Kennesaw State University’s Swing Dance Association is preparing for a special performance at the TEDx event on campus in April.
Since its creation in the 1920s, people all over the globe have been crazy for swing dancing. In fact, in a CBS interview, 94-year-old “Queen of Swing” Norma Miller states that swing dancing is “the greatest dance in the world. It’s as fun, infectious, and timeless as the big band sounds that go along with it.” And the dance is even being celebrated here at Kennesaw State University.
According to the Kennesaw State University Swing Dance Association’s Facebook page, the KSUSDA is KSU’s “one and only association for the promotion of the joy and wonder of swing dancing in Kennesaw, GA and the surrounding areas.” From weekly lessons that cater to every level of dancer, to monthly dances, the KSUSDA is all about spreading the fun of their favorite social dance.
This semester has been a special one for the club, as their swing dance team gears up for their performance at KSU’s TEDx conference. The show will not be until April 16, but according to club member Anthony Romero, the group has been practicing hard since last October. The choreographed dance will be a mixture of Lindy Hop, Shim Sham, and Charleston and will be set to Casey MacGill’s song “Rhythm.” Those who attended the KSU Holocaust Museum’s Veteran’s Day dance will remember the club’s original performance of this song; however, for the TEDx event, the group has some new ideas up their sleeves.
Many will agree that knowing how to social dance is a basic necessity to succeed in life. But whether you believe that dancing is a means to getting ahead in social situations or not, swing dancing can be a fun and healthy hobby you can enjoy throughout your entire life. Social dances, especially swing dances, can be a great way to make new friends, and they are always a unique date idea.
Club member Charley Bouwmans says that there are many reasons to give swing dancing a try. “[Swing] is a really easy to learn, and it is actually a very forgiving dance,” Bouwmans said. “If you mess up, you can just smile and call it style! No one can ever tell the difference.”
Bouwmans also said that it also gives ladies a chance to wear cute dresses every weekend.
The Kennesaw State University Swing Dance Association offers free lessons to KSU students every Monday; 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Beginners and 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for Intermediates. Monthly dance schedules and more information can be found on their Facebook page: KSU Swing Dance Association (Global).
