ACF Clubs
SMU Ardiente
ABOUT US
With a mixture of dazzling footwork and sizzling moves, we strive to bring passion to the Latin Ballroom Dance scene by reinventing boundaries and presenting Latin Ballroom in a modern light!
SMU Ardiente is the home of SMU latin dancers. We specialise in 5 dances -
Cha-Cha-Cha | Rumba | Jive | Samba | Paso Doble
Discover your passion for latin dance with us, no matter your dance background. You can look forward to a fun-filled latin dance fam! We also have numerous performance opportunities, be it internal (SMU) events or external commissioned events.
REACH OUT TO US
KEY EVENTS
- Competitions
We participate in regular inter-varsity and external competitions under the guidance of world-class instructors. - Performances
There are various opportunities for our members to perform every year, from commissioned external gigs to internal school showcases. We value all our dancers’ efforts and passion to perform onstage and present them on our social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram. - Annual Dance Productions (Un Paso)
Our hallmark annual original screenplay dance production is written, produced and directed by our very own club members. From concept to costume, our dancers come together as a club to bring magic to the dance theatre. - CCA Bonding Activities
Our club strengthens the bonds between members through regular gatherings, welfare and special holiday celebrations.
GALLERY
OUR TRAINING
| Junior Training | Senior Training | Technique Training | |
| Day | Tuesdays | Wednesdays | Saturdays |
| Time | 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm | 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm | 9:30 am to 11:00 am |
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1. 2024 - 5th Brillante International DanceSport Championship
1st - Beginner Cha Cha - Kai & Rui Qi
1st - Beginner Rumba - Brandon & Dawn
2nd - Beginner Rumba - Kai & Rui Qi
3rd - Beginner Cha Cha - Brandon & Dawn
3rd - Beginner Rumba - Cheston & Amisha
5th - Latin Novice A - Shawn & Ashley
5th - Beginner Cha Cha - Cheston & Amisha
6th - Latin Pre-Amateur - Amirul & Anna
6th - Latin Novice B - Shawn & Ashley
2. 2024 - SMU Excellence In Student Life Award (Arts Small Group)
Silver Award
3. 2023 - SMU Excellence In Student Life Award (Arts Small Group)
Gold Award
4. 2023 - 11th TDA DanceSport Championship
1st - Tertiary Latin Novice A - Shawn & Ashley
1st - Tertiary Latin Novice B - Shawn & Ashley
1st - Latin Novice A - Yuhao & Dzung
2nd - 1 Dance Open Cha - Shawn & Ashley
2nd - 1 Dance Open Rumba - Shawn & Ashley
2nd - 1 Dance Open Jive - Shawn & Ashley
2nd - Latin Novice B - Yuhao and Dzung
3rd - Latin Novice A - Shawn & Ashley
4th - Latin Novice B - Shawn & Ashley
5th - Latin Pre-Amateur - Yuhao & Dzung
6th - Tertiary Beginner Jive - Xuan Kai & Yu Xuan
6th - Latin Beginner Jive - Salehuddin & Beatrice
6th - 1 Dance Open Samba - Shawn & Ashley
7th - Tertiary All Girls Jive - Anna & Emma
7th - 1 Dance Open Rumba - Salehuddin & Beatrice
8th - 1 Dance Open Jive - Salehuddin & Beatrice
8th - 1 Dance Open Samba - Salehuddin & Beatrice
8th - Latin Beginner Rumba - Salehuddin & Beatrice
5. 2023 - Ballroom Dance Academy Singapore's Sahara 2023
2nd - Novice B - Shawn & Ashley
2nd - Novice A - Yuhao & Dzung
3rd - Novice A - Shawn & Ashley
3rd - Novice B - Yuhao & Dzung
6. 2022 - 10th TDA DanceSport Championship
1st - Latin Amateur Rising Star - Andrew & Regin
1st - Tertiary Beginner Cha - Shawn & Ashley
1st - Tertiary Beginner Rumba - Shawn & Ashley
1st - Tertiary Beginner Jive - Shawn & Ashley
1st - 1 Dance Open Rumba - Yuhao & Michelle
2nd - Latin Amateur - Andrew & Regin
2nd - Tertiary Novice A - Shawn & Ashley
2nd - Tertiary Novice B - Shawn & Ashley
2nd - 1 Dance Open Samba - Yuhao & Michelle
3rd - 1 Dance Open Jive - Yuhao & Michelle
3rd - Tertiary Open Solo Samba - Anna
5th - Open Novice B - Yuhao & Michelle
5th - 1 Dance Open Cha - Yuhao & Michelle
6th - Tertiary Open Solo Jive - Anna
7. 2022 - SMU Excellence In Student Life Award (Arts Small Group)
Silver Award
OUR PEOPLE IN ACTION
HOW TO JOIN THE CLUB?
Students need to audition/ interview to join SMU Ardiente. However, we do understand that this is a new genre for most people and do not require you to have any dance background prior. We are mainly looking out for your passion and commitment! By tying our audition process with the introductory workshops which will be held after Vivace, we hope that you will see it more as a fun opportunity to enjoy and showcase yourself :)
"I have always found dancing as my comfort space. Ever since I was little, dancing was a way for me to feel confident and to feel more like myself. Latin ballroom dancing is a genre that I have always found as one of the most unique form expression. It is something I have looked forward to learning for a very long time and I'd be extremely grateful if you can give me the opportunity for the same."
- Pattan Gulshan Fathima, School of Business, Year 1
"I have Latin background and I am very excited to be dancing with a group of likeminded people! Also, I have actually performed with Ardiente before as an extra in a couple of productions many years back! So I'm super excitedddd"
- Regin, School of Business, Year 1
FAQ
Competition wear is often vibrant to capture attention, but it is entirely up to you.
Any comfortable active/dancewear will do, with latin heels (girls) and shoes (guys). Yes, latin heels/shoes will be required, but don’t worry, there is a range of pricing so you won’t have to break the bank.
Newcomers have 2 training sessions a week (Tues 7.30pm, and Sat 9.30am), 1.5 hours each. Treat these training sessions as a way to stay healthy, relax, and meet your friends amidst the hustle of uni life :)
No, we do not assign fixed partners. We typically rotate partners to allow everyone to learn how to dance with different people. This also promotes flexibility in partnering for competitions, and gives everyone an equal learning opportunity.
Of course, we understand that it is natural to have a preferred partner for competitions/performances and we don’t place any rules on this.
We have 3 qualified professional latin dance instructors from Aquilia Dance Academy that will guide you every step of the way. They are:
1) Rosario : Principal and main teacher of Aquilia Dance Studio
2) Joy: Certified teacher by United Kingdom Alliance who specialises in basic to advanced techniques and ladies styling
3) Azri: Singapore’s top Amatuer Latin Competitor (SBDTA 2018), specialising in adult beginner, styling and performance
Alternatively, check out their profiles @ http://www.aquiliadance.com/instructors.
Continue your enchanted journey here
