Coaching student dancers in various styles of ballroom, rhythm, and Latin dancing, the Rowan University Ballroom Club meets every Monday and Wednesday at LaPierre Ballroom Dance Studio located on East Campus 111 High Street. 

Ballroom Dance Club provides free dance classes to all Rowan students for two semesters and is student-run. The dances are taught by advisor and former club president, Krystal Bradley. 

“When I went to Rowan I was the president of the club, so I got to be president and kind of foster it that way. Then after I graduated, I became the head coach and supervisor of the club. So, now I get to continue to foster the club by teaching everybody and coaching everybody,” said Bradley. “Then, getting to see them go to competitions and win and how much fun they have and how much it means to them.”

Senior Julieann Wattley, studying history and secondary education, leads the group of student dancers as Ballroom Club president. Since joining the club after learning about it at student orientation, Wattley has found her “second family.” 

“It’s such a relaxed atmosphere. We’re not like, ‘Oh, you have to be perfect.’ If I mess up, okay, let’s retry like, no matter what, we’re not going to be bad. It’s a place to have fun and to be safe,” said Wattley. “I think that’s what helped build my confidence and can help build other people’s confidence. We’re not going to judge you, we’re not going to yell at you, it’s going to be like, ‘I’ve done that, I’ve had one of those days.’ You’ll see us when we mess up and we just are on the floor laughing hysterically, and it makes everything so much better.” 

Student dancers in the Ballroom Dance Club are taught six rhythm and smooth dance styles. They learn styles they compete with including the tango, Waltz, Fox Trot, cha-cha, swing, and salsa. During class, members learn other styles such as hustle and bachata. 

“I think I like hustle or cha-cha [the most,] but I don’t know. Sometimes we dance to music on the radio or like through movies or something,” said Club Secretary and Junior Psychology Major, Rylee Null. “I can dance to any, like really, music. My favorite [is] Sabrina Carpenter.” 

Members can compete in university Ballroom dance competitions. Most recently the club competed on Princeton and Rutgers campus last Spring. The club is preparing for its next competition which hosts both collegiate and professional dancers at the Ohio Star Ball on the weekend of Nov. 22. 

“We were invited to go to the ballroom at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, and it was for a social dance,” said Club Social Media Chair and Junior Psychology Major, Sapjah Zapotitla. “I got to meet a bunch of different dancers at different levels, very experienced, like not experienced, different kinds of people, different backgrounds. It was really beautiful to see, and it was my favorite memory.”

Wattley works alongside Taleen Hamad as club treasurer, as well as team captain Sharon Falkenstein, Sapjah Zapotitla as social media chair, and Rylee Null as secretary. The club’s member count fluctuates per practice with a total of 45 members last semester. 

At each practice, dancers fill out a book so the studio can keep track of new members and current members. The class begins at 8 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday as dancers form a line and members pick to stand on the designated side for leaders or side for followers. Students can always switch back and forth depending on the dance. Bradley will choose the type of dance to teach and go over each step as the dancers practice with one another. At the end of class, Wattley makes announcements, such as fundraisers and competition dates. 

“Ballroom dance will enrich your life. It really will, I know it’s out of your comfort zone because it was out of my comfort zone, but when you venture out that’s where the gold is,” said Club Member Cristian Moore, a junior exercise science major.

With many plans in store for the club this school year, Wattley continues to add more events to the Ballroom Club’s schedule. This winter the group will perform at Boro-in-Lights for the second time in a row held on Rowan Boulevard on Dec. 6. On Dec. 7, the club is booked and busy, set to compete on Princeton’s ballroom floor. 

“We love doing Boro-in-Lights, [it’s] so much fun. Last year, I want to say there were like a good 10 of us that did it, and there’s a little stage. We’ll usually either perform on it or off to the side,” said Wattley. “It’s great because only the Rowan community, it’s Glassboro, love just doing that, and that’s one of the big events that we try to advertise. Have people come out and see. You don’t even have to be a part of the club to come out and show support.”

All those interested in joining the club can come to practices held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 8 pm at LaPierre Ballroom Dance Studio located on East campus 111 High Street third floor. The first year of tuition for the club is free for Rowan students, and dues are about $85 per year. The club emphasizes students don’t need any experience to join, and all skill levels are welcome. 

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