U of A's Ballroom Beat: Dance Club Members Win Awards

Ballroom Club

The U of A Ballroom Dance Club Sport received several awards at the Austin Open at the University of Texas-Austin.  

"This is the best our club has performed during our tenure," said Payton Crowne, 2024-25 president of Ballroom Club. "We are very proud of our team."  

The UARK Ballroom Dance Club, formed in 2009, focuses on learning American and international dance styles. The club travels once per semester to competitions across the country, and, currently, there are 14 competing members.  

On April 12, the club traveled to UT Austin to compete in the annual Austin Open collegiate competition. Members competed in every style — Country Western, International Standard, American Smooth, International Latin, American Rhythm and Social. Several members consistently made the final heats in each category and received a total of 55 ribbons. 

"This year, our club took on the challenge of expanding into two new dance styles, International Standard and Latin, and saw tremendous growth across all styles," Crowne said. 

Club members have traveled to competitions and successfully earned 1st, 2nd and 3rd places at the levels of bronze and newcomer dance at regional competitions. Ballroom was the Club for the Year for the academic years of 2017 and 2018. 

The club has recently started "Ballroom Beginner Nights" from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday for those who would like to start learning how to dance. Those who want to further their dance skills and participate in competitions can join the team, and professional instruction will be given by Coach Brandy Gilliam. 

To join the club, students may attend a practice, fill out a short waiver and pay their dues after three practices. No partner is necessary to become a member! Beginners and experienced people are welcome to participate. For more information, contact ballroom@uark.edu.