The Claremont Colleges Ballroom Dance Company

The 64th Scripps Ceramics Annual kicked off on Saturday, January 26th, with three routines by the Claremont Colleges Ballroom Dance Company—a lively group Salsa, a macho Cha Cha, and a smooth Lindy. These pieces featured team members of varying skill levels and performance experience, but all of them managed the same impressive feat: nailing all their choreography in just one week’s time.

"We sort of worked out the choreography bit by bit, you know, listening to the music, finding out what would work where ... and, uh, then it was just a smattering of practices before we had to perform," said Nate Miller (PO ’08), adding, "I think, all things considered, it went quite well."

Freshman Aaron Brown, also of Pomona, was similarly enthused about the group’s efforts. "You know, we came together in a week, we were practicing outside of school and put a lot of time into it, and managed to put together a pretty impressive performance in a challenging space."

The event was widely attended by Claremont students, community members, internationally renowned artists, and ballroom company members who came to cheer on their teammates despite the evening rain.

Katie Belsky (SC ’08), dancing in the Cha Cha, admitted that the weather did create some difficulties for the dancers. However, she went on to say that she was pleased with the performance and enjoyed the process of rehearsing with fellow teammates.

"I really love CCBDC ... it’s really just such a great way for people to come and do something that they all love."