U of C Ballroom and Latin Dance Blog

2012 Winter Quarter Classes!

2012-01-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

Hello dancers! Here is a schedule for classes starting January 9th. Some important changes are as follows:

a. Continuing and Intermediate classes will run concurrently from 8:30 - 9:30 pm
b. Please note times and locations of classes.
c. More Open Salsa time on Mondays from 930-1015pm.

Please note Continuing and Intermediate Classes begin Monday January 9th, 8:30 pm and run concurrently, so you can sign up for one or the other. Beginners Salsa (6-7 pm) and Bachata (7-8) begin the following week January 17th.

Happy New Year And Happy New Dancing from the BLDA!

Continuing / Intermediate Salsa (classes run at the same time/same place)
Mondays: January 9, 16, 23, and 30. February 6, 13, 20, and 27.

Time : 8:30-9:30 pm
Location : Ida Noyes 3rd Floor

Basic Salsa

Tuesdays: January 17, 24, and 31 (no class on January 10th). February 7, 14, 21, and 28. March 6.

Time : 6-7 pm

Location: Ida Noyes Cloister Club

Bachata

Tuesdays: January 17, 24, and 31 (no class on January 10th). February 7, 14, 21, and 28. March 6.

Time : 7-8 pm

Location: Ida Noyes Cloister Club

$16 for a four-week sequence with a UChicago ID; $20 without. You can try the first lesson without paying for the whole sequence up front.

Can't wait to see you there!

Salsa and Bachata Classes Resume!

2011-09-23T11:16:00.001-07:00

Hola salseros y salseras! I have what you've been waiting all summer for.....fall quarter dance classes! Bachata classes start on October 6th, and salsa starts on October 10th. There will be classes each week until November 28th. Here's the schedule:

Bachata Thursdays starting October 6th:

**In the Ida Noyes Dance Studio**

Fundamentals: 7.30-8.30pm

Open Bachata: 8.30-9.00pm

Salsa Mondays starting October 10th:

**In the Cloister Club of Ida Noyes**

Beginners 1: 7.00-8.00pm

Continuing 1: 8.00-9.00pm

Intermediate: 9.00-10.00pm

Open Salsa: 10.00-10.30pm

We're doing something a little different this quarter and rotating salsa instructors within the same sequence. You get to pick up each instructor's style week to week instead of having to wait until the next quarter.

$16 for a four-week sequence with a UChicago ID; $20 without. You can try the first lesson without paying for the whole sequence up front.

Can't wait to see you there!

~ Summer Salsa and Bachata Workshops ~

2011-07-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

Hello dancers!

We thought we might slate the thirst for Bachata / Salsa in Hyde Park this summer by offering the following awesome Monday workshops. We are taking a break from Seven-Ten until school starts back up, but we 'd still love to dance with you!

All sessions held in Ida Noyes Cloister Club from 7-8 pm, with Open Dancing until 8:30. As usual, it costs $4 with a UC ID and $5 without.

July 18 : Bachata : Erin + Dorian : Beginners / Body Isolations

July 25 : Salsa : Joy + James : Advanced Beginner/ Continuing Level

August 8th : Salsa : Sylvia + Vishy : Intermediate Level

August 15th : Bachata: Erin + Dorian : Intermediate / Dips and Tricks

We hope to see you there! We will start at 7 and end at 8 with open dancing until 8:30.

!~Salsa and Bachata Announcements~!

2011-04-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hola Salseros y Salseras!!!

We're back after Spring Break, and boy do we have treats for you. The class schedule is as follows:

Starting Monday, April 4th -

Beginning Salsa 1: 7-8 pm with Silvia and Vishy. Covers the basics. If you have wondered how do I get her / him to do what I want or how do I do what he / she wants me to do this is the class for you. Musicality and the Salsa "beat" will be covered as well.

Continuing Salsa 1: 8-9pm with Olga and Sasha. Builds on Beginning 1. If you have experience with Basic Salsa and wish to fine tune your cross body lead and learn combinations to take you to the next level, this class is for you.

Intermediate Salsa 1: 9-10 pm with Joy and Antonio. More patterns for you to show off on the dance floor and styling for follows. Assumes you are comfortable with Continuing Salsa.

Open Salsa: 10-10:30, an informal dance with the instructors. Feel free to ask for clarifications!

If you are unsure where you fit in, one of the instructors can dance with you and "place" you. Please come in 15 minutes before your class to sign up.

