Why Ballroom?
At your age, there are a lot of things out there competing for your attention--sports, video games, homework, lessons, other pursuits. Why bother with ballroom? Well, like I always say, "If you want to wrestle around with other guys, play sports. But if you want to be with GIRLS, learn to dance!!!" Ballroom is a practical skill you can use throughout your life. It's something you do in high school, college, throughout your adult life and even when you are elderly. Ballroom is unique from other forms of dance like ballet or tap. It has set dances with set steps that are learned by all beginners. Because of this, anyone two people trained in ballroom--even if they are from different studios, states, or countries, can dance together without any choreography or planning. Although set routines and formation dances are a lot of fun and can add a lot of flare, it's those basic steps that are the most important because they are they ones you will use the longest. Ballroom is also a great way to boost confidence and build lasting friendships. Come and try something new--I know you won't regret it!
How do i get involved?
Mrs. Rees offers two Ballroom Workshops each year--one in the Fall, just after school starts, and the other in March. Each workshop is 6 weeks long, and anyone can join. It is after school from 3-4 in the cafeteria, usually on Tuesdays. Signups will be announced in school, so listen for them! The workshop is a great way to try out ballroom with very little risk--try it, see if you like it and if you enjoy it. If you do, then you may want to consider trying out for the ERMS Ballroom Team. **For the 17-18 school year, there will not be a Fall workshop, as Mrs. Rees is working on her Master's Degree and does not have the time!
Ballroom Team auditions are in May for the following school year. The team consists of 12 couples. All grades are welcome to audition, in fact, 6th graders that are coming to Elk Ridge the next year are allowed to audition, and have made team in the past. An audition piece will be taught to you weeks in advance, and you will have plenty of time to practice it and get it down before the audition. Ballroom team has a cost of $100--the first $50 is paid in May for your ballroom shoes, which will arrive over the summer. The second $50 is in October and will pay for your costume fee. Ballroom team meets on Mondays and Wednesdays after school from 3 - 4:30 until November, when it goes to just Mondays until February.
Ballroom Team performs in the school Talent Show, and also at other venues all over the valley. We also have a big Ballroom Showcase in March where teams from nearby high schools, middle schools, and even elementary schools are invited to perform. Sometimes we even get teams or couples from nearby colleges.
Ballroom Team is a great way to make life-long friends and overcome that middle school awkwardness. As the director, I have seen the long-lasting impact it had on me as a middle schooler, and the students I have taught. Come and give it a try!
Ballroom Team auditions are in May for the following school year. The team consists of 12 couples. All grades are welcome to audition, in fact, 6th graders that are coming to Elk Ridge the next year are allowed to audition, and have made team in the past. An audition piece will be taught to you weeks in advance, and you will have plenty of time to practice it and get it down before the audition. Ballroom team has a cost of $100--the first $50 is paid in May for your ballroom shoes, which will arrive over the summer. The second $50 is in October and will pay for your costume fee. Ballroom team meets on Mondays and Wednesdays after school from 3 - 4:30 until November, when it goes to just Mondays until February.
Ballroom Team performs in the school Talent Show, and also at other venues all over the valley. We also have a big Ballroom Showcase in March where teams from nearby high schools, middle schools, and even elementary schools are invited to perform. Sometimes we even get teams or couples from nearby colleges.
Ballroom Team is a great way to make life-long friends and overcome that middle school awkwardness. As the director, I have seen the long-lasting impact it had on me as a middle schooler, and the students I have taught. Come and give it a try!
