Most athletes wear cleats and uniforms, but not the members of the Murray State Swing Dance Club.
Their uniforms have just one requirement, to look sharp and turn heads. The team said it’s a classy look with heals, pearls, and suits.
Most of the students said they are involved because it is a great pasttime that still brings enjoyment to people.
Uniformity is not in the vocabulary for this club. The dancers focus on having fun and building their skills.
The club’s primary focus is on East Coast Swing and the Lindy Hop. These guys and gals are bringing a new meaning to dance in the 21st century. Swing dance originated in the 1920-1930s and has stood the test of time.
There are teams all across the world that are still dancing competitively. The club at Murray State is still young and growing with only 25 members, but there are hopes for them to compete soon.
“We aren’t competing right now, but it is my goal to try to compete in coming years,” said President Ryan Limpus.
Limpus leads a different lesson every time the club meets. He says that a lot of the members are at the beginning level and are working on basic skills and knowledge of the dance.
“One thing I think people need to know about swing dancing is that it is a very welcoming form of dance that is accessible to people of all skill levels and can be just as much fun for a professional dancer as someone who has never heard of it before,” Limpus said.
The team meets every Saturday from 5-7 p.m. in Carr Health Building Dance Lounge.
There are no requirements to become part of the swing dance club other than showing up to a meeting and wanting to learn. Limpus said that they eventually want to get to the point where they can have large dances every week.
He said as the club progresses they will become more strict about attendance and skill level but for now they are just teaching and gaging interest in club.
“Starting up the Swing Dance Club again has been one of the more rewarding experiences of my college career,” Limpus said.
Story by Da’Sha Tuck, Staff writer