“ONE-two-three-ONE-two-three!” Students preparing for Östgöta Nation’s ball took their first timid steps into the world of ballroom dance yesterday at AF Borgen.
While usually occupied by sleepy students, Cafe Athen became host to a crash course in the waltz and foxtrot yesterday evening. Dance training for Östgöta Nation’s Fest Filbyterium Lundense ball is one of the Nation’s pre-ball traditions.
–There has usually been a dance instructor prior to 
each ball in the past, though there would perhaps be only one dance training session. We decided to hold four lessons this year so that the students may have more time to learn the steps properly, said Daniela Nivaro, this year’s dance instructor for the ball.
Experienced in this activity, Daniela found herself in the dance instructor’s role quite easily.
–I was a competitive ballroom dancer for five and a half years. My friend Martin Sjöström, the ball’s organizer, knew that I danced in the past and asked me to be the dance teacher.
Standing center stage, Daniela commenced the evening with a quick tutorial in proper dance posture, which was followed by the basic waltz steps. Students first practiced the steps individually, their eyes darting back and forth between the teacher and their shoelaces.
After several minutes of solo practice, two feet became four as students paired up to try out their moves to music. This training will, if all goes according to the Nation’s plan, pay off on Saturday.
–The guests will get to dance to a live band during the ball. I earlier got to see the band’s playlist, and based the dance lessons off what they will play, Daniela explained.
Dance pupils also derived enjoyment from the evening.
— The dance training was a fun lead up to the ball. Practicing the steps to the actual music that will play on the night gave a feeling of great anticipation and excitement, said Georgina Quinton Smith, an English international student.
Aside from the occasional collision and stepped-on toe, Daniela thinks highly of the students’ progress over the past four weeks.
–The students are excellent. They have progressed very quickly, and have shown a great desire to learn how to dance. Obviously, no one wants to be on the dance floor in fancy attire and not know what to do. They have truly impressed me and I am incredibly excited for Saturday.
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