Mirei Shirai
Contributing Writer
The Let’s Dance Society is hosting an intro lesson to the Lindy Hop Dance taught by professional instructor Ken Talley on Saturday, Feb. 28. Lindy Hop is an American dance that evolved in Harlem, New York City during the 1920s and 1930s. It contains a mix of dance styles that different groups of immigrants brought from their native lands. It has a commanding, flowing style that closely reflects Jazz, which was the craze in music during the 20s and 30s. Lindy Hop is often featured on TV shows such as So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With the Stars.
In this week’s lesson, the students will be taught basic steps: swing out, the circle, the inside turn, the outside turn and variations of the above. The lessons are free and open to all students, with or without experience. It is not required to bring a partner, however it is recommended that students bring dancewear and an extra pair of socks (and friends!) as dancing barefoot or with street shoes inside the studio is prohibited. There will be a chance for everyone to dance with partners (partners will rotate multiple times during the lesson), as well as to individually practice the steps.
This is not the only chance for students to engage in social dance. Let’s Dance Society hires two professional instructors each year to teach dance lessons — it allows students of Wooster to experience and learn dances from various cultures and time periods, such as Lindy Hop, Salsa, Argentinian Tango and Charleston.
Member Meaghan Folger ’16 said, “There are excellent opportunities for dancers to improve rapidly.” Let’s Dance Society offers numerous opportunities for students to attend workshops and lessons off campus. Cleveland and Columbus have large Swing Dance scenes, and students have the option to attend monthly dances held in those areas. After Spring Break there will be additional Lindy Hop lessons available, taking place from 5-6:30 p.m. on Fridays in Babcock Dining Hall. Let’s Dance Society will also host the Swing Ball after Spring Break, on April 18.
The lesson on Feb. 28 will take place at 2 p.m. in Wise Dance Studio located in the basement of Freedlander Theater. Club members will be present in the lobby to guide students to the studio.