Ira Kondap
President, Fall 2024 | txb.president@gmail.com
Hi! My name is Ira and I’m this year’s President. I’m a senior Biology major, and this is my fourth year in the club. Apart from going dancing with my friends, I also love baking, thrifting, and trying new coffee shops around Austin.
Why Texas Ballroom?: I danced for seven years before college in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical and when I came to UT I wanted to continue dancing and try something new. I went to my first ballroom lesson freshman year and fell in love! I’ve gotten to compete and grow as a dancer, and found such an incredible community in Texas Ballroom.
JoAnn Robledo
Vice President, Fall 2024 | txb.vicepresident@gmail.com
I am a fourth-year Nursing major with two minors in International Business and Spanish, and a certification in Pre-Health Professions. While uncertain about future career goals, I love the adrenaline and reward of intensive care unit. I found TXB in 2021 and felt the officer’s energy and hope to replicate that environment for this upcoming cohort!
Why Texas Ballroom?: I found TxB after encountering one of their business cards stuck in mud promoting Free Week. Almost three years later, I hold TxB dear to my heart and thank this organization for the memories, friends, mentors, and country ballroom world. Now as VP, I give back by ensuring dancers of all levels and style preferences have a floor to express themselves on. We get to make what we want out of this club and I am so excited to meet each of one y’all!
Julian Herrera
Treasurer, Fall 2024 | txb.treasurer@gmail.com
Hello, my name is Julian, and I am the Treasurer of TXB. I’m a senior studying accounting and will be staying for a fifth year to pursue my master’s degree. I’ve been a member of TXB since the fall of my freshman year and have served on the board since that following spring.
I have a passion for social dancing and am deeply involved with ballroom competition teams, having competed in both ballroom and country dance styles. My interests can be summed up by my love for dancing, sustainability, and running. I’m truly dedicated to TXB and am always happy to help with any club or dance-related questions.
I have a passion for social dancing and am deeply involved with ballroom competition teams, having competed in both ballroom and country dance styles. My interests can be summed up by my love for dancing, sustainability, and running. I’m truly dedicated to TXB and am always happy to help with any club or dance-related questions.
Why Texas Ballroom?: I would recommend TXB to anyone who wants to make lasting friendships and has even a slight interest in dance. In ballroom, we learn how to social dance, lead and follow, and perform under pressure. After college, learning to dance could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But while in school, TXB offers 8 classes a week, every week, all for just a single semesterly fee. I love ballroom, and I think you will too
Kailey Kessler
Assistant Treasurer, Fall 2024 | txb.webteam@gmail.com
Hey! My name is Kailey and I’m a junior studying Accounting through iMPA and CBHP. I’m from San Antonio, Texas. During the fall, you can find me at football games playing clarinet in the Longhorn Band. I started dancing ballroom spring of my freshman year.
Why Texas Ballroom?: I heard about TxB during the fall of my freshman year not knowing anyone actually in it. In an interview for a position in another organization, I met someone in TxB, and I knew that was my sign to join in the spring. I learned so much from going to the classes, but more than that, I felt so welcomed with the opportunity to meet people even if I joined second semester. The next fall, I took a break because of football season and missed TxB so much that I knew I had to return. My old friends welcomed me back like no time had passed, and I made so many new friends from all the new students in the fall – evidence that the community and friendships within TxB are something I could never give up.
Paris Apolinar
Head Captain / Co-Country Captain, Fall 2024 | txb.countryteam@gmail.com
Hey y’all! My name is Paris Apolinar and I am a fourth year Nutritional Sciences major from Houston, Texas. Although my main passion is dance, I also enjoy reading, thrifting, and playing with my dog. I have been competitive dancing since I was three but my ballroom journey started with Texas Ballroom and this is my third semester:)
Why Texas Ballroom?: Texas Ballroom is filled with so many amazing people! I love being friends with people who share the same interest in dance as me:) There is so much variety on what you can get out of this club, the possibilities are endless!
Alfredo Espinoza
Co-Country Captain, Fall 2024 | txb.countryteam@gmail.com
Hello all,
I am a senior this upcoming fall and spring. As a 4th year student officer, my plan is to inspire new dancers to join the country team. Texas Ballroom has done amazing things for me and I hope to return the favor to my new peers.
I am a senior this upcoming fall and spring. As a 4th year student officer, my plan is to inspire new dancers to join the country team. Texas Ballroom has done amazing things for me and I hope to return the favor to my new peers.
Why Texas Ballroom?: I would have a severe case of two left feet if it was not for TXB making an impact on my social life. Partner dancing was something I thought I would never do because of my shyness. TXB helped me get out of my comfort zone and I hope it improves your life as much as it did for me.
Lindsey Szabo
Ballroom Captain, Fall 2024 | txb.ballroomteam@gmail.com
Hi! My name is Lindsey Szabo and I am a 5th year government major with a minor in philosophy of law. I am originally from los angeles, california and moved to austin one year ago in 2022. I have been in texas ballroom for a year and a half and love every second of it. I tend to be a very extrovert, loving person who is always ready to make a new friend and dance to any song you play.
Why Texas Ballroom?: I chose texas ballroom because not only have I always dreamed of being a ballroom dancer, but the people I have met, and the friends I have made, have been so life changing. This organization is without a doubt the best part of my day and has always helped lift me up when I feel low. Texas ballroom not only has super affordable lesson with amazing instructors, but everyone is a family, and that’s why I chose texas ballroom
Nicole Hinkle
Co-Social Coordinator, Fall 2024 | txb.socialcoordinator@gmail.com
Hi, y’all! I’m a fourth-year BSA Neuroscience major with a minor in Anthropology. I’ve been a proud member of TxB since freshman year, so if you need any advice about dancing or navigating academics, let me know! Outside of dancing with TxB, my hobbies include exploring cafes around Austin and catching up with a good book or TV series. I look forward to meeting you!
