Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance? have made ballroom dance hot stuff on TV, but members of the University of Alberta Dance Club might argue it never went out of style.

Established in 1957 with a mere 20 members, the club is now the second-largest student group on campus, with more than 1,700 active members. Ranging in skill level and age – from 18 to 70-something – these fledgling Fred Astaires and Ginger Rogers are a testament to the enduring popularity of ballroom. Equally remarkable: the club is entirely dependent on volunteers, from its dance teachers to its event co-ordinators.

Under the graceful direction of professional ballroom dancers Delphine Romaire and Dominic Lacroix, the club teaches students and alumni the 10 dances found in the International Ballroom Syllabus – from the Viennese waltz to tango, cha-cha and jive. Members also get to hone their skills in weekly open practice dance sessions and at social events throughout the academic year.

The club celebrated its golden anniversary at its Top Hat and Tails 50th Anniversary Gala dinner and dance March 31 at the Shaw Conference Centre. Current and past club members entertained guests with their splashy moves, accompanied by music from the Trocadero Orchestra.

Grace Lau and Jim Deglau strut their stuff at the University of Alberta Dance Club's 50th anniversary celebration.