With swinging skirts, hips, arms and dips, the Swing Dance Club is a fun opportunity to socialize through the language of dance.
The Swing Dance Club meets every Thursday morning from 7:30-8 a.m. in the multipurpose room and is sponsored by Jean Peters. However, it was started by seniors Kevin Dick and Kathleen Newcomer in 2012.
“Kevin and Kathleen came to me and asked me to sponsor them, because you can’t have a club without a faculty sponsor, and so I said ‘sure’ and it’s been an amazing opportunity,” Peters said. “They’re just amazing; I’m in awe of them.”
Both Dick and Newcomer were taught how to swing dance by Dick’s older sister, and from there they continued their shared interest into a contagious hobby among other friends.
“It’s a fun way to hang out with friends, dance and have a cool time,” Dick said
Just like any other dance, swing dance is a way for students to further express themselves. However, there is a difference between grinding and swinging.
Newcomer said, “I like it because it’s a partner dance, not like grinding or anything.” She added, “It’s proper but still fun.”
Besides Dick and Newcomer, the other core members are seniors Stephanie Campbell, Joe Flannery, Katie Harding, and Annie Henning. Usually 10-12 people attend the meetings, the largest group being 30 people, and mostly consist of seniors. However, anyone can join.
Peters said, “It’s a real senior heavy group, so it’s really intimidating for other students like the freshman but we would love new people to come.”
Even without any background knowledge of swing dancing, anyone can learn as long as they’re interested and willing. The swing clubbers will welcome everyone into their dance routine.
“It really is a student led group,” Peters said. “I didn’t know how to swing before, but Kathleen and Kevin taught me.”
Alexis Lowenthal, senior, who recently joined the club said, “I heard about it in the beginning of the year so I came to try it out and ended up liking it, mostly out of interest.” She added, “I like the dancing, but I come for the people; they’re all really nice.”