Who are the ‘Swing Kids’?
The ‘Swing Kids’ are a fun loving group of Western students who come together twice weekly to de-stress and learn new dance routines. The club swing dances to the tunes of Louis Armstrong, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Michael Buble, Billie Holiday, and more.
What are the benefits?
During exam season students can feel overwhelmed with stress. This stress can take a toll on students emotionally and physically. Lana Stammer is the choreographer of the Swing Kids. She says swing dancing is a “good form of exercise” and “superb at being a stress reliever.” Swing Kids President Leslie Graham adds that the club is also a great way to have a fun time and “meet people, especially people of the other gender.”
The history of swing dancing:
Stammer describes swing dancing as a “partner dance that [has been] done from the 1920’s to the 1940’s” and is inspired by African American music and jazz. The different varieties of swing dances that evolved during the jazz music era include:
- Lindy hop
- East Coast
- Charleston
The popularity of swing dancing swept across the country during the jazz music era and still continues today.
Anyone one attending Western including students, faculty, and staff can join the club to share two nights a week of laughter and dancing. Remember, there’s no wrong moves, only new ones.
Comments