Chairman's Report 2009

Another year of dancing! 2009 has been a busy and exciting year on the dancing front. We've had lots happening, from lessons, socials, and Medal Tests, to hosting Intervarsity at UCT!

The year started off with a great O-Week, hundreds of excited beginners, and quite a few excited returning members. Classes were packed, and Maureen and Iliana did a great job keeping everyone dancing and enthusiastic. Socials this year were well attended, and we had a variety of exciting themes! Quite a challenge for the 2010 socials team to live up to. Our dancers also performed well at Medal Tests (as usual - thanks again to Iliana and Maureen!).

The biggest event of the year was Intervarsity (or the National Student Ballroom and Latin Dancing Championships for those who prefer the verbose option). Hayley did a superb job organising it, and we had one of the best competitions ever. Our team danced admirably, and we excelled overall! The end-of-year formal was at Kelvin Grove, and it was fantastic. Little more needs to be said - you can imagine it for yourself.

The 2009 committee worked seamlessly as a team, and it's been a pleasure working with them. All the best to the 2010 committee. It'll be an unusual year, with the World Cup Disruptions, but we have a great team, and loads of potential!

See you all on the dance floor

- Chris Warner

Introducing Our Instructor

My name is Iliana Ianovska. I have danced since I was a child. Dancing has been my favourite hobby and 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 adjudicator in dance sport. I have lived for some years in Brazil where I have studied and taught authentic Latin-American dances such as Brazilian samba, Salsa and Argentine tango.

I cannot imagine my life without dancing. It gives unforgettable experiences and the emotional satisfaction of doing something beautiful together with a partner. Through dancing one meets interesting people and makes lasting friendships. Everybody can dance. It requires you only to spare some of your time to come to the dancing hall in a good mood and with the desire to learn. In exchange you will feel relaxed and charged with energy at the same time.

- Iliana Ianovska

Contact ontheball.uctballroom@gmail.com