'Dancing with the Stars' performers to give free dance lessons
The Purdue Latin & Ballroom Dance Team poses backstage at "Dancing with the Stars." (Photo provided by Tiffany Lam)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue Latin & Ballroom Dance Team, fresh off its performance on the season finale of "Dancing with the Stars," will host a callout at 9 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 26) at the Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom.
Club membership is open to everyone whether they are affiliated with Purdue or not. No dance experience or partner is required.
Dancers who competed on the nation's top-rated TV program will perform several showcase dances, including the mambo they performed in the DWTS college dance championship. They also will give group dance lessons to attendees.
"Our time on the show was a magical, head-spinning time that forced us to work harder and with more purpose than ever before," said Dessi Moneva, a junior from Indianapolis. "We hope to bring that level of excitement back to our home ballroom this week."
During the callout, attendees will learn how to join the club, which has lessons and social dances throughout the year and a team that competes in collegiate competitions around the country.
"Ballroom dancing at Purdue is like an extended family; after graduation, members stay on for graduate school or get jobs in the local community in order to maintain their affiliation," said industrial engineering professor Yuehwern Yih, the team's coach. "With the increased popularity of ballroom dancing and our success in the national spotlight, we hope to increase the size of our family."
Team members are scheduled to appear live at 5:50 a.m. Thursday on WRTV's "Good Morning Indiana." More information about the club, the callout and video of the team's national television performances can be seen on the group's website at https://www.purdueballroom.org/
Writer: Jim Schenke, 765-494-6262, jschenke@purdue.edu
Sources: Yuehwern Yih, yih@purdue.edu
Dessi Moneva, dmoneva@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: Journalists who need video or photos of the Purdue Latin & Ballroom Dance Team in action can contact Jim Schenke, Purdue News Service, at 765-494-6262, jschenke@purdue.edu.