Dancewear: We recommend 2-inch strap-on heels for follows and a comfortable leather-soled shoe for leads.

__________________________________________________________

A quick reminder that Bachata begins April 14th! Dorian and Erin will be teaching all those hot delicious dips that you have been wanting to learn.

And finally, Seven Ten Salsa continues its monthly streak on Wednesday, April 13th, with more fresh Salsa, Bachata, and Cha Cha Cha. We'll be turning up the heat with a playlist that is vetted by the instructors before you get to dance to it.

Let us know if you have any questions!

!~Viva Salsa~!

Follow our blog!

2011-03-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

We are posting lots of announcements, news, pics, video, salsa tips and more in our blog! Follow us to get our latest posts in your email!

Just click here or go to

http://www.blogger.com/follow-blog.g?blogID=9668514

leave your email and get our latest post! coming soon: more on lessons for the next quarter, more reviews of salsa places in Chicago, a new series on tips and advice in social dancing, pics and videos of our performing groups and much more!

SalsaChic Girls in the 2011 Salsa Congress! (Video)

2011-03-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

They prepared and worked hard for five months. It was fun, but it wasn’t easy: there were moments of doubt, exhaustion, frustration and anxiety. But, the girls of SalsaChic (our salsa performance group) gave it all and rocked in their presentation in the 2011 Chicago Salsa Congress! Congratulations to Erin, Hannah, Joy, Madeline and Sarah!

They started learning the choreography created by George Alvarez and the Urban Vibe team by mid-October. Having all the previous dance numbers self-choreographed, having a pro creating and teaching the choreography meant raising SalsaChic’s dancing abilities and efforts to a whole new level.

And those were not the only challenges: In the first few weeks, Erin (SalsaChic’s artistic director) had to made the decision to go with a girls-only show, deal with the unpleasant job of turning away applicants, and welcome our new members, many of them with little or no experience in performing... little did they know that they would have their first sneak peek performance with only two weeks worth of practice!

Later in the quarter, the busy schedule of work and/or study, other obligations, tiredness and sometimes frustration of not going fast enough made our ladies’ lives more difficult. But their enthusiasm, hope from seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and love of dancing made them persevere.

The first dance part to be mastered was the chacha, the slowest of the three dances of our number. However, slow does not mean easy at all: the slower the dance, the more precise, elegant and coordinated the moves must be. Next was the mambo, where girls need to radiate energy and enthusiasm along with fast-paced movements. Last was the reggaeton (latin hip-hop), where strength and sensuality was required. The result: an elegant, sexy and energetic display of movements by our SalsaChic ladies... in theory. Only with practice and determination would they be able to show all of these qualities of the choreography in a performance.

By the beginning of February things were 90% ready, but anxiety and nerves started to appear. Our girls almost did not have a sneak peek performance, an essential confidence builder before the big event. Luckily they fit one performance in after our Monday lesson, and though it was not perfect, it served its purpose: small modifications were made, and they could shake off their nerves to really focus in communicating with the audience and having a good time.

For the big day, Friday February 18th, they arrived early in the morning, sleep-deprived, anxious, but ready to dance! Between the long hours between tech rehearsal (where they were one of the favorite groups) and the showcase they had to find time to practice a little bit more, but without getting tired, change into their beautiful costumes, and try to have fun by doing relaxing things such as meeting the other performers, posing for fun pics, scream a little, have a burger, laughing lots and becoming over caffeinated, etc...

Once inside the dressing rooms, they realized that there’s no turning back, the excitement and adrenaline starts growing, time flies and suddenly it is their turn! After a nice introduction by the MCs, our girls took the stage, and they brought to life all the elegance, sensuality and energy required to make a great show. One needs to memorize a lot of steps in a show like this, therefore a minute can seem like an eternity. But for all the ladies the time dancing seemed so short! Maybe they felt it was like a dream, coming back to earth after the audience’s applause, multiple hugs and congratulations from the public and fellow BLDA members. It's after this that the many hours of work make sense: the recognition of their effort, the fact that they have grown as dancers, and have gained a deeper understanding on how to communicate emotions and concepts through dance.

What comes after this? First, a good and deserved celebration. Then, enjoy the salsa congress' workshops, performances and parties. And next week, get ready to work again! BLDA is preparing a new choreography to be presented in spring 2011, in the Chicago Latin Street Salsa Congreso, and in multiple venues and events around campus! don't miss it!

