For all past articles see our magazine, On the Ball.
Chair's Report 20112011 was undoubtedly a year that exceeded expectations. Having set some fairly ambitious goals, the Committee and other society members set out (dressed in bright orange!) to recruit the next group of Ballroom Enthusiasts. Little did we know just how much enthusiasm our new members would bring to the table!Jameson Hall was packed as usual during the first few weeks, and Iliana and Maureen did a great job managing the large group. I started out teaching the line dance to a sea of unfamiliar faces – but it didn’t take long for individuals to stand out. Even those of us known for outrageous outfits were thoroughly outdone at the first social, where the new beginners in particular made ‘Questionable Taste’ into quite the art form. This trend continued throughout the year, with more than 80 of our members participating in Medal Tests, and 74 people attending Intervarsity. Not only did we have a large team for the competition, but they were extremely committed, with dancers of all levels putting in the hours. Their hard work and excellent input from our coaches resulted in some impressive performances, and at the end of the day we discovered that UCT had won every single award at the competition: Team Dance, Spirit, Formation cup and Overall trophy. After this great triumph, the end-of-year Formal really was a celebration of an amazing year. It was wonderful to see how far everyone had come in such a short time as they took to the floor. Many thanks to Iliana, whose expertise, dedication and love of dancing keeps the society going, and Maureen, who continues to offer valuable input well beyond her ‘retirement’! To the Committee, it’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work with you all. 2012 looks set to be a fantastic year, and I look forward to seeing what the new Committee and all you other crazy, wonderful people accomplish. New members: welcome! Whether you’ve danced all your life or are just starting out, I hope you make the most of this fantastic society and help make 2012 a year to remember. All the best, - Lara Milne, Chairperson 2011 
A Word from Our CoachHello,My name is Iliana Ianovska and I am your dance teacher. Dancing has been my favourite hobby and has turned into my profession. I was a Ballroom Champion of my country, Bulgaria in 1997 and 1998 and now I am a coach and International Dance Sport Federation licensed adjudicator. I will teach you international style Ballroom Dances: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep as well as Latin American Dances: Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive. I have also lived in Brazil where I both studied and taught authentic Latin American dances such as Brazilian Samba, Salsa and Argentine Tango and the passion for these dances has remained in my heart. I cannot imagine my life without dancing! It is an unforgettable experience and gives you the emotional satisfaction of doing something beautiful together with a partner. Everybody can dance. What you need is to dedicate some of your time to come for the classes in a good mood and with a desire to learn. In exchange you will feel relaxed and in the same time filled with energy. It is a scientifically proven fact that practicing ballroom dancing twice a week reduces academic stress and anxiety, makes people happier and more satisfied with their lives. So come to dance with us and you will never regret it! Believe it or not, after a short time under my guidance you will be able to dance! Here are five good reasons why to join UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society:
- Iliana Ianovska |
Contact uctballroom@gmail.com
Copyright © 2011 UCT Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society