It’s a Swing Thing

By: Sarah Stortz

The Lampost Theatre Co. has brought back swing dancing, an old style of dancing to jazz introduced in the ‘20s, to teach to anyone of any age who wishes to partake. An introduction lesson was taught last Saturday at 7:30 p.m. only for $1 by instructor, Ashley Garretson, followed by an open floor for dancing.

Swing dancing has been taught at the Lampost as early as about 2008, usually with a high attendance and has been enjoyed by several, especially by high school students.

“I think more teenagers should consider taking swing dancing lessons because it is super fun and you can swing dance to any music high schools can listen to,” Garretson said, adding that what she likes the most about swing dancing is “It was one of the dances that were taught at UNI, and I loved the style of it.”

One student at the event who swing dances is junior Emily Bruss. “I decided to do it for my English project last year, and I really liked it, so I kept on doing it,” Bruss said. “I think it’s exciting, sweaty and I love it. It’s good exercise, entertainment and it’s good for a cheap date.”

Another student who has recently taken up swing dancing is junior Emily Wikner. “It’s really fun, and it’s nice to know how to dance and actually know a set of moves,” she said. Wikner decided to learn swing moves because “[Bruss] was taking them, and I wanted to do it too because I was jealous.”

Bruss recommended it for other teens as well. “Chicks dig guys who can dance. It’s really something that’s not hard to do, so I think other students should do it as well.”

Lessons are held at the UNI Ballroom/Swing Club on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. and Thursdays from 8-9 p.m., so those looking for something new to do with their significant others or dates can try a different style of dance or just have a fun night out.