Ballroom dancing may seem at first glance to be an art form reserved for only the highest classes of society. Lucky for those seeking a novel style of dancing, the ballroom’s modern form offers simple, fun musical and physical expression.
Many styles of social dance, such as the waltz and the tango, originated in the royal courts and immigrant settlements of 16th- to 20th-century Europe. Swing, along with other quick-step dances such as the Charleston, became popular in the United States during the 1920s. Latin dances, including the rumba, cha-cha and samba, were created from dance moves of African slave culture. All ballroom, or social dances, have at least one key element in common: Each depends on a couple: a leader and a follower.
The Eugene-Springfield area is rich in ballroom dance culture. Dancers can find classes, studios and live dancing experiences in almost any kind of social dance style. Many places do not require dancers to bring partners, making any ballroom dance activity popular for its potential to create new friendships. Many also use social dancing as an opportunity to have inexpensive fun with a large group of friends.
Some local ballroom dancing favorites include: Cozmic Pizza on the corner of Eighth Avenue and Charnelton Street, which commonly offers swing or Latin dance with live music; Studio B at 189 W. Eighth Ave., which hosts a variety of lessons and open dancing; and The Tango Center, 194 W. Broadway, which gives new as well as experienced patrons a place to learn and practice their dancing skills.
For a general sampling of ballroom dance, the Oregon Ballroom Dance Club’s Gerlinger dances are an option. Every Friday from 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. this dancing opportunity is available to students ($4) and community members ($5) year-round.
The dance floor on Friday nights at 220 Gerlinger is usually peppered with novices and pros alike. The first hour of dancing offers a lesson geared toward the attendee who has never heard the phrase “rock step.” Also during the first hour, there is often a more advanced lesson offered nearby, where dancers with some experience can learn different steps, turns and styles of dance.
Newcomers to the ballroom dance scene are often nervous about their primary venture, but are quick to discover its fun and simplicity.
“Why didn’t they tell me about this sooner?” asked first-time ballroom dancer Louis Guptill, after he successfully learned to foxtrot and salsa at a Gerlinger dance this summer. Like many students, Guptill has lived in Eugene for a number of years without ever taking part in a ballroom dancing experience. After his night of dancing on campus, Guptill said he is eager to discover other social dancing opportunities within the city of Eugene
Junior Elizabeth LaDu frequented the Friday Gerlinger dances during her freshman year at the University. Although she previously lived in Eugene and never went ballroom dancing, living in the University resident halls gave LaDu an excuse to try it out.
“A big group was going, so it was kind of a ‘get to know you’ activity,” said LaDu. “I was surprised at how many people were there and at the diversity of the group.”
Junior Levi Curran has been ballroom dancing for about five years. Although he originally started because of encouragement from friends who frequented the social dancing scene, Curran has now taken every ballroom class that the University offers and dances about six days a week.
“I like the physical expression and sometimes the music. I like the ability to interpret and make use of the musicality,” Curran said when asked what keeps him coming back to dance. He has delved into almost every kind of social dancing offered in Eugene, and Curran touts Argentine Tango as his favorite, and frequents the Eugene Tango Center.
“(Argentine Tango) allows you to move in a much more improvisational and musical fashion,” Curran said.
University junior Ruth Ames became interested in ballroom dance while attending a middle school program, but only recently started again.
“I started dating a dancer,” said Ames, who now goes dancing two to three times a week. “In Eugene, there is some sort of dance every night of the week.”
“(Dancing) is like a conversation. I have to be listening to my lead’s body…(as a follower) you can manipulate (the dance) to a certain extent. And it’s a fun way to get exercise and meet people,” said Ames.
For students who want to take a more active role in ballroom dancing, the University of Oregon hosts a number of dance classes that can be taken for credit each term. Salsa, tango, swing and ballroom, available in varying levels, are all offered by the University Department of Dance.
Ballroom dancing opportunities around Eugene are numerous and easily accessible through the Internet. Web sites with dance information and local schedules include: The Eugene Swing Dance Club at www.68swing.com; The Oregon Ballroom Dance Club at ballroom.uoregon.edu; Eugene Lindy Learning Activists (ELLA) at www.eugenelindy.com; and Eugene Salsa at www.eugenesalsa.com.

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