Posted on March 15, 2006
Bored to tears? Sick and tired of just lounging around during the weeknights? Well here it is, ladies and gents, the answer to cure that dreadful dullness, JMU’s very own, and very spectacular, Swing Dance Club.
“The club is amazing and incredibly unique,” freshman Christina Gregory said. “Plus the leaders are very knowledgeable and absolutely love to dance, so they are more than willing to help you out. So if you’re interested in dancing — which by the way is great exercise — there isn’t much of a reason not to join!”
With more than 60 members meeting weekly and always looking to expand, the swingers have very much become a force on campus.
Even if you’ve never danced before, the Swing Dance Club members tell students not to be afraid to stop by and see if the club is a fit for you. The club is always looking for new members to give swing dancing a try.
Sophomore Swing Dance Club secretary and historian Kathleen Herring said the club loves beginners.
“We are always willing to teach,” she said. For only $2, novices can receive a lesson from a qualified dancer at beginner meetings which are held on Tuesday in Memorial Hall from 9 to 11 p.m.
Swing Dance Club president junior Valerie Hargis and social chair and SCC Rep junior Beth Lacy both first attended the club as a GHTH wellness passport event, but quickly fell in love with the art of swinging.
“The people are amazing and the dancing is such a release,” Hargis said. “I know it sounds cliché, but when I’m dancing I don’t have to think about anything else — it completely relaxes and de-stresses me. Swing dancing is my drug of choice.”
Lacy is no different. She became hooked after just one meeting and has been going ever since.
“As a freshman, JMU always tells you to get involved in something, and for me that was swing dancing.”
Hargis and Lacy, along with roughly 25 others, partake in the intermediate classes held on Thursday nights in Memorial Hall from 9 to 11 p.m. After one semester of beginner classes, participants can move up to intermediate level.
If you are an experienced dancer or are just looking for a good time, the Swing Dance Club proudly presents the Boiler Makers Jazz Band on Saturday, March 17. Admission is $10 for non-club members, and $6 for club members. For beginners, will be a lesson held from 7 to 8 p.m. Afterward, the dance begins and ends at 11:30 p.m.
