Left to right: Chi-Man Lo ’74, Esther Kong Lo, Sara Bailey, Doug Bailey ’72, SM ’74, ME ’75
PHOTO: TONY LUONG
Yet today, his commitment to both ballroom and the Institute are closely intertwined. In 2023, Doug and his wife, Sara, made a lead contribution to the renovation of the Stratton Student Center (W20), including two new dance studios on the fourth floor. These spaces now serve as a home to the MIT Ballroom Dance Team, as well as numerous other MIT dance clubs and troupes, showcasing diverse styles from hip-hop and folk dancing to Asian and Latin traditions.
For Doug, who studied mechanical engineering at MIT, ballroom dancing represents “a balance of artistry with the mathematics and physics of movement.” His journey into ballroom began in 2004, when he surprised Sara by signing them up for lessons at a dance studio in their hometown of Westport, Connecticut. “Pretty quickly, we were hooked and, within one year, I began competing around the country with my professional partner” he says. Ballroom has become a shared passion for the Baileys, and a meaningful link to their MIT community. They are especially proud that his Class of 1972 contributed to the fourth-floor renovations as part of their 50th Reunion Class Gift.
Although MIT has had a ballroom dance team for decades and hosts the MIT Open, a major collegiate competition, the team lacked a permanent home. “They practiced wherever they could, including the lobby of Building 13,” Doug explains. “But a dance team without a proper floor is like a hockey team without an ice rink.” The Stratton Center’s two light-filled dance studios feature sprung floors, which provide flexing and cushioning. Best of all, the central location of these dance spaces near 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Kresge Lawn, Rockwell Cage, and the MIT Chapel—where Doug and Sara were married in 1974—places them “right at the heart of student life.”
Chi-Man Lo ’74 and his wife, Esther, are also long-time supporters of MIT’s ballroom dance community and made a generous gift to the W20 renovation. Chi-Man, an anesthesiologist, and Esther, a sculptor and art director, first took up ballroom dancing 15 years ago after receiving lessons as a gift from their children. Esther says that dancing has been a source of joy and new challenge, as well as a form of artistic expression. Chi-Man adds that it is also rigorous exercise “that can help ward off aging.”
Chi-Man studied computer science and biology at MIT and remembers his undergraduate years with great fondness. “MIT gave me a deep knowledge base, analytic ability, research opportunities, and generous financial aid for which I’m deeply grateful.” He sees a natural connection between the structure and discipline of ballroom and the sensibilities of MIT students. Ballroom also offers useful lessons in confidence, poise, and partnership. “Dance partners do not simply lead or follow,” he says. “It’s a conversation.” Esther found that dance both enhanced her physical strength and enriched her work as a sculptor. “My deeper understanding of body mechanics has inspired me to create pieces with more dynamic movement.”
For Doug, Chi-Man, and many others, dance and the arts are central to MIT’s vibrant student life. Doug is grateful for the chance to expand these activities in partnership with other alumni and friends, and visionary leaders like Suzy Nelson, vice chancellor for student life, and Gustavo Burkett, former senior associate dean for student life. Chi-Man shares this sentiment, finding great satisfaction in supporting the Student Center’s transformation and the many forms of dance—including ballroom—that enrich the MIT experience. “We hope this will be a lifelong gift for students, as it has been for us.”