And now, enjoy the SalsaChic Girls's performance in the video below. If you have trouble watching, click here to to our BLDA YouTube video. Enjoy and congratulations again to our dancers!

Salsa Feeback

2011-02-16T22:57:00.001-08:00

Dear Salsa students,

Please visit our on-line feedback form and provide feedback for your instructors.

Beginning Salsa I (7-8): http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y5C3593

Continuing Salsa I (8-9): http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2YGCB59

Intermediate Salsa I (9-10): http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2YHMW7F

Your feedback is very important for us. So, thanks in advance for helping us out!

Salsa classes will resume next week with new sequences: Beginning Salsa II, Continuing Salsa II, and Intermediate Salsa II.

Thanks!

BLDA

Beginning Salsa Feedback

2011-02-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Beginning Salsa I students,

Here's a link to an on-line feedback form:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y5C3593

Thank you very much in advance for helping us out become better!!!

See you all next Monday at 7pm at Cloister Club!

Sasha & Hannah

Salsa Party on Wednesday, February 9th!

2011-02-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

Seven-Ten Bowling lanes

1055 E 55th St (between Ellis Ave & Greenwood Ave)

Chicago, IL 60615

8-11PM

All Ages, and it's Free!

Come join us for another exciting night of Salsa, Bachata and more! We'll have new music to play with our brand new speakers--and access to the great facilities of Seven-Ten Bowling Lanes.

So come to practice the new moves you learned, or just to show off -- there will be dancers of all levels!

Hope to see you there!

SalsaChic Prepares for Performances

2011-01-27T09:39:00.000-08:00

The ladies of SalsaChic are working hard to perfect their routine for the Chicago International Salsa Congress. Their performance will be Friday, February 18th, in the "Emerging Artist" Category. Go here for more info.

The team also performs at various events on campus and in the community. If you want to schedule a performance please email us at blda@uchicago.edu, or check out the dance team's facebook page.

Volunteer in the Chicago Salsa Congress!

2011-01-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

Maybe you didn't know, but in a month Chicago will host its 10th International Salsa Congress (Feb 17th-20th)! it's a weekend of workshops, performances and dancing! BLDA's own SalsaChic will be performing on Friday the 18th, yay!

It is not a free event, but there are volunteering opportunities if you don't have the bucks! Below there is an email from the volunteer coordinator. If you are interested write to us or directly to Kellee (at salsakellee at gmail dot com).

If you have any questions send them our way and keep dancing!

****

Hi Everyone! The Salsa Congress is only 4 weeks away!! Volunteer positions are still available! Volunteer shifts are 4.5hrs each and there are 4 shifts a day. If you are able to work 2 shifts in a row on the same day, you can attend the rest of the day for free (this has to be on the same day).

Here's a list of the schedule. Let me know what works for you! Spread the word!!!

Thanks if you have already responded to my original email! If you haven't, what are you waiting for! ;-)

Kellee

Thursday, February 17th

2-6:30 registration

6p-10:30pm evening performance

10p-2am concert

Friday-Sunday, February 18-20th

8a-12:30pm workshops and registration

12p-4:30pm workshops and registration and afternoon performance

6p-10:30pm evening performance

10p-2am concert

Kellee Gooden

2011 Chicago International Salsa Congress

Volunteer Coordinator

Salsa Party this Wednesday, January 12th!

2011-01-10T10:26:00.000-08:00

Come start the new year right with our monthly Wednesday night Salsa! We'll be spinning salsa, cha cha and bachata all night, with a quick lesson at 8pm. To top it all off, we have a brand new, very fancy, top-of-the-line sound system that we'll be breaking in.

Seven Ten Lanes
1055 E 55th St (between Ellis Ave & Greenwood Ave)

Chicago, IL

Dancing from 8-11pm. Free entry!

~2011 BLDA Winter Schedule~

2011-01-01T06:57:00.001-08:00

Classes resume January 24th!

Mondays in the Cloister Club:

Salsa Beginners 1 -- 7-8pm
Salsa Continuing 1 -- 8-9pm
Salsa Intermediate 1 -- 9-10pm
OPEN SALSA -- 10-10.30pm

Thursdays in the Ida Noyes Dance Studio:

Beginner's Rumba -- 7-8pm
**New** Bachata -- 8-9pm

Sundays (select dates):

Ballroom Workshops -- 7-830pm

See you there!

Salsa Night at Seven-Ten Lanes! November 17th!

2010-11-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

The Salsa scene in HP explodes the night of November 17th.

