The University of Minnesota’s Ballroom Dance Club competition team is celebrating their 8th consecutive title win at the National Ballroom DanceSports Championships!
This year’s competition, held in Pittsburg, drew in upwards of 800 dancers from across the nation. Reigning champs since 2018, the Ballroom Dance Club has worked hard to defend their title as their competition has intensified over the years.
“Our story…speaks to both the spirit of our dancers and the competitive nature of our team,” said Aqua Hoanca, current club president and four-year member of the Ballroom Dance Club. “We reclaimed our national title, despite being up against the most impressive opposition that I have seen in my time on the team”.
According to the Ballroom Dance Club’s website, "ballroom" is an umbrella term that captures several styles of partnership dances, like waltz, foxtrot, and rumba. When competitive ballroom dancing is regulated, it’s considered Dancesport and is generally divided into International (Standard and Latin) and American (Smooth and Rhythm) styles of dance.
Part of the beauty of the club is the welcoming team environment it fosters. “If you are even a little curious, come try it,” said Karina Hydrie, member and officer of the Ballroom Dance Club board. “We are completely beginner friendly and teach you everything from the ground up. Beyond the competition side, we have a ton of fun along the way, including our winter and spring formals -- think prom in college, but with much better dancing.”
For over 30 years, the Ballroom Dance Club has focused on sparking and spreading an interest in ballroom dance throughout the University community. Learn more about their mission and get involved.
If dancing isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of ways to be active while building your community; RecWell has something for everyone with 20 other sport clubs to explore.