Story by Culture Editor Leah Ash

New club AQ Swing had its first meeting on Friday, February 24 in the Wege Loutit Room. At the event, President Michelle Thompson taught attendees the basics of swing dance, including the foundational movements as well as some fun moves like turns, the bow and arrow and the belt. 

Swing dancing was not all that was taught either, as the last fifteen minutes or so included line dancing. Students had a blast learning the steps to country line dance, which they voted on to learn. Next meeting they will be able to choose another line dance to learn as well. 

According to Thompson, she and Vice President Gen Soltis decided to start this club because “just like ourselves, people were eager to dance or learn but couldn’t make it off campus to the events held downtown at Rosa Parks Circle.”

Thompson is very experienced in all forms of dance, including swing dance, which she first started in middle school. Soltis learned to swing dance at a summer camp and eventually started a high school swing dance club with her friend. Clearly, both of these club leaders are highly experienced with swing and passionate about the dance. 

“We hope to meet every other week!” said Thompson. “Our next meeting will be Wednesday the 8th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Wege Loutit.” 

The club will also be hosting an event during Spring Fest called AQ Swing Spring Fling. Intended to encourage students to come out and have fun dancing, everyone who brings a partner to the event will be entered into a raffle. 

While the board is experienced in dance, students who come out to meetings do not have to be! 

“The number one thing we want everyone to know is you do not need any experience to come hang out and learn various types of swing dance and line dance!” said Thompson. “It’s also a lot of fun and super casual.”