Why Texas Ballroom?: Growing up, I was very shy. Texas Ballroom became a way to break out of my comfort zone while still having a ton of fun and learning a new skill! This organization turned into a support system that I hadn’t realized I needed, where I could form genuine friendships outside of academics.
Eve Nguyen
Co-Social Coordinator, Fall 2024 | txb.socialcoordinator@gmail.com
Hello! My name is Eve Nguyen, a third-year nutrition major on the pre-dental track. If you ever see me outside of ballroom, you’ll probably see me getting a cup of matcha latte and studying! 📚 Some of my hobbies include waking up with my phone completely uncharged, going to new restaurants, saving cute animal pics, and getting to know everyone in ballroom! 🐓
Why Texas Ballroom?:
Texas Ballroom has given me some of my closest friends I know. The memories I’ve made and continue to make with the people from this org will always be precious to me. Furthermore, learning how to dance and getting better at it has been so empowering! Dancing has truly become a cornerstone of who I am as a person today.
Naila Hajiyeva
Formal Events Coordinator, Fall 2024 | texasgreatwaltz@gmail.com
I’m a graduate student in Information Studies, on the Data Science & Analytics track and I have a background in mathematics. I’ve been in Texas Ballroom for 3 years, and my favorite dance style is International Latin. Also, find me if you love jigsaw puzzles!
Why Texas Ballroom?: Initially inspired by Dancing with the Stars, I quickly fell in love with the structure of dance patterns and the variety in music. Texas Ballroom also became the source of some of the best friendships I’ve made in college, and inspired me to repeatedly step out of the comfort zone through organizing events, social dancing, and competing.
Parker Holland
Formal Events Assistant, Fall 2024 | texasgreatwaltz@gmail.com
Hey! I’m Parker, a junior Geoscience & Economics dual major, with a minor in Energy Management. I started Texas Ballroom my freshman year and have fallen in love with Latin dance. As the Formal Events Assistant, I help coordinate the logistics behind our annual Great Waltz & Austin Open competition to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Why Texas Ballroom?: I grew up watching my Mom compete in ballroom competitions throughout my childhood. Although I was never into dance before I came to UT, I wanted to learn a little bit to impress my parents when I went back home. After trying, I fell in love with Latin Ballroom dance and it’s how I’ve met some of my best friends at university.
Kristanna Jean
Austin Open Coordinator, Fall 2024 | austinopencoordinator@gmail.com
I am Kristanna Jean and I am this year’s Austin Open Coordinator. I am a third year chemistry major on a pre-pharmacy track with a Japanese certificate. I am from Rowlett Texas and this is my third semester in TXB. I love line dancing 🙂
Why Texas Ballroom?: Texas Ballroom has become my family and has made me a lot better at socializing! Dancing with my friends every night is always my favorite part of the day and it never fails to rid me of the stress from schoolwork and exams. No matter if you have dance experience or not, everyone fits in at Texas Ballroom and can learn new styles of dance while making lasting friendships.
Cady Johnson
Secretary, Fall 2024 | uttexasballroom@gmail.com
My name is Cady and this is my third year as secretary for Texas Ballroom. I am a senior chemistry major on the pre-vet track, minoring in sociology and forensic science. Dancing is my favorite form of communication. It’s fascinating to me how you can have an entire conversation with your dance partner without saying anything. I love Standard dancing especially, because I feel like I’m gliding through the air.
Why Texas Ballroom?: When someone asks me about my college experience, I usually tell them about Texas Ballroom first. It’s an incredible community on campus, where everyone can come together to dance and have fun. Most of my close friends are in TxB! It’s great to have a support system in college on and off the dance floor.
Natalie Chavez
Public Relations Director, Fall 2024 | txbpublicity@gmail.com
Hello, I’m TXB’s PR Director. I’m completing a neuroscience and ethnic studies dual degree in my senior year here! Besides dancing, I also read a lot in my spare time, so I’m always in need of book recommendations!
Why Texas Ballroom?: I only joined last year, but ballroom quickly became a big part of my life! Everyone was so welcoming, especially since I joined with no dance experience! I’ve met so many lovely people through this org and can’t wait to meet even more this coming year!
Joshua Maxwell
Internal Affairs, Fall 2024 | txb.internalaffairs@gmail.com
Hello! My name is Josh Maxwell, a second-year aerospace engineering major also minoring in Spanish. Catch me on a good day and I might rant to you about the magnificence of blimps; catch me on a bad day and yeah I’m probably doing the same. Some of my hobbies include cooking/baking, flying, tennis, rollerblading, and taking care of my seahorses.
Why Texas Ballroom?: I found out I liked dancing while embarrassing myself at high school dances, and didn’t really do anything with it until I found out UT had a ballroom dancing club. Since my first day trying it out, I’ve felt nothing other than so lucky I’ve found a place at UT through the wonderful people in TXB. TXB isn’t just a club on the side, but rather somewhere I’ve met some of my dearest friends and had some of my best memories. And I suppose, dancing is super fun too!
Rodrigo Brandão
Webmaster, Fall 2024 | txb.webteam@gmail.com
Hi, I work on the website sometimes, and I also dance sometimes. I’m a CS student here at UT, and other than ballroom, you can catch me at Greg for some volleyball!
Why Texas Ballroom?: Texas Ballroom is the one-stop-shop for a lot of partner dancing: other than ballroom, there is social and also country dancing here. And if the great classes for a great price isn’t enough, TxB is also home to a fun community filled with some very nice people.