Dance club rockets past school records
By Molly Miller · Contributing Writer
The beloved Swing Dance Club is seeing record numbers of attendees this schoolyear.
As Orientation Board’s skit in Orientation Board Off-Broadway showed, Grove City College boasts several dance-oriented clubs and organizations.
Potentially the foremost of these is Swing Dance Club (Swing).
During these early weeks of school, Swing is currently boasting record-breaking attendance at its Wednesday night meetings in SHAL courtyard. With so many new students, especially freshmen, excited and involved this year, new people are finding various reasons to join the club.
“I think one thing that’s been happening over the past couple of years with swing is that people are rediscovering the value of social dance in general,” Sarah Smith, club president, said.
At least at Grove City College, there is a return to more time-proven methods of community. Being active together in a fast-paced, stress-free zone draws people in, according to Smith.
Smith also emphasized the potential draw could be that many Orientation Board (OB) members are involved in the club. Since OB members are often the first faces new students see and students hear about clubs like Swing from them, new students can often join clubs affiliated with OB members.
Swing also has a reputation as a sort of “Grove City speed dating club,” and Grovers can find their dance partner for life through the club. But for many members, this goal is not the primary aim or the result. Often, it is a way to foster and grow relationships.
As Smith said, Swing “facilitates an environment where you can do something active and fun while forming co-ed platonic connections with very little pressure.”
A dance with someone is not that long. Typically, the club offers a simple mid-week pick-me-up where you can socialize and get moving, all to beat the “Wednesday slump.”
Swing as a practical skill can also be easily improved. After the first few lessons, it can be relatively easy to master the basic moves and then build on them through continued lessons and practice throughout the rest of club meetings.
The club’s rising popularity is not just among new students. Over the last few years, it has been a testament to the college’s student body, its involvement in extracurriculars and the joy and fellowship found in some good old dancing.
