If one were to ask NW students what they enjoy about the campus, most would say that they thoroughly enjoy the community that they have found on campus. One of the best ways to build this community and meet other students is through the dozens of clubs on campus. These clubs include: Raider Baker Club, I-Club, La Mosaic, Raider Capital Management, Dance Marathon, Stand Together, Chess Club, Red Cross Club, Women in Leadership and many more. In addition to this diverse array of clubs, a relatively fresh club has popped up on campus for those who love dancing, music and good vibes.
The Swing Dance Line Dance Club is a place for beginner and advanced dancers alike. It offers an opportunity for students to come together and just dance. During the sessions, leaders teach higher level skills while also having nights just to play around and dance together. The club was founded due to the communal richness of social dancing and an appreciation of God’s gift to his creation to dance together.
The Swing Dance Line Dance club meets one to two times a month, usually on Mondays. Many of these nights include a combination of swing and line dance, and some nights are even themed, such as the club’s Christmas-themed event this past December. Looking forward to the semester, there is a hope that another one or two of the dances will be themed.
The Swing Dance Line Dance club is not currently a big group of people, but they are growing steadily. The club’s board consists of Kyra Visser, the president and founder of the club, Vice President Ella Erickson and Co-Instructor Callie Nibbe.
Visser started this club in the fall because she wanted more opportunities to dance for fun.
“I also want more people to learn how to dance and be able to enjoy this activity alongside us.” Visser said. “People should come because it’s a fun activity that people of all skill levels can enjoy together.”
Visser also gave an insight that dance is apparently proven to boost one’s mood, which makes it such a great way to start the week. Though dance is the central activity of the club, Visser loves the Swing Dance Line Dance Club for the people involved with the club as well.
“I greatly appreciate the people who take an hour or two out of their week to join me in dancing.” Visser said “It’s so fun to watch everyone learn and grow in their skills and also have lots of fun with it.”
Erickson mentioned that the Swing Dance Line Dance club is connected with other opportunities around the area for students. Often, the club goes to special events in Orange City and Sioux Center. The Midwestern Swing Dance Company holds swing dancing the first Friday of each month at Kweken from 6:30-8:30pm. They also hold nights in Sioux Center the third Monday of every month from 6:30-9:30pm.
“If you come once and decide it’s not your thing, that’s completely okay, just try it out, you never know.” Erickson said.
Although swing dance and line dance are not totally popular, it is a great way to let loose and take a break from the stresses that come with college.
“Even if you only dance at weddings, it is such a blast knowing a couple of moves and being able to hold your own on the dance floor.” Nibbe said
Some other students that have gone to the Swing Dance Line Dance club events shared why they enjoy being part of the group and why others should join.
Natalie Pederson, a freshman at NW, shared that she loves the swing dancing club.
“Everyone is so nice and there’s no judgement if you have never danced before. We have great leads who can help you learn how to follow or lead.” Pederson said. “It’s been a great experience for me and I have made many friends through it. I definitely recommend everyone to try it at least once, it’s a great experience!”
To get more information, contact Kyra Visser and follow the Swing Dance Line Dance club Instagram.
