Executives

Juliana Chow
Major/faculty: Sociology
Exec position: External Vice President
Years in DC: 1
Why did you join DC? I took a break from 5 years of competitve dragon boating and wanted to try something new! My parents (as well as a billion of their friends actually) were also in Dance Club when they were younger!
Advice to new members? SMILE and have some fun! Seriously, you’re much better at dancing than you think you are.
What is your favourite dance? Tango
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? BTS
What are your other hobbies? I love kpop. Especially BTS. I also love to dragon boat! Hey, is bubble tea a hobby?
Random fact/hidden talent? I have my boating license and am able to drive a motorized boat with an outboard engine!
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “You gotta shoot your shot.”
Favourite colour? Pink!
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? Obviously a BTS concert haha.
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? Memoirs of a Kpop Addict

Elli Takenaka
Major/faculty: English Literature
Exec position: Treasurer
Years in DC: 3
Why did you join DC? I was new to Vancouver and needed friends. My mum encouraged me to join a club to meet people.
Advice to new members? DANCE. It sounds obvious, but that’s why we’re here isn’t it? Even if you don’t compete, don’t have time to go to every class/social event, etc. get out there and enjoy yourself.
What is your favourite dance? Cha-Cha
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? Lady Gaga
What are your other hobbies? I spend an unhealthy amount of time browsing cat groups on Facebook. I also enjoy learning classic rock guitar riffs on my ukulele.
Random fact/hidden talent? My 2017 new years resolution was to stop buying disposable water bottles and I haven’t used one since.
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “When the moon hits your knee and you mispronounce tree sycamore.”
Favourite colour? Yellow
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? Back home to see my cats.
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? It’s not Eli, it’s Ellie without the second “e”

Elliot Chong
Major/faculty: Land and Food Systems
Exec position: Gala Chair
Years in DC: 4
Why did you join DC? I used to dance hip hop when I was younger, and coming into UBC, I wanted to learn a new type of dance. Also, purple.
Advice to new members? Like most things, the outcome of your experience will be a measure of how you treat it. Gain a new skill, make some new friends, compete, have fun, and get to learn about a whole new community you never knew about. The possiblities are just at your fingertips…. or in this case, your feet.
What is your favourite dance? Quickstep
What are your other hobbies? I bake, cook, read, listen to more music than I probably should, and walk around.
Random fact/hidden talent? The only colour I have not dyed my hair yet is pink.
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.” – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Favourite colour? If shades count, black.
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? In the mosh pit.
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? The Book is WAY Longer Than the Movie

Avril Baldauf
Major/faculty: Anthropology
Exec position: Bookings Representative
Years in DC: 1
Why did you join DC? I use to be a dancer in high school and wanted to continue dancing in University – also Bridgette dragged me out to free week.
Advice to new members? Try all of the new comer class for each teacher has very unique approach so find which is best for you!
What is your favourite dance? Tango
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? Florence and the Machine
What are your other hobbies? Rock climbing, swimming, hiking, Netflix, and bothering Bridgette.
Random fact/hidden talent? I swear I’m Canadian but my voice is a bit funny because my mum is from Scotland.
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “Someone once told me not to bite off more than I could chew. I said I’d rather choke on greatness than nibble on mediocrity.”
Favourite colour? Blue/purple
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? Florence, Italy
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? Bloody Hell, that wasn’t my plan

Janine Llaguno
Major/faculty: Sociology
Exec position: Graphic Designer
Years in DC: 4
Why did you join DC? I’ve always wanted to be a princess.
Advice to new members? Practice to help build muscle memory.
What is your favourite dance? Waltz
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? iKON
What are your other hobbies? I like to bake, read, watch shows and films, watch figure skating, and eat sweet things.
Random fact/hidden talent? I used to be in a skipping team (jumping ropes) during elementary school and I was called the double-under queen.
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.” – Tolkien
Favourite colour? Light Blue
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? In the ATLA universe
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? Zutara Should of Been Canon

