Trying to squeeze a dance class into a school schedule might be difficult for students; however, BYU provides more options than people might think.
Every Tuesday night, the Wilkinson Center becomes busier than usual as students gather together to share their interests in dancing.
In the Center Ballroom, students get together in the Social Dance Club to enjoy dancing. For the first half hour, instructors give lessons depending on the dance experience of people showing up that day. After the lessons, students have opportunities to get to know each other and get to do free dancing. The club plays music for various kinds of social dances ranging from foxtrot, rumba and waltz to polka, hustle and mambo.
Morgan Barker, president of the Social Dance Club, said she had no dance experiences at all when she first came to the club.
“I just started going to the Social Dance Club and then progressively got more involved,” Barker said. “There’s no pressure whatsoever. It’s all about having fun and coming together to enjoy dancing.”
In the Garden Court, the Salsa Club heats up the space with salsa, bachata, merengue and cumbia. To join the club, students simply come and enjoy free lessons for the first half hour. The remaining time is free dancing.
Like Barker, Ryan Brantley, president of the Salsa Club, had no prior experiences in salsa dance.
“Coming to the Salsa Club is an easy way to liven up and add excitement to your day-to-day schedule,” Brantley said. “It’s fun adding your personality to dancing. It’s different from the BYU dance classes because most people in the club taught themselves just by going.”
The East Ballroom brings back memories of the Jazz Age with jazz music and swing steps. The rhythmic and exciting nature of swing dance brings enjoyment and happy mood to dancers.
Clair Hamaker, president of the Swing Kids Club, encouraged students to come to the club even if they do not know how to swing dance.
“People should swing dance because it’s super fun and it’s a great way to get to know people,” Hamaker said.
Besides social dance, salsa and swing, BYU also offers breakdance, hip-hop and country dance in the Wilkinson Center on Tuesday night. The Social Dance Club and the Salsa Club are from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Swing Kids Club is at 7 p.m.
