ULindy swings in style
The sounds of swing dance music pour out of Good Recital Hall every Wednesday as students swing to songs such as “Twist and Shout” and “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” as part of ULindy, the University of Indianapolis Lindy Hop Society.
ULindy began when a few UIndy students found out about swing dancing being held at Fountain Square Theatre on Friday nights. They would go swing dancing there about twice a month, but they were soon looking for more affordable ways to dance.
“There were many who were interested and to save the students some money a few experienced dancers started having a quick lesson before the dances, ULindy president Alyssa Perry said. “Soon after there was such an interest that we became an unofficial group and then the next year we made it official.”
The club allows students as well as members of the community to join in on the dancing fun.
Lisa Macharoni and Jon Tigert teach lessons. Advanced lessons are given from 8:45 to 9:15 p.m. followed by a warm-up dance for all from 9:15 to 9:30. Beginner lessons follow that with the night ending with social dancing from 10 to 11 p.m.
According to ULindy secretary, junior Nathen Landers, the hope of ULindy is that people will have a good time and will learn about some of the culture that goes along with swing dancing.
The group encourages its members to branch out and attend other swing dancing events as well.
“Every year we have a welcome back dance, a winter dance, Valentine’s Day Dance and an End-of-the-Year Dance,” Perry said. “Members are also encouraged to attend exchanges and workshops that we find out about through other swing dance groups such as Purdue, the Indianapolis swing dance group Naptown Stomp, and many others.”
Exchanges are workshops that take place at other schools, a few in other states, for members to learn different types of dances and styles of swing dance.
“Girls like guys who can dance. It’s a fun thing to do, gets you more exercise and gets you more socially involved,” Landers said.
Other members agree and think that the events are fun and keep them moving.
“I come to swing dance because it’s fun and it gets me out and doing something,” said freshman Bethany Walters. “It’s great exercise, much better than running on a treadmill.”
According to Perry, the club has about 30 members with hopes of expanding next year and becoming more widely known on campus for being a fun atmosphere to meet new people.
Dues are five dollars per semester. This is to help pay for food, dances and the opportunity to participate in exchanges.
“Ever since I started swing dancing I fell in love with it. It boosts confidence, and no matter where you go, even if you don’t know anyone, you will always feel welcome at a swing event,” Perry said. “I would recommend to anyone to go at least once and it is a guaranteed great time.”
