Staff Writer- Cora Hess
What better way to spend the evening of Valentine’s Day than to join the Swing Dance Club and the Dance Collective of Gustavus at 8:00 p.m. on Feb. 14th in Alumni Hall? No matter the dance experience, everyone is welcome to come and have a fun time at this event. Swing Dance Club Co-President and Junior Kendall Wiggins expresses her excitement for this event.
“We’ll teach some fun partnered moves and have some time to try your skills on the dance floor!” Wiggins said.
Secretary for the Dance Collective of Gustavus, Sophomore Natalie Thorson, shares how excited she is to hold this event with the Swing Dance Club. She shares encouragement for those who are on the fence about joining them this special night.
“For anyone who is thinking of coming, please do! Bring your friends! Come have fun dancing with us!” Thorson said.
This is a themed event, occurring only once a year on this worldwide special day of celebrating love. If you’re on the edge about going, just come and enjoy the love and dancing.
“Valentines swing is a special event put on by the Swing Dance Club and the Dance Collective of Gustavus, for Valentine’s Day, where you can come with a partner, a friend, or even by yourself to come learn some moves!” Thorson shared.
At this collaborative dance event, they will be teaching every person a variety of swing dance moves that are Valentine’s themed. They will also be teaching the well-known romantic dance: the waltz. For those who haven’t swing danced before, swing and waltz lessons will be taught before the dance floor opens and dance instructors will be around to help.
“We will be teaching from the basics up, so it’s a great opportunity for dancers of all skill levels!” Wiggins shared.
This event is not just for the members of either organization. Swing Dance Club Co-President and Senior Janelle Sylvester is excited to see all the old and new faces on the dance floor. She shared what she is most excited about during this event.
“To hopefully see both familiar and new faces show up to learn dance, to teach multiple kinds of dance in one night, and have time with an open dance floor.” Sylvester shared.
The two organizations have orchestrated this event for the last three years and are excited to continue it again for the fourth year. The two organizations often collaborate not only with each other, but with a wide variety of other groups on campus. For example, Dance Collective often collaborates with YoGAC, the Peer Assistants, and more. In the past, the Swing Dance Club has collaborated with student jazz combos, had group line dances at Homecoming, and more.
“We did it last year and it was so much fun!” Wiggins shared.
There will be a variety of fun valentines themed treats and other prizes, as well as a Polaroid photo booth to remember this awesome event.
“We will have snacks, Frost-Your-Owns, polaroids, door prizes, and dancing! It is going to be a fun night filled with music, dance, friendship, and love!” Thorson shared.
If you decide you want to join the Swing Dance Club, there is always an opportunity to join. The only thing you have to do is to show up.
“The dance floor is open to everyone, and our lessons are very beginner-friendly. We meet every week on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall, a whiteboard will be out to direct towards the dancing.” Sylvester explains.
Anyone is welcome to join Dance Collective, even if they aren’t in the dance department or have any experience! They host many events, such as student-led and professional masterclasses, line dancing, pilates, Just Dance, and more.
Bring a friend, just yourself, or a special someone to join the Swing Dance Club and the Dance Collective of Gustavus on this exciting, lovely night of dancing and enjoyment. Even if you may have no experience or a ton of experience, these two organizations will be glad to help out and make sure you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day evening.
“Come by yourself and grab a partner there or bring your valentine!” Wiggins shared.