SUU student Jane Lawyer is a member of the Advanced Tour Ballroom team. If you’re like me, who very well might possibly live under a rock, you might not know what Ballroom is either, or that SUU has their very own Ballroom Dance Company.
Lawyer had the patience to explain to me very simply that Ballroom is essentially what you watch on Dancing with the Stars, which immediately made me think of the dreamy Derek Hough. Click here to admire his looks.
The student is a Theater Tech and Design major, and is a sophomore at SUU. There are three teams at SUU, including the Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Tour Teams. Lawyer auditioned for the first time this year, and she made the Advanced Tour team.
The 19 members of the Ballroom Dance Company have traveled as far as Puerto Rico to compete. Lawyer explained that although the team isn’t traveling that far this year, they are practicing hard for future concerts.
It’s true, too. The dedication it takes to be on this team is extreme. It requires practicing every morning Monday-Friday from 6-8 a.m. In addition, the team teaches a class for local high school students on Wednesdays.
Lawyer explains that although she isn’t planning to pursue a career in Ballroom, she has seen a significant impact in her life as she’s become a member of the team.
“For me personally, it’s a good creative outlet and it keeps me positive,” Lawyer said. “When I wasn’t doing ballroom, I was having a hard time. I love everyone on the team, and it’s super uplifting. It’s a good place to be.”
Lawyer showed me one of her costumes, which was a bright yellow and intricate gown, and I was sold. I’m intrigued, and you should be too.
Their next concert will be held at the Heritage Center Theater on Nov. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. The team will also be performing at the Scream Dance Halloween weekend. It’s practically SUU’s very own Dancing with the Stars. For more information, click here.
Story by: Elizabeth Armstrong
accent@suunews.net
Photos by: Jane Lawyer
