About VU Ballroom

History

VU Ballroom began at Valparaiso University as 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 club was originally pitched as a social dance club that provided social lessons for students and a venue for members to get together and dance outside of lessons. As the club matured and began to attend more competitions, being able to participate fully in these competitions steadily became another major focus of the club. VU Ballroom now has two aspects, social club and competition team, that are considered separate from each other, but that continue to remain very much interrelated. VU Ballroom is very active on campus through both these facets and beyond them.

Activities

The club provides free weekly lessons for the student body, themed monthly dances, and trips to ballroom clubs in Chicago. The competition team travels to three regional competitions per semester, and will host Valpo’s first annual competition in the newly opened Harre Union in January 2009. VU Ballroom also hosts a reality show style ballroom competition, Dancing with the VU Stars, in April.

Organization

VU Ballroom is controlled by a seven member executive board which serves one year terms from January-December. Elections are held at the end of fall 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
  Sheena Ramirez
• Vice President/Competition Team Coordinator
  David Fritsch
• Secretary
  Lilia Oakey
• Treasurer
  Mandy Chalk
• Activities Coordinator
  Alyssa Thacker
• Public Relations Chair
  Jameson Shang
• Webmaster
  Britt Byers