About VU Ballroom

History

VU Ballroom began at Valparaiso University as Strictly Ballroom and then became Dance, Etc. In the spring of 2008, Dance, Etc. officially changed its name to VU Ballroom to help better represent the club and university at off campus activities. The organization has been providing social lessons on campus as well as a framework for individuals to compete collegiately since 2001. In the last three years, the club has grown considerably. With a competitive team of 44 members and growing, the team is happy to be a presence at every competition which they attend. Outside of competitions, members of the organization remain active on campus offering their talents in many ways to continue to spread the fun and social aspects of learning and knowing ballroom dancing.

Activities

The club provides free weekly lessons for the student body and trips to ballroom venues in Northwest Indiana and Chicago. The competition team travels to three regional competitions per semester, and recently hosted Valpo’s second annual competition in the Harre Union in January 2010. VU Ballroom also hosts a reality show style ballroom competition, Dancing with the VU Stars, in the fall.

Organization

VU Ballroom is controlled by a six member executive board which serves one year terms. Elections are held at the end of the spring semester and voting is open to anyone involved in the club. Because all social events are open to all students for free, there is no official social membership in the club. A sign-in sheet is provided at weekly lessons to track attendance in order to improve lessons and advertising. Competitors are required to attend a minimum number of lessons to be eligible for competitions.

Board and Members

President
Eric Kutemeier
Vice President/Competition Team Coordinator
Mandy Chalk
Secretary
Tess AmRhein
Treasurer
Matt Gaide
Activities Coordinator
Kristin Engerer
Public Relations Chair
Ashley Sypole
Major Events Coordinator
Sheena Ramirez
Team Captain
Matt Cook
Team Captain
Claire Trump