Joshua Pablo
Exec position: Graphic Designer
Years in DC: 3
Why did you join DC? To fulfill the Filipino stereotype of knowing how to dance.
Advice to new members? Shoot your sho- oh with dance? Head up, back straight, arms out, maximum effort.
What is your favourite dance? Tango
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? Twice
What are your other hobbies? If you ask any other exec, my fav hobby is apparently, not being in the country.
Random fact/hidden talent? Wanna see me disappoint my parents? Wanna see me do it again?
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “Aw sh*t, here we go again”
Favourite colour? Orange
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? Japan
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? Was this made by accident?

Gina Gavin
Major/faculty: Kinesiology
Exec position: Sponsorship Coordinator
Years in DC: First Year
Why did you join DC?I’ve always dreamed of being a performer, whether it was on ice or on the dance floor, but I never had the opportunity to pursue this dream because of finances. Ever since I joined the UBC DC I feel so blessed and lucky to be able to take lessons from amazing coaches with wonderful people.
Advice to new members? Try to attend all the social dances and other club events! They are so fun and you get to meet so many friendly people! Plus you get to learn so many new steps to dances you haven’t learned 😉
What is your favourite dance? Rumba/waltz
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? Maluma and Shakira
What are your other hobbies? I love anything outdoors like hiking, skating, water skiing, cycling, drinking coffee, and partying
Random fact/hidden talent? I can crack backs really well, especially my own.
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person.”
― Audrey Hepburn
Favourite colour? Lavender
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? Cuba or France
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? Life with too much dopamine

Zac Buller
Major/faculty: Engineering
Exec position: Social Coordinator
Years in DC: 1
Why did you join DC? My ballroom dancing was a bit in high school and I always commit to the bit.
Advice to new members? Take all the classes you can it is a lot of fun.
What is your favourite dance? Viennese waltz
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? Do Broadway shows count?
What are your other hobbies? Theatre and cooking.
Random fact/hidden talent? I’m really good at baking.
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “Always, ALWAYS commit to the bit”
Favourite colour? Red
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? Athens, Greece
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? The adventures of a God among men

Bridgette Carey
Major/faculty: Psychology
Exec position: Social Coordinator
Years in DC: 1
Why did you join DC? I used to watch my parents ballroom dancing when I was a little girl. I grew up doing ballet but ballroom has always been a dream of mine so when I found out UBC had a dance club it made up my mind to go to school here.
Advice to new members? Don’t be worried about messing up. We all do it and it gives you an oppurtunity to learn and will probably turn into an inside joke with you and whoever you’re dancing with (automatic new friend).
What is your favourite dance? Viennese Waltz
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? Does Frank Sinatra count?
What are your other hobbies? I love to sing, read, watch musicals and try to convince people that chocolate truly can cure anything.
Random fact/hidden talent? I’m only an exec because Zac Buller apparently does a very good impression of me.
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” ~ C.S. Lewis
Favourite colour? Blue
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? Venice, Italy
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? Inside the Mind of a Blonde

Tiffany Griesbach
Major/faculty: Business
Exec position: Photographer
Years in DC: 2
Why did you join DC? My mother used to ballroom dance when she was young and she inspired me to learn it. I also love the social aspect of dancing, and enjoyed the strong sense of community within the club. The purple-ness of the club is a bonus!
Advice to new members? You only get what you put in — make friends, have fun, and dance plenty!
What is your favourite dance? Samba/Jive
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? Christina Aguilera
What are your other hobbies? Baking, hiking, and watching stand-up comedy.
Random fact/hidden talent? I have a black belt in Taekwondo.
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.”
Favourite colour? Purple/blue
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? Sunset Beach, Hawaii
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? The Business of Ballroom Dancing