Come join us for our inaugural night of salsa dancing in partnership with Seven-Ten bowling lanes. Right on campus, we'll be spinning salsa, bachata and salsa for free from 8:00pm - 11:00pm for ALL ages!

Be sure to invite your friends!

Seven-Ten Bowling Lanes is at 1055 E 55th St (between Ellis Ave & Greenwood Ave).

BLDA Mixer on Saturday, November 6th!

2010-10-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

Bachata lesson from 7pm to 8pm, followed by a night of dancing till 11pm.

The event is free! Your name must be on our guestlist for entrance into the hall. RSVP by saying you'll attend on facebook and we'll add you to our list.

Where: Judson Lounge at Burton Judson 1005 E. 60th Street.

Salsa sequences continue on Monday, November 8th!

2010-10-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Beginning II at 7 PM
Continuing II at 8 PM
Intermediate II at 9 PM
Open Salsa at 9:30 PM

All classes are in Ida Noyes as usual :)

(This post is a corrected version. Previous version said that classes resume on Nov. 1st, but we've had to move them back due to room restrictions.)

Salsa classes start Monday, October 4th!

2010-09-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Beginner class is at 7pm, Continuing at 8pm, Intermediate at 9pm. Open salsa dancing starts at 10pm. Also, Salsa Rueda class will be on Thursdays (starting October 14th) at 6pm.

All classes are held in Ida Noyes Hall at 1212 E. 59th Street. There is free street parking.

Classes are taught in sequences of 4 weeks each. The fee is $16 for each 4-week course, or pay $5 for just the first class if you'd like to try it out before paying for the whole sequence up-front. Please show up a few minutes before class; especially if you need to pay.

No need to bring a partner since we rotate during the lessons.

See you there!

BLDA Dance Party this Saturday, October 2nd!

2010-09-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Free Bachata class starting at 7pm at the McCormick tribute lounge. Make sure to be on time!

Dance party begins at 8pm at Hutch Commons. Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha, Bachata and more!

Last Salsa Party of the Year this Saturday May 22!

2010-05-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

After the Salsa Bootcamp Day, or simply if you want to have enjoy the best dancing this Saturday night, join us in our final Salsa party of the season!

We will have the best Salsa, Bachata & more, with the best latin music provided by DJ El Caobo and with a special new performance by SalsaChic, our very own salsa group!

We will provide light drinks and snacks to keep you with energy to rock the floor! Also a great raffle with amazing prizes!

All funds collected will be directed to support SalsaChic, the BLDA salsa performance group, for costumes and participation in the Chicago Latin Street Salsa Congreso (June 24-27)

DETAILS:
All ages,
$4 with UoC ID, $5 others
7:30pm-11:00pm
Second floor, Ida Noyes Hall
1212 E 59th St (w/Woodlawn)
Chicago, IL

Salsa Boot Camp this Saturday! Updated Schedule!

2010-05-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

Updated: the Ballroom and Latin Dance Association of University of Chicago presents our first SALSA BOOT CAMP day!

When:
This Saturday, MAY 22nd
Dance Workshops: 2pm - 7pm
Latin Dance Party: 7:30pm - 11:00pm

Where:
University of Chicago
Ida Noyes Hall
1212 E. 59th Street
Chicago, IL.

Program:

2:00pm-5:50pm Workshops (in West Lounge):

2:00-2:50pm Salsa I – the very basics (B)
3:00-3:50pm Salsa II – switching positions (B)
4:00-4:50pm Salsa III – smooth sequence (C)
5:00-5:50pm Salsa IV – sexy fun sequence (C)

3:00pm-5:50pm Workshops (in East Lounge):

3:00-3:50pm Ladies' styling and spinning class! (C-I)
4:00-4:50pm West Coast Swing (B)
5:00-5:50pm Salsa Rueda Workshop (B-C-I)

(B): beginner level: no previous experience!
(C): continuing level: some experience: 2 months of lessons or equivalent
(I): intermediate level: 6 months experience

7:30pm-11pm: Salsa Party!
Performance by SalsaChic!
Raffle with great prizes!
Music Provided by: El Caobo!

How Much:
With UofC ID: $5/workshop, $4 for party, $20 all-day pass
Unaffiliated: $6/workshop, $5 for party, $26 all-day pass

More info: http://www.ballroom.uchicago.edu/

Salsa Boot Camp this Saturday!

2010-05-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

Ballroom and Latin Dance Association
University of Chicago
- Presents -
SALSA BOOT CAMP!

