Alec Weigel
President, Fall 2023 | txb.president@gmail.com
I’m Alec Weigel, current President of Texas Ballroom. I’m a fifth-year student studying Biochemistry, Portuguese, and Plan II. I love to go dancing with my friends, but some of my other interests are cooking new recipes, going swimming around Austin, and reading poetry. I can’t wait to meet everyone, and I’ll see you on the dancefloor!
Why Texas Ballroom?: While dancing is great by itself, it’s always way more fun to dance with other people, especially your friends. I love Texas Ballroom because it’s always had a welcoming environment where I could meet new people and learn about all their cool interests and passions. Besides that, Texas Ballroom has been great for me because it’s provided a time for me to relax and get away from the stress of classes, especially since it combines creativity, exercise, and being social all in one activity.
Ira Kondap
Vice President, Fall 2023 | txb.vicepresident@gmail.com
Hi! My name is Ira and I’m this year’s Vice President. I’m a junior Biology major, and this is my third year in the club. I’ve made some of my best friends in college in Ballroom and learned so much about dance!
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 I’ve made so many incredible friends.
Julian Hererra
Treasurer, Fall 2023 | txb.treasurer@gmail.com
I am a Junior in the IMPA program through McCombs School of Business as well as a Minor in Global Leadership in Sustainability. I have been in the club for four semesters and absolutely love dancing. I have experience in every style taught by Texas Ballroom, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.
Why Texas Ballroom?: Texas Ballroom is a loving community and an amazing opportunity to make friends who all love to dance. Social/partner dancing is a skill you will be able to use your whole life, and learning to dance will never be cheaper than when you are in college.
Paris Apolinar
Co-Country Captain, Fall 2023 | txb.countryteam@gmail.com
Hey y’all! My name is Paris Apolinar and I am a third 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:)Hey y’all! My name is Paris Apolinar and I am a third 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 2023 | txb.countryteam@gmail.com
Hello! My name is Alfredo Espinoza and I am this year’s Co-country Captain. I am a Junior majoring in Nutrition and planning to pursue Optometry school after undergrad. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone!
Why Texas Ballroom?: I’ve never danced before joining Texas Ballroom my first year spring semester. I attended Free Week and was met with a such an amazing officer board and instructor team that I had to join the club! I’ve made great friends and found a passion for country dance through this organization. I’ve never danced before joining Texas Ballroom my first year spring semester. I attended Free Week and was met with a such an amazing officer board and instructor team that I had to join the club! I’ve made great friends and found a passion for country dance through this organization.
Lindsey Szabo
Ballroom Captain, Spring 2023 | txb.ballroomteam@gmail.com
Hi! My name is Lindsey Szabo and I am a 4th 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 6 months 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.
Allegria Manganiello
Co-Social Coordinator, Spring 2023 | txb.socialcoordinator@gmail.com
I love talking and planning and people so getting to combine all of that for TxB is so much fun! I am in charge of planning monthly social dances and activities so always feel free to reach out.
Why Texas Ballroom?: Only dance org that has professional instructors. I love being able to learn 10+ dances each semester. Plus the people are some the best you’ll get meet. Only dance org that has professional instructors. I love being able to learn 10+ dances each semester. Plus the people are some the best you’ll get meet.
Parker Holland
Co-Social Coordinator, Spring 2023 | txb.socialcoordinator@gmail.com
Ballroom is a sports organization as well as a social group. I’m in charge of planning fun group outings & events, social dances, and dance showcases. These events make Texas Ballroom not just a dance organization, but more like a group of friends.
Why Texas Ballroom?: I grew up watching my Mom compete in ballroom competitions throughout my childhood. Although I was never into dance when 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.
JoAnn Robledo
Great Waltz Coordinator, Spring 2023 | texasgreatwaltz@gmail.com
I am a third-year Nursing major with two minors in International Business and Spanish, and a certification in Pre-Health Professions. While uncertain about possible career goals, I love the adrenaline and reward of emergency medicine. I am passionate about the stigma around post-partum depression and the much-needed changes to medically care for underserved communities. I am excited to see what comes this year!
Why Texas Ballroom?: I found TxB after encountering one of their business cards stuck in mud promoting Free Week. Almost two years later, I hold TxB dear to my heart and thank this organization for the memories, friends, mentors, and country ballroom world. As a Formal Events Coordinator, I give back a fraction of my gratitude by organizing The Great Waltz where dancers of all levels can enjoy themselves at a dance floor, and end the night with tired feet and a happy soul. This community is ours, and I am always open to hearing how we can better ourselves. 🙂
Naila Hajiyeva
Austin Open Coordinator, Spring 2023 | austinopencoordinator@gmail.com
Hey there! I’m a first-year Masters student in Information Studies, I graduated from UT with a BS in Math in the spring. I have been in Texas Ballroom for two years and my favorite dance style is International Latin, although I also enjoy other styles a lot as well. Hey there! I’m a first-year Masters student in Information Studies, I graduated from UT with a BS in Math in the spring. I have been in Texas Ballroom for two years and my favorite dance style is International Latin, although I also enjoy other styles a lot as well.
Why Texas Ballroom?: During my freshman year, I got into Dancing with the Stars and decided I wanted to learn how to dance like the people on the show! Upon looking around the orgs at UT, I discovered Texas Ballroom and realized it was exactly what I was looking for. Now I cannot imagine my life without dancing and TXB, it was a wonderful place to obtain new skills and make unforgettable friendships.
Cady Johnson
Secretary, Spring 2023 | uttexasballroom@gmail.com
My name is Cady, and I am a junior 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 friends can come together to dance and have fun. I love the environment and I love how we cheer each other on.
Celeste Hoover
Public Relations, Spring 2023 | txbpublicity@gmail.com
Howdy y’all! I’m the Public Relations Officer for Texas Ballroom this year. As a third year English and Rhetoric major, I love to write, please feel free to write me a DM on our social media accounts! I’m also passionate about journalism, anything remotely espresso flavored, and dance. My favorite styles include two step and west coast!
Why Texas Ballroom?: More than any other organization, Texas Ballroom has given me a community at UT. As someone who came with no prior dance experience, both members and instructors went out of their to welcome me into the org! I have countless stories, friends, and hole-y socks because of this wonderfully unique group of people. I cannot recommend the organization enough; anything for TXB!
Kireeti Singam Setty
Webmaster, Spring 2023 | txb.webteam@gmail.com
Hi! My name is Kireeti Singam Setty and I am a Senior majoring in Finance. I’ve been in Texas Ballroom for four semesters.
Why Texas Ballroom?: This organization is great for getting your feet wet and learning new types of dances and also being part of a family through your college years!