On Feb. 1, Swing Saginaw hosted their winter formal on campus, allowing students to dance away from their classwork stresses for one night only.
Jame Eichert, a second year Elementary Education (preK-6) Major, and president/founder of Swing Saginaw described the Registered Student Organization.
“[Its] a swing dance organization in which students can hang out and swing dance,” she said. “We host weekly dances and special events. Every week, we have a lesson and an open dance time.”
Eichert continued,
“We have no practices, performances, or competitions, students don’t even need a partner or any dance experience to come to a dance; no sign up, no obligation to stay the whole time, no obligation to show up every week.”
Regarding those who may be nervous about dancing, Eichert reassured them, “We really just do a lesson, and then we hang out and dance.” She said. “At a usual swing dance, you’ll see a lot of people talking amongst themselves, people teaching each other new moves, and people on the dance floor,”
