Ballroom Culture Shock

By Lia von Huben

Last year was my first time at the Ohio Star Ball. It was my first real ballroom competition and it was a wonderful introduction to competing, but I also was introduced to something I was not expecting — ballroom culture. “Ballroom culture” is very specific and unlike anything I’d ever seen before. While my experience at the competition was absolutely wonderful, I was more than a little puzzled by many of the things around me. What was up with all the sparkles? The fake tans? How about that dramatic makeup? And what on earth was up with that crazy, gravity-defying hair?

Fast forward a year. While I’m not necessarily an old hand at the whole ballroom thing, waking up in the ungodly hours of the morning to put on false eyelashes doesn’t seem weird to me anymore. Going to the Ohio Star Ball for the second time reminded me of how much has changed in a year — not only have I grown as a dancer, I’ve become so much more understanding and appreciative of the culture that goes along with this sport. As I’m far past the culture shock now, this past Ohio was by far one of the most fun weekends of the fall semester. There was lots of dancing to do, lots of dancing to watch, and lots of friends to cheer for. Instead of being intimidated and distracted by ballroom culture and all of the craziness that comes along for the ride, I realized that I’ve embraced it. I even think those wild hairstyles look pretty great now.