Societies: You ballet believe it

by Martine Hines

There is a dancing revolution sweeping through the University of the Arts London (UAL), with societies ranging from ballet to breakdancing proving more popular than ever.

Arts London News visited the Ballet Society on a rainy Monday evening in the dungeons of Davies Street, in advance of the upcoming Dance Festival taking place on March 4 at Hoxton Hall, London.

The event is intended to bring together all types of dance and other expressive forms for one magical evening, where people can perform for one another among peers and fellow enthusiasts of body movement.

Outside the hall there was a buzz of anticipation, as participants changed into their ballet garments, which ranged from basic tracksuits to the more professional-looking outfits of tutus and ballet shoes.

Bend and stretch

I asked Lubaina Mirza, a third-year Central Saint Martins student who was outside the room canvassing for the UAL Student Union election. She told me why societies, such as the Ballet Society, were so important to students.

“They are the link from your college to the rest of the university. For most people societies are their first introduction to other students from other colleges,” she said.

After a short delay, the leader of the society, Johan Stjernholm entered, wearing John Lennonesque glasses and a warm grin.

His handshake reminded me of how The Beatles must have felt when they met the Maharishi back in the ’60s – part meditative and part enlightening.

He was happy to talk about the origins of the Ballet Society and his role within it: “I took over two years ago. Before then it had been going for about two years. It is proving very popular, we have over 200 members, although if they all turned up it would be a tight fit,” he said laughing, referring to the cramped space we were standing in, with pirouettes and barres making an exciting backdrop.

Mix it up

When asked about the forthcoming Dance Festival, his eyes lit up. “It’s very exciting,” he said eagerly.

“It’s the opportunity for a showcase of different styles, from capoeira to street dancing.

“We are aiming here for contemporary work,with European dance themes,” he mused, when asked about his style.

He then offered advice to anybody interested in joining by saying: “We have absolute beginners and more experienced dancers here – everybody is welcome.”

Jamie Ruszczynski, Student Activities Administrator, spoke about the event to ALN, and revealed that: “This is the first event of its kind for UAL, and we hope the performers will enjoy the opportunity and attendees will enjoy the show enough to make this a regular fixture in the calendar.”

Tickets are £5 (or £4 for UAL Sports and Societies members).

Tickets can be bought at the SU at Davies Street or at www.suarts.org/danceshow

Siva Zagel, who works at the Hoxton Hall, where the event will be held, was very enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with UAL.

“London is a metropolis for all cultures and art forms. It is great that art students want to be part of this and stamp their identity in a very competitive environment,” she said.

Societies and clubs can often be the foundation of university life for many people and most need as many new people as they can to get involved.

So why not visit www.suarts.com/sportsandsocs or head down to the Student Union to find out what’s on offer and see what you may be interested in.

Also get along to support your fellow students at the Dance Festival, on March 4 at Hoxton Hall, details of which can be found on the UAL website or visit www.hoxtonhall.co.uk