Collegiate Times

The Costume Ball, hosted by Ballroom Dance @ Virginia Tech, took place in the Graduate Life Center late this October. Aside from the Halloween-themed bash, the club also holds regular sessions on Thursdays

Vampires, pirates and the Big Bad Wolf came together to show off their ballroom dancing skills at the Ballroom Dance @ Virginia Tech’s annual Costume Ball on Oct. 23.

A variety of costumes were on display in the Graduate Life Center’s Multipurpose Room.

“This year was a great turnout,” said Jillian Goodrich, a fifth-year poultry science and publicity chair of the ballroom dance club. “The amount of people that show up is getting better every year. Ballroom dancing is new, it’s fun and it’s not for old people. The ballroom dancing club holds one big ball per semester, and each dance has a demonstration by the competition team.”

This year’s first ball incorporated the essence of Halloween: Students threw on their costumes, got on the dance floor and learned how to do the Samba.

“Every year the event leads to funky costumes where people start ballroom dancing in them,” said Matthew Enniss, a junior engineer major and the club’s president. “When you participate in any of these events, you are guaranteed to have fun, even if you don’t end up learning the steps. It’s a great opportunity to get away from the classroom, use physical energy, and meet lots of people.”

The club offers an chance to branch out, even for students who lack time. The ballroom dance club offers social lessons every Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The social lessons teach a new dance every three weeks.

“Each lesson begins with basic to intermediate steps,” Enniss said, “so students do not have to attend all of the lessons when homework or other commitments interfere.”

Anyone can join the ballroom dancing club in the beginning, middle or end of the semester.

The social group offers a way to learn new dances, but there are also options for those looking to get involved with more than just casual instruction.

“If you want to take it to the next level, then you can join the competition team,” said Angela Deady, senior German and psychology major, and the club’s competition team captain.

Immediately following the Costume Ball, the competition team set off for the High Point Classic competition in North Carolina. Partners Deady and Enniss placed for three different events: second in Bronze Smooth, which involves the Waltz and Foxtrot; third in Silver Rhythm, incorporating the Cha-Cha, Rumba and Swing; and fourth in Bronze Rhythm, another Cha-Cha and Rumba competition.

Much of the club’s success is linked to its work ethic.

“How well you do depends on how much time you put into it,” Enniss said.“There are 12 practice space hours a week set aside for the team members. Each competition member is also a part of the social club. Team practices are once a week after each social lesson on Thursday night.”

Whether a student is looking for a competitive or social commitment, the members of the club feel that there’s something there for everyone.

“The ballroom dancing club offers a way for students to branch out,” said Callie Zawaski, a freshman engineering major.

And even though one expects an awkward situation when they dance in close proximity with a stranger, it’s all part of the experience.

“You get over it,” Zawaski said, “and dancing with someone you don’t know helps you make a lot of new friends.”

Students, faculty and even the Blacksburg community can get involved in the club. In order to learn more about the group, one can take advantage of the social lessons where the first two are free. From there, those interested in becoming a member can join for $10 a semester or $15 for the year.

The main goal of Ballroom Dance @ Virginia Tech is to avoid stereotypical views.

“I am amazed at how many e-mails I receive about the dress code,” Enniss said. “Ballroom dancing altogether attempts to keep a light atmosphere. People think you need to dress up and act like you’re better than everyone else, but we’re just here to have fun. Students commonly ask if they need a partner or fancy shoes, but the only thing they need to do is come prepared to have a lot of fun.”

Enniss also maintains that the club is more about pursuing a hobby he enjoys than anything else.

“If you join the club and your main goal is not to have fun,” he said, “then we don’t want you.”