Starting a College Ballroom Org?

[delamusica]

Hey guys.

Ok. At my school, there is a social ballroom class for a PE credit, but that's the extent of it. There is no place to ballroom (or latin or swing or salsa) dance for at least an hour in every direction, and there are no collegiate comps in this part of the country that I know of (Colorado).

So . . .

This in mind, any suggestions on what to do to get/keep a ballroom club going? It's kind of hard to get people interested since there's no practical use for it anywhere around here . . . And I'm not very experienced at "being in charge," so any advice on how to get started would be great (we're almost done for the semester - I'm thinking about starting something up in the fall).

[Sagitta]

Are you interested in a club, or a dancesport team, or both? You need to start by finding out what the rules are for starting organizations at your college. Often you can get some funding to support the activities of your organization this way.

[pygmalion]

Also, what are your resources? Does the university supply a budget, meeting rooms, etc, for its clubs? Are there ballroom teachers or enthusiasts nearby that might help provide instruction?

[etchuck]

I would find out what it would take to write up a club charter or constitution. Then I would also find out what instructors you have in the area. Just as importantly, I would make sure you have reliable people who are part of your club. You need people who can organize your dances, your lessons, and especially your finances. Advertise, advertise, advertise within your PE classes and outside. You'll probably need an advisor, and at least your social dance teacher would be the proper candidate as your advisor.

You may not be able to compete at strictly collegiate competitions, but you may want to check on competitions or workshops run in your state. I know Denver hosts a few events every year, and you may want to see about that.

[pygmalion]

True, etchuck.

A strong "steering committee" is extremely important, at least at first. It'll take a while for momentum to take over, so make sure you have a good supporting cast (unless you want to do everything yourself. :evil: )

[delamusica]

I can teach bronze and some silver in most dances, and there's one teacher who might be willing to drive up here (remember - no dancing nearby = no dance professionals nearby) - getting all the university paperwork isn't a problem, and the rec center has a great big nice dance floor that we can use. I guess my question's more asking for advice about how to get people interested in coming . . .

As for the stuff in Denver - I've been competing at all of those things for years and years - but they're so dang expensive to enter . . .

[Sarah]

- I'm thinking about starting something up in the fall).

Good on ya! I'm currently involved with running a social latin dance club at my university. I can't help you out much with how to start one up, as UCanDance had been up and running for almost 10 years when I joined, but I may be able to offer some general advice. I may also be able to share some of our documentation, year plans, party plans etc, but I'll ask if that's cool with the rest of our comittee first.

UCD's mission statement says something along the lines of us existing to promote dance at university. We do this in two main ways - beginner and intermediate level group lessons, and parties.
We don't as a rule do competitions.

I might write a bit more later...
If I can be of any specific help, let me know.

Cheers
Sarah

[Warren J. Dew]

I'd say, talk to some of the people who take the PE classes, and try to get a core group together. Reserve some of that space, and start holding some events - weekly class, dances, whatever - and poster widely on campus. Get contact information for the people who show up, especially email, so you can keep them informed of future events. Stick with it, and things will eventually become self sustaining.

If you want it to be a competitive team, you might think about entering the events held at BYU each semester.

[delamusica]

Thanks guys - all the advice is great (and Sarah, anything you feel would be helpful would be totally welcomed!).

I'll keep checking back - just wanted to sound out a thanks to all of you who responded. :)