IU Bloomington offers over 750 on-campus clubs and organizations that showcase students’ passions and talents. One of those, the Swing Dance Club has been rocking since 1998 and is open to all Bloomington locals and students. Every Monday in the IMU Georgian Room, dance enthusiasts of all ages and experience gather together. With intermediate classes starting at 7 p.m., beginner classes at 8 p.m., and an hour and a half long social dance to cap off the night, there is a spot for everyone.
Erik Woomsten, one of the lead instructors, has been swing dancing for decades and plans to continue doing so by teaching through the IU Swing Dance Club for as long as he can. Some of his students, like him have also been dancing for decades. Others, are a new face to the club, joining as recently as last week. The one thing they have in common is that they continue to show up and enjoy the time spent together while keeping the tradition alive.
“We’ve got people like Zoe who is near professional level, natural at swing dancing. Then we’ve got people as you saw, this was their very first day,” said Woomsten.
Swing Dance Club members describe how they discovered the club.
Debra Unger was one of those first-timers last week after she heard of the club through some dancers at a Cuban salsa club meeting. After bonding over their passion for dance, she was inspired to give it a try. Just last Monday was her first time joining, and now Monday nights can’t come soon enough.
“The instruction was excellent… the dancers in the club seem like they really know how to swing,” said Unger.
The one aspect of the club that members and visitors appreciate most is the community between its members. Woomsten says the goal is to create the most welcoming environment possible so that anyone feels welcome to come and try it out. He attributes their strong attendance and growth to this, and says it is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.
“Everybody was super friendly, everyone when we rotated partners introduced themselves. They’re all really great,” said Unger.
The club doesn’t just restrict dancing to Monday nights. Social and live dance events are the epitome of the club’s season. On top of Monday lessons, the club hosts weekly Friday open houses, and “make an effort to dance wherever there is live music.”
Swing Dance Club members reminisce on their favorite memory since joining the club.
