Grant Spotlight:

Inspired by the popular television show Dancing With The Stars (and with funding from the Inspiring Community Grant), Madeleine Quong-Lee, President of UBC Dance Club, reimagined the concept into a beginner-friendly ballroom dance competition designed to show that anyone can dance.

The event invited members from a wide range of UBC student clubs and associations to step outside their comfort zones and onto the dance floor. Each participant was paired with a more experienced dancer from the UBC Dance Club, creating unique partnerships that bridged different communities across campus.

Over the course of two weeks, 30 competitors participated in coaching sessions led by professional instructors while also practicing independently to refine their routines. Through a combination of social media outreach and campus-wide posters, the event successfully reached a diverse audience, ensuring broad participation and accessibility.

The program not only encouraged physical activity—highlighting ballroom dance as a sport that builds cardio, endurance, and coordination—but also fostered meaningful social connections. By providing competitors with professional instruction, essential equipment, and a supportive, beginner-friendly competition environment, the event reduced barriers and made participation more accessible to students.

The final competition, held on Saturday, February 21^st at the UBC Nest, attracted an audience of over 150 attendees, who came to cheer on all the dancers.

For “star” and first place finisher Kirsten Almarinez, the opportunity to try a new skill, and connect to other campus communities was particularly meaningful:

“UBC Dancing With the Stars was one of the most meaningful and fun experiences I have had on campus. As someone who was completely new to this style of dance, I initially felt nervous stepping into something so unfamiliar. However, the environment created by Maddy, the President, and the entire organizing team was incredibly welcoming and supportive, making it easy to feel encouraged rather than intimidated throughout the process. What I believe stood out most about the event was how it brought people together, creating a space where students from different faculties, backgrounds, and communities could connect through creativity and collaboration. It felt less like a competition and more like a celebration of community, growth, and shared effort.”

For the project leader, Madeleine Quong-Lee, the impact of the event was most visible in the moment that everything came together:

“The most memorable moment from leading this project was finally seeing it all come together on the day of the event. After weeks of planning during midterm season, coordinating practices, and bringing together participants from so many different groups, it was incredibly rewarding to watch the event unfold exactly how I’d envisioned it. What stood out most was seeing the different clubs and associations represented on stage and in the audience. Seeing teammates, friends, and entire student groups show up to cheer each other on created such a wonderful, supportive environment. It really did feel like we brought the UBC campus together!

If you have an idea for connecting different communities together on campus, check out the Inspiring Community Grant  for funding to turn your idea into impact!