HARVARD GAZETTE ARCHIVES

With the success of TV's "Dancing with the Stars," ballroom dance has become something of a national craze. That craze will soon sweep over Cambridge, courtesy of the Harvard University Ballroom Dance Team. Longtime devotees to this graceful dance style, the team will celebrate its 15th annual invitational - one of the largest and most prestigious competitions in the nation - on March 11-12 at the Malkin Athletic Center (MAC).

The invitational promises to attract over 600 dancers competing for more than $6,000 in scholarships and prizes. Novices and champion dancers alike will perform the international waltz, the American foxtrot, rumba, and swing, among several other styles.

As part of the weekend competition, the public is invited to attend the Hanlon-Ford Winter Ball on March 11 (doors open at 5:30 p.m.), also at the MAC. An evening of elegant ballroom dance, the winter ball will feature the final rounds of the advanced competition, including some of the best collegiate and amateur dancing in the United States, such as current No. 1 amateur ballroom couple Craig Shaw and Katya Afanaseva. Also planned: professional performances and exhibitions, and social dancing with a live 21-piece orchestra. Formal attire is requested.

Tickets are $10 for students and $25 for general admission. Contact the Harvard Box Office at (617) 496-2222. Additionally, a VIP package, including a wine and cheese reception, premium reserved seating, and admission to Ryles Dance Hall (upstairs Ryles Jazz Club) after the ball, is available for $100. Contact comp@harvardballroom.com.