Student Org Spotlight: UNC Ballroom Dance Team

Our next Student Org Spotlight features the UNC Ballroom Dance Team! Students can join the team every Tuesday for a free lesson, all experience levels welcome. Learn more about the Ballroom Dance Team from Social Media Coordinator, Rachel Phillips.  

1. What is UNC-CH Ballroom Dance Team all about?  
   The UNC Ballroom Dance Team is all about making ballroom dance accessible and affordable to students and the university’s community. We provide newcomers and experienced dancers alike with the space to improve their dancing skills and meet new friends. There is both a social and competitive component to the organization, and members can decide what fits their goals best. We also connect with other teams in the Triangle to create a supportive dance community. 

2. How do you help students?  
   UNC Ballroom helps students by being a safe space to try a new skill and form lasting friendships. It can be intimidating to try something you’ve never done before, especially something like partner dancing, so we want to maintain a welcoming and low-stakes environment where students can feel comfortable getting involved. Ultimately, ballroom dancing helps you develop confidence and feel more comfortable in social situations. It is also a fun form of exercise and a great way to relieve stress. Our organization helps to lower costs for lessons and competitions so that all students can participate without breaking the bank. 

3. What do you like most about being a member of the Ballroom Dance Team?  
   My favorite part of the Ballroom Dance Team is the friendships that I’ve made. There’s nothing quite like hearing your friends cheering for you at a competition or having fun at dance socials together. I also really appreciate all of our instructors. I get a lot out of the lessons as well as the time spent in our practice space which is reserved for members. It feels great to see all of the practice paying off! 

4. Any favorite dance routines or techniques?  
   There are so many styles to choose from, so this is a tough one! There’s really a style for every mood. As far as traditional standard ballroom styles, I would have to say tango has always been one of my favorites. Out of the Latin styles we do, I’ve been enjoying rumba and jive a lot lately.  Waltz and cha cha seem to be popular with many of our members as well. 

5. How can students get involved?  
   Try one of our Tuesday lessons! We have free, beginner-friendly lessons on Tuesdays in Woollen Gym B019 from 7-8:30PM. We alternate styles each week between standard and Latin. The first hour is instructional while the last 30 minutes consists of social dancing where you get to practice what you’ve learned. You don’t need any special shoes or a partner, just bring your socks and yourself! You can also join our listserv to get email updates, follow us on social media, and join our GroupMe. All of this can be found on our Linktree.