Crescendo students in full swing

By Sasha Ramazani

The Cal Poly Crescendo Ballroom Company performed “In Concert,”
a 90-minute showcase that included the Samba and Charleston last
Sunday.

They also helped choreograph the opening dance for the inaugural
Mr. and Miss Cal Poly Pomona pageant last Thursday. The eight
members of the court learned to dance the Fox Trot.

The director of the pageant, Raniel Dizon, gave Blake Brown and
Renee Roberts, the president and vice president of CBC, the freedom
to choose the dance and choreography.

“We thought Fox Trot would be the best thing because it’s not a
really challenging dance,” said Roberts. “People that aren’t very
experienced can get the feel and the rhythm of it and enjoy it.
“

Aside from helping with the opening number, CBC wanted to
showcase their talents performing “Baby Workout,” a West Coast
swing.

CBC is comprised of 21 students who perform various Latin and
ballroom dances.

Brown became interested in the company in her second quarter at
Cal Poly after she took social dance and saw a performance by the
company.

“It looked really fun and it intrigued me,” said Brown. “So I
just tried out and I made it, and I have loved it ever
since.”

Brown said dancing teaches you a lot about yourself and how to
work with a team.

“It’s a great experience overall, and this skill is something
you can take with you your whole life,” said Brown.

Roberts began ballroom dancing in high school at Arthur Murray
Dance Studios. In her first year, someone suggested she try out for
the CBC.

Aside from dancing with the CBC, Brown and Roberts have entered
into many dancing competitions and have won numerous awards to show
for it.

While dancing has not caused any broken bones, Roberts said they
get a lot of bruises on their legs.

“I’ve been hurt in a lot of other sports and activities that
I’ve done,” said Brown.

The CBC has been facing some struggles trying to become an
official club on campus.

“We would love to be an official entity here under the athletic
department, and we would be more than willing to commit the hours
it takes to do that,” said Roberts.

Roberts said the ultimate goal is to become a recognized club on
campus, but Cal Poly just does not seem ready for that now.

Wesley Acker, director of the CBC, said now is the time to
present the school with this issue since other clubs on campus have
been experiencing some of the same problems.

Reach Sasha Ramazani at lifestyle@thepolypost.com

Chris Sloan/Poly Post

Crescendo students in full swing