So you took a leap of faith joining, and you think you’re getting the hang of the steps and turns on the floor with your various partners. Now is not the time to get too comfortable! At this point, it’s right about time for us to have a nice little chat about Medals…
The name is a little misleading, so I’ll elaborate. In the more senior levels, Medals allow a dancer to progress to the next level more quickly than they would otherwise; dancers prove that they have mastered the techniques and movements upon which the next step is based. But don’t freak out just yet, ok? There’s no need to worry (or run about like a headless chicken ;P). At the Beginner level, Medals are all about fun. It’s not compulsory to do Medals for you to move up to intermediate, but anyone can tell you what a great experience it is. You own performance is maybe five minutes, ten max, and after it’s over you receive personalised feedback, a shiny certificate, and a spectacular view of the more senior dancers when they steal the show. Really, Medals is just a fun-filled day to dress up smart, strut your stuff, and show your friends and family just how cool you look using your new moves. It’s also great practise if you’re considering competing in Inter-Varsity this year, and for future Medals events.
There are special practices leading up to teach you correct ballroom performance etiquette, and to allow the coaches to catch small errs in a smaller group setting. And if you can’t find a partner (or find yourself too shy to ask)? Let someone know when you sign up- the society will be only too happy to play matchmaker!
The general dress code on the day is a simple outfit with a knee-length skirt for girls, and formal wear for guys (that’s trousers, a long-sleeve shirt and a tie or bowtie!). This year’s theme is black-and-white monochrome, but feel free to wear any colour you want. The only hard and fast rule on colour is not to wear patterned outfits - designs on your clothing’s fabric make it difficult to see your ‘lines’ (posture).
This year, Medals are set for the end of June in Jameson Hall- the day after the Medals social- so the extra-preparation classes will start the first weekend of May. So sign up, step out and step up - we can’t wait to see you on the floor!
Gabriella Marais
2016
Medals! Yeah, that definitely sounds fun. Everybody wants a medal, riiight? Okay, so the name’s a bit misleading – you probably won’t actually get a medal [those are introduced at the higher levels…and at Intervarsity ;) ]. But don’t be put off by the lack of bling, Medals are one of the highlights of the year, especially as a new dancer. Here’s how it goes down: You show up on the day, at Jammie Hall. You’re looking all sharp, dressed to kill with the shirts and ties, the dresses, makeup, shoes… and confidence of champions.
As friends, family, and fellow dancers all wish you luck, you stride boldly onto the floor, with your ravishing partner by your side. The two of you have prepared with each other for the past few weeks, all for this moment. This is it! The music comes on, and everything else fades away. There’s just you, your partner, the music, and an empty floor. So you do what you’ve been trained to do. Take a deep breath, smile at each other...and just dance. That’s it. Simple. Beautiful. It lasts about 5 minutes if you’re a beginner, and then you get handy, personal feedback from the coaches, along with a mark for each dance, and a shiny, shiny certificate to show the world how awesome you are. Sure, they call it a test, but it’s one you can’t really fail! And then you can stick around if you want, socialise, support your friends, and watch the senior dancers put on their own spectacular performances! All this happens in Jammeson Hall on the 30th of April. There will be four extra classes on the Sundays leading up to it, to give you that extra edge. It’s the first serious stepping stone in your bright and promising dancing career, so don’t miss out!