Dance Workshops: 2pm - 7pm
Latin Dance Party: 7:30pm - 11:00pm

University of Chicago
Ida Noyes Hall
1212 E. 59th Street
Chicago, IL.

2:00pm-5:50pm Workshops (in West Lounge):

2:00-2:50pm Salsa I – the very basics
3:00-3:50pm Salsa II – switching positions
4:00-4:50pm Salsa III – smooth sequence
5:00-5:50pm Salsa IV – sexy fun sequence

6:00pm-5:50pm Workshops (in East Lounge):

TBA but there will be Salsa Rueda Workshop, West Coast Swing and Styling class!

7:30pm-11pm: Salsa Party!

Performance by SalsaChic!

Music Provided by: El Caobo!

More info: http://www.ballroom.uchicago.edu/

SalsaChic performing Friday at OLAS Show in Concierto!

2010-05-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

SalsaChic (the BLDA salsa performance group) will perform their two 2010 shows in OLAS en Concierto, tomorrow Friday in Reynolds Club. Come to see us!

The official invitation below:

Come and join the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) in a night of talent and glamour in "OLAS EN CONCIERTO" ! ! ! !

Featuring:

** CHICAGO MAMBO ALL-STARS
** UCHICAGO BALLROOM AND LATIN DANCE ASSOCIATION
** UCHICAGO FLAMENCO
** AVID MIND AND TRACKSMITH
** DJ LUNIKS

Food from A Taste of Chicago will be served at 7pm !

Come and enjoy the rhythmic flavor of Salsa Chicago Mambo All-Stars, followed by a fabulous showcase of student dances from UChicago Ballroom and Latin Dance Association and merengue and flamenco numbers as well!

Enjoy a hip hop performance by Avid Mind and Tracksmith and close the night with great dancing to DJ Luniks' infinite playlist!

DON'T MISS OUT! BRING YOUR FRIENDS FOR A GREAT NIGHT!

BLDA Salsa Party this Saturday May 1st!!

2010-04-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

Come to dance Salsa, Bachata and more! This Saturday, May 1st starting at 7:30pm in B-J Commons. For all ages, light snacks and drinks to keep your energy high, and many surprises through the evening to keep you off your toes and dancing!

BLDA Latin Dance Party
Saturday, May 1, 2010
7:30 to 11:00 pm
Burton Judson Courts (Judson Lounge)
1005 E 60th St, Chicago IL 60637
$3 with UCID/ $5 without

RSVP : You need to RSVP to get into the building! Send name to salsa at uchicago dot edu

*****Only RSVP if you are NOT currently registered for any of our Salsa classes. Current students will already be on the RSVP list and will simply check your name off the list upon arrival at the party.

Hope to see you there!

Salsa on campus: Party at SSA this Friday!

2010-04-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

We want to let you know that the BLDA will be present and give a lesson on a Latin event on campus! the party 'Noche con Sabor Latino' is at the Social Service Administration building, this Friday April 23 starting at 7pm. It's for 21+ and there will be food served!

We hope to see you there!

Here's the formal announcement

The Latino(a) Student Association at

The School of Social Service Administration Invites you to

Noche Con Sabor Latino

On Friday, April 23, 2010 at SSA Lobby, 969 East 60th Street

From 7:00-10:00 p.m.

This is a free event!!!

Join us for a full course dinner, dessert and a live DJ

Please make sure to bring your UChicago I.D. and a valid state ID (Drivers license) .

Adults only!!

Salsa Party at IIT!

2010-04-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

This Friday April 16, some BLDA members are attending a free Salsa Party at IIT (18+). Write to fmarinp at uchicago dot edu if you want to attend, to organize car rides.

More info below and looking forward to see you in the dance floor!

Once again, the ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, LIFE, ECI,SHPE, the Bog and WIIT present RiitMO Latino!

This is a FREE and 18+ event (21 to drink)!

Illinois Institute of Technology
Hermann Hall (Bog)
3241 S. Federal
Chicago, IL.

Friday, April 16, 2010
9:00pm - 1:00am

The Break Down:

- 9:00pm - 9:30pm: Dance Lesson by José Cuevas; principal member of Urban Vibe/Yu Vi Studios!

- 11:00pm: Dance Performance by Urban Vibe/Yu Vi Studios!

Food, Spirits, Beer, Wine and Soft Drinks Available at the Bar; with Fabulous Drink Specials just for the night!!!