CLICK HERE and scroll down to see the article about the Ballroom Dance Club from the Summer 2001 Edition of Fairfield Now, Fairfield University's Magazine.

The portion of the article, "After Hours at Fairfield University: A Look at Student Clubs and Organizations" (Kasiewicz, Summer 2001), that describes the Ballroom Dance Club:

The Ballroom Dancing Club was practically an overnight success. Founded two years ago by now-club president Lisa Whitman '02 and treasurer Jill LaBlanca '02, the free weekly dance lessons attract hordes of students eager to learn new and classic dance moves, everything from swing and salsa to foxtrot and disco.

"We founded the club with the hope of competing someday," says Lisa, who with others has traveled to competitions as spectators. No longer. At tonight's meeting, two couples are rehearsing their routines, preparing for the club's first venture into outside competition. This one will be at Yale.

As with most clubs and organizations, Ballroom has an open policy to anyone who wants to join. Every other week, a professional instructor teaches the group a new dance. On the alternate weeks, Lisa and Jill review the steps learned, turn on the music, and practice. Advertising the dance to be taught on a particular week brings in students of all ages and backgrounds.

"Everyone is interested in learning these dances," says Lisa. "The classes are fun, and best of all, free! Swing was really popular this year. Depending on the dance taught that night, there are usually new and different people every week."

The Club also tries to teach certain dances in time for upcoming campus events. Last fall, the Wednesday before Noche Caliente (an annual formal dance hosted by SALSA), the instructor taught salsa and merengue. "It was great. By the time the weekend came, a lot of us who had never before learned a Latin dance felt comfortable enough to try it," says Lisa. The club has also taught swing dancing at a banquet honoring Quick Center volunteers, and to fifth graders at Holland Hill Elementary School in preparation for a school play.

This year, lesson space has been a precious commodity. For now, they meet in the lobby of the new Apartment Village - a space large enough for dancing and perfect for advertising the group.