill.
When Winter Quarter arrived and BLDA announced another workshop, I decided to be brave and give it another try. This workshop was smaller than the Bootcamp but equally enjoyable. I decided to attend their weekly lessons (newcomers get the first quarter free!). My attendance was inconsistent initially as I lacked a partner, but the BLDA board was incredibly welcoming and persistent in reaching out. They helped me navigate this new dance world and the diverse styles within ballroom and Latin dance. Eventually, after a period of focusing on academics, Carol, the competition manager, contacted me. She had found me a partner and invited me to attend an upcoming competition at Valparaiso University.
The idea of competing was daunting, especially considering my limited experience of only two weeks with the club. Even after meeting my partner, Andrew, who had slightly more experience, I was unsure if I could learn sixteen different ballroom and Latin dance styles in just two weeks. But then I remembered – everyone starts somewhere.
The brilliance of collegiate ballroom dance is its level-based system: Newcomer, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and so on. This meant I wouldn’t feel completely out of place 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 with teammates, the pre-competition “hair party,” last-minute practice sessions, and the team dinner all fostered a strong sense of camaraderie. It was a wonderful weekend escape from academic pressures, and I was incredibly happy I had taken the plunge into ballroom dance, despite my initial hesitation.
While BLDA had to shift to virtual activities for a period, my enthusiasm for dance has only grown. I eagerly anticipate returning to in-person events and making up for lost time with my BLDA family. I’ve genuinely found a community within BLDA and plan to continue dancing with them for a long time to come.