Molly Zhang
Major/faculty: Forestry
Exec position: Photographer
Years in DC: First Year
Why did you join DC? I love socializing and talking with people. Dancing gives me a good chance to meet new friends and it makes my life so colorful.
Advice to new members? Don’t be shy, talk to the person next to you. There is a big chance you guys gonna be close friends like me and Nanako! Go attend team match, it is so much fun!
What is your favourite dance? Waltz
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? Anyone 😉
What are your other hobbies? travelling (I am a travel blogger with 50k+ followers, follow me plz 😉 I also love the outdoors. Another big thing is: I learned about spirits and wines for two years because I love drinking so much haha.
Random fact/hidden talent? Been to 70+ countries and the numbers keep increasing.
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “I collect memories. I look for opportunities to try new things, go to new places, and meet new people all the time.” – Marcel Wanders
Favourite colour? Yellow/Green
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? South America
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? There are 100 ways to live your life

Erica Qiu
Major/faculty: Psychology
Exec position: Secretary
Years in DC: 1
Why did you join DC? I dabbled in Latin during middle school and wanted to pick it up again. I also needed friends. Badly.
Advice to new members? You miss all the shots you don’t take, so get out there and have fun 🙂
What is your favourite dance? Rumba
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? My dance partner 😀
What are your other hobbies? I take naps, eat, play video games, and occasionally read.
Random fact/hidden talent? I can’t hold chopsticks correctly. 🙁
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “Flattery will get you…everywhere.”
Favourite colour? Black
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? A hammock near a lakeside cabin.
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? Salt: A Brief History

Connor Dalton
Major/faculty: Chemistry
Exec position: IT Manager
Years in DC: 3
Why did you join DC? Dancing is fun and dancing with two people is twice the fun!
Advice to new members? Run for the executive. We are super friendly and you will instantly gain 15 new friends.
What is your favourite dance? Rumba
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? As a lead you are always backup dancing for your partner :'(
What are your other hobbies? If eating counts as a hobby then eating.
Random fact/hidden talent? This is my first time doing any sort of IT position.
What is your favourite slogan/quote? ” I don’t believe that motivation acutally exists and I don’t think that it is something that you can cultivate. If you cultivate discipline, forcing yourself to do something even if you don’t want to, that’s how you get things done over a long period of time.”
Favourite colour? Blue
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? To bed. Sleep is important kids.
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? Connor Dalton

Nanako Emori
Major/faculty: Sociology
Exec position: Newcomer Representative
Years in DC: First Year
Why did you join DC? I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance and I kept that part of me suppressed for too long. It was about time to get out of my comfort zone. Also, fake eyelashes.
Advice to new members? It’s never too late to start dancing! Have fun in the learning process! Enjoy the music and the moves! Ask lot’s of questions! People are so open and kind; it’s a great learning environment.
What is your favourite dance? Jive/Cha Cha
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? Mariah Carey
What are your other hobbies?Making clay figurines, learning languages, collecting earrings (I can’t stop) and eating.
Random fact/hidden talent? I love it when people’s outfits are perfectly colour coordinated. It makes me so happy.
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek” – Joseph Campbell
Favourite colour? Pink / Orange
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? Spain
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? Storytime with Nanako Bananako

Steven Yan
Major/faculty: Engineering
Exec position: Newcomer Representative
Years in DC: First Year
Why did you join DC? Wanted to learn a new skill and I lacked culture so I figured, why not join the dance club?
Advice to new members? The only way to truly fail is to never try at all, so just have fun and don’t worry!
What is your favourite dance? Jive
If you backup dance for any performer who would it be? Ólafur Arnalds
What are your other hobbies?I love cooking because I love eating and learning new cuisines. I also enjoy listening and making music.
Random fact/hidden talent? I can plug in a USB stick the correct way on the first try.
What is your favourite slogan/quote? “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” – Master Oogway
Favourite colour? Blue
If you could instantly be in one place where would you go? Florence, Italy
If you wrote an autobiography what would the title be? Due Tomorrow, Do Tomorrow: Diary of a Chronic Procrastinator