Ballroom dance classes begin for summer

With a little music and a pair of dance shoes, students can become collegiate versions of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The first summer session of ballroom dance classes began Tuesday. The ballroom dance club hosts dance parties and group lessons, allowing students to socialize, get some exercise and learn standard dance steps. \nThe ballroom dance club is one of IU's largest student-run organizations, boasting over 200 members. The social events and weekly dance classes attract students, faculty and members of the community. \nFor many, ballroom dancing is a way to get exercise and find mental reprieve during the school week. \n"I like the exercise. It's a good way to ... stay in shape, and avoid the freshman 15," said sophomore Dannielle Reeley. "Mentally, it's kind of relaxing. You can go from studying chemistry to doing something that's more active -- using another part of your brain." \nSenior Jasmin Quasniczka is president of the ballroom dancing club and will be captain of the IU Dancesport competitive team next year. She is very proud of the past year's growth in membership, both in the club and in the competitive team. At the fall call out, over 300 participants were tallied, according to club news.\n"Our team has always been a large club," Quasniczka said. "We have over 200 social members and 50 of those are actually competing members. That was one of our biggest steps this year, building up the team." \nSenior Joe Ehlers has been a member of the IU Dancesport team since his freshman year. \n"For me, it's a release from the type of stuff I do everyday," he said. "It's a really nice break during the week." \nQuazniczka and Ehlers have been competition partners for three years. Last year they placed first in the Silver Division at the Midwest Regional Championships. Then last November, the dancing duo became National Gold Finalists. In addition to practicing upwards of 16 hours a week, they and other members of the team assist in teaching other students the rudimentary techniques of ballroom dance. \nBy enrolling in dance classes, students have an opportunity to learn some of the syllabus dances used in national competitions. \nTuesday the class covered salsa and American smooth styles - American waltz, Tango and Foxtrot. However, the prerequisite for most of these classes is Introduction to Social Dance, which is held at 6:00 p.m. Fridays. Instruction covers basic steps in the Cha cha, rumba and foxtrot, as well as dance etiquette and form. All classes are held in the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation room 171. For information, go to the club Web site at http://www.indiana.edu/~dance. \n"People here love to do it," said Ehlers. "It's a good time to just put everything aside and just focus on nothing but the dancing"