If you recently attended the psychemology social (you can read all about it in another article of this issue, its some great writing by an amazing reporter) you may have realized that you were lacking in any sort of ability to boogie, jive, tango, and waltz. Or maybe you tore apart the dance floor. Regardless the newly established dance club at BU may just be the thing for you. As Chantel Lim, an instructor with the club, put it “The Dance Club offers free dance classes to all BU students regardless of whether they have dance experience or not. Our goal is to create a fun environment for people to learn new moves, stay active and share a love for dance”. If you are interested in performing in front of a crowd you are mad, but the club shares your lack of stage fright as they plan on holding public performances in the future.
So, what’s your style? Is it Bollywood dance? Then ask for Vrajna Patel, who says: “Indian classical dance has always been a big part of my life. I love expressing myself and representing my culture. I have been practicing Bollywood dance for the past 20 years and have had the pleasure of being classically trained in India for two of those years. I also have taught dance at Brandon School of Dance. What I love most about dance is that it allows you to express your emotions and true feeling. As the music starts whispering in your ears, as the beats take over you are catapulted into a different universe.”
Is ballet more up your alley? If so, then talk to Chantel Lim. “I have over 10 years of classical ballet training at the Brandon School of Dance. I have also taught ballet for three years. As a member of the Brandon Dance Ensemble, I’ve had the opportunity to perform in productions including The Nutcracker, Pinocchio, and Alice in Wonderland. Over the years I have studied dance at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, International Music Camp and Arts Umbrella, in Vancouver. One of my favorite things about dancing is being able to tell a story through music and movement. I am very excited to share my passion for dance with others.”
If you favour afro-hip hop, then see Favor Edet: “Dancing for me is everything. It is the biggest part that defines my personality. I started dancing for fun when I was young and took to it professionally along the way. I am a self-trained Afrobeat and Hip-hop dancer. I have performed/competed at several shows in Ontario, CA and I also taught dance for about two to three years to a group I created in Toronto. Dancing is the one thing that fills my heart with complete joy, and I wanna be able to share that with people.”
As you can see there already exists quite a variety in options of dance type to choose from, and this will grow as the dance club gains traction.
Classes are for free and offered on Mondays 7:00 to 8:00pm and Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm in the Elephant Room of the Knowles Douglas Student Union Centre. Class schedules, dance videos and important updates will be posted to their Facebook page: “BU Dance Club”.