The 49er Social and Ballroom Dance Club offers more than just dancing, and they hope to showcase this at their next event called "The Charlotte Dancesport Challenge." The event will focus on showing the beauty of dance and how it can help bring people together.

The "Charlotte Dancesport Challenge" is a two-day event being held on Friday March 23 and March 24 in the Lucas Room of the Cone Center. At the event on Friday, students are encouraged to come watch two of the world's best Latin Style dance performers: Robertas Maleckis and Inga Sirkaite. The couple's routine will begin at 9:30 p.m. and is free to everyone.

On Saturday, over 140 of the best collegiate ballroom dancers from 11 universities will be competing in a wide range of styles. Doors will open at 8 a.m. and the competition will begin at 9 a.m. Students can purchase a ticket for $3 and general admission will be $5.

"This is a good way to get our name and the school's name out there," Okan Pala, president of the 49er S&BDC said. "We travel to a lot of events and this is a chance for other schools to come [to UNCC] and see what we have to offer."

Pala said the event is a great way to showcase talented dancers and to see the beauty of ballroom dancing, something that the group is always trying to accomplish.

"Dancing is a way of life," Pala said. "Once you're involved you become intrigued and are pushed to learn more about dancing."

The club meets four nights a week and offers free lessons on Sundays to anyone interested in the art form. The group's classes range from learning the Cha-Cha to understanding how to Waltz; as long as students are learning new dances and meeting new people, club leaders are happy.

"We're always trying to get people involved with the group, because it's such a great way to meet new people, interact with others and listen to music all at the same time" Club Advisor, Tiffany Barnes said.

Barnes and Pala are testaments to how dancing can lead to powerful relationships. The two met at a party that sparked a friendship around dancing that eventually led the couple to wed in 2005.

The club currently has over 70 active members that range from the novice to the most skilled amature dancers. Every year a student is involved with the club they are increased in rank beginning with newcomer for the first year, Bronze Medal students for their second and rising to Gold Medal students their fourth year of participation.

"It's a requirement with our students that they must help train the levels below them," Barnes said. "So, our bronze students are always helping out with our newcomers." Barnes likened the experience to a mentoring program where students become the teachers.

"Dancing is a great way to bring people together," Pala said. "It's something that you'll fall in love with immediately."

For more information on the 49er Social and Ballroom Dance Club, please visit the groups website: http://www.sco.uncc.edu/dance/

For more information on "The Charlotte Dancesport Challenge" please visit the website at: http://www.sco.uncc.edu/dance/cdc/index.html