On any given Wednesday night, a typical student can be found working out at the gym, studying at the library or jamming to pop music in an uptown bar. Some, however, have found another kind of mid-week stress reliever that has them strapping on their dancing shoes.
Perhaps no one on campus values the sound of 1920s-style jazz music and the Lindy Hop more than Ohio University's Jitterbug Club. Every week, nearly 60 students share the open floor of Room 240 in Baker University Center to learn popular moves of the swing era.
It isn't something you think about when you come to school
like 'Wow I want to learn how to swing dance
' but [the members] have so much fun together
said Alicia Gooding, an OU senior studying engineering physics and the president of the club.
No previous dance experience is required to join the club and none of the members are dance majors at OU, Gooding said.
One sophomore who had no dance experience before joining the Jitterbug Club is Brendan Beyer. Beyer, who is studying accounting and finance, said he was a horrible dancer in high school, but joined the club in Winter Quarter of 2009 after coming to a meeting with a friend.
Guys are always in demand
and there are girls lining up to dance with you
so that's a plus from my perspective
he said. I bring it to parties and show people how to dance swing-style.
Although no one is without a dance partner, Gooding said the club was near its end two years ago, when there were only about four members. The small group decided to perform a swing routine to Michael Jackson's Thriller on College Green in search of exposure and, according to Gooding, it was a success.
My friends make fun of me for being in the club
but it's my favorite part of the week
said Jessica Scheidler, a junior studying education. Scheidler joined the club last fall and said the variety of people is what makes the club special.
The club leaders travel to conventions in Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton to learn new dances and improve their swing skills. They often attend social dances around the state and will be participating in their first competition next month.
Martin Mohlenkamp, the club's advisor and a math professor at OU, said he isn't surprised at the number of students who are interested in the Jitterbug Club.
There is a physical pleasure of having your body do what you want
he said. There is the connection to the music. There is the simple pleasure of touch. There is the satisfaction of working with a partner for your mutual enjoyment without the blur of alcohol or assumed sexual intent.
In addition to its weekly meetings, the club will be hosting A Midwinter Night's Swing masquerade tomorrow night at Baker University Center. The event will feature guest dancers from Detroit and a DJ from Bowling Green.
The day will kick off with a blues workshop at 2 p.m. and close with a late night dance starting at 11:30 p.m.
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