For most students, ballroom dancing is traditionally associated
with an older generation, but the release of documentary film
“Mad Hot Ballroom” reflects the changing views of
ballroom dancing and its increasing popularity among younger
generations.
This popularity is wholly apparent at UCLA in the form of the
Ballroom Dance Club and International Folk Dance Club, which meets
once a week for four hours and encompasses a wide variety of dance
styles.
James Zimmer and Cynthia Harper, co-dance directors of the club,
volunteer their services and provide lessons at the weekly
meetings.
“Part of the misconception is, when students hear
“˜ballroom dancing,’ they think of their grandparents,
but in reality, ballroom dancing encompasses a variety of styles.
It’s not just the waltz ““ it also includes styles like
Latin dance. We are always trying to get the message across that
it’s not just some stuffy term,” Harper said.
According to Harper and Zimmer, the popularity of ballroom
dancing comes from popular culture, in the form of music and
movies.
“A lot of people will go see a film and see a really fun
dance scene, and then music from that genre will become popular
““ that’s how the whole swing revival came about, from
the movie “˜Swing Kids.’ That’s also the case with
salsa; Latin music has become very accessible,” Harper
said.
Another factor in the appeal of ballroom dancing is the social
opportunities it provides, as reflected in the club’s slogan,
“Where great romances begin.”
“It’s not just a class, but a place to come together
and meet people who have a common interest in music and dance.
People come to make new friends and sometimes even end up meeting
their boyfriend or girlfriend through the club,” Zimmer
said.
Each week, the club focuses on a different dance style, making
it easy for students to join throughout the quarter. The first two
hours are more traditional dance instruction, with a focus on
either swing, tango or waltz, while the second two hours focus on
cultural folkdance, such as Greek and Armenian folk dancing, which
will be taught May 16 and 23, respectively.
“We’ve had some of the most famous dance teachers
come as guests to teach these really fun, unique dances.
We’ve had Arabic belly dance, Persian dance and Israeli folk
dancing, among others,” Zimmer said.
Club attendance varies from 50 to 250, with fall quarter being
the most popular. Members range from freshmen to alumni, along with
faculty members.
According to Harper and Zimmer, the wide variety of backgrounds
members bring is a large part of what makes the club enjoyable for
students.
“The range of people is so interesting because
you’ll be dancing with someone who actually danced when big
bands were all the rage, and you had to dance to have a social
life,” Harper said.
The club gains popularity through participation in events such
as new student Welcome Week, during which it features live music
and dance instruction, and also through simple word of mouth.
“A lot of people hear about it from word of mouth; people
are having fun dancing and they bring their friends. There are also
those who are excited about a special event they’re going to
and want to learn to dance for that,” Harper said.
The club also holds historical dances, such as its annual swing
party, held on or near the anniversary of Kerckhoff Hall in honor
of its namesake. The dance is in the theme of the 1930s, and
includes live music and dance instruction.
On May 14, the club is co-producing a themed dance centered on
dance and music in Hollywood film, in which a variety of dances
will be taught that celebrate Academy Award-winning films.
Also planned is a Jane Austen Ball on June 4, a free event that
all students are welcome to attend. It will be based on the time
period of the early 19th century and will highlight dances and
manners of the time, with UCLA students performing music of the
period.