UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 12, Page 1
November 17, 1994
Ballroom Dance Club is stepping out in style

     The University of Delaware Ballroom Dance Club is earning a
reputation as an up and dancing organization. Although less than a
year old, the club is beginning to make a name for itself among those
in the ballroom dance club world, which includes similar clubs in many
other colleges and universities, according to adviser Patricia Grim,
physical education, athletics and recreation.
     Last spring, club members made their public debut in the ballroom
scene from Cinderella, presented by the Professional Dance Centre in
Wilmington This year, the members have been invited to dance in the
holiday party scene of the Delaware Dance Company's production of The
Nutcracker. The dancers will include Grim; Quinxian Wang, library; and
students Shane Ford, Andrew Ridge, Kelly Martin and Trudi
Schmidhausler.
     This month, the club entered its first intercollegiate
competition at Catholic University, which included such schools as
Cornell University, Rutgers University and the College of William and
Mary. The University of Delaware group won two first places, two
second places, one third place, placed in 21 events out of 25 and
finished fifth out of 13 schools.
     Further recognition for the group came when the University of
Delaware Ballroom Dance Formation Team, composed of 20 undergraduate
students, was invited to participate by WPVI-TV, Channel 6, in the
Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade. The group, which is coached by
Barabara Capaldi, will be showcased on the Pelican Bandstand float and
will perform a two-minute dance number to the song "Bei Mir Bist Dlu
Schon," made popular by the Andrews Sisters and featured in the movie
Swing Kids.
     Next spring, the club plans to compete in an intercollegiate
competition in Dorset Bay, England-the largest contest of its kind.
     To encourage others to enjoy dancing, the club offers Sunday
evening recreational dance classes and dances for the University and
community. These events also help to fund coaching and traveling
expenses.
     The next dance, featuring live music by The Serenaders, will be
held from 8-11 p.m., Dec. 7, in the Carpenter Sports Building. The
cost, which includes a light buffet, is $15 for adults and $10 for
students. Reservations are required and may be made by calling Grim at
831-1117 or 456-0983.


University connection
     When the Delaware Dance Company presents The Nutcracker, there
will be several familiar faces on stage from the University community.
     For the first time, the University of Delaware Ballroom Dance
Club will perform in the Christmas celebration scene. Other members of
the cast with University connections include Scott Mason, assistant
director of the Perkins Student Center, who will be DDC guest artist
for the ninth year, returning as Herr Drosselmeyer.
     University students participating are Andrew Ridge, who will
perform the role of Dr. Silberhaus, Clara's father and host of the on-
stage Christmas celebration, and Allyson Cohen, who will return as the
Snow Queen.
     In addition, children of University staff also will be featured
in the production. Clara will be played alternately by Rebecca
Garrison, daughter of Ritchie Garrison, Museum Studies Program, and
Laura Ferretti, daughter of Ralph Ferretti, educational studies.
Patricia Arenson, daughter of Janet Arenson, nursing, and Michael
Arenson, music, will be the lead Spanish dancer. Lydia Manon, daughter
of John Manon, educational studies, also will appear in several
different roles.
     The Nutcracker, which will feature live music played on an
orchestral pipe organ, will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 9; 2 p.m.
and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 10; and 2 p.m., Dec. 11, at Dickinson High School.
Tickets are $15 for the orchestra and $12 for the mezzanine.
     A special lunch with Santa and characters from The Nutcracker
will be held at 12:30 p.m. before each matinee for an additional $3
per person. Before evening performances, Land of the Sweets, with
characters from The Nutcracker, will be held for an additional $3 per
person. Reservations are required for the special events.
     For information, call 738-2023.
                                                   -Sue Swyers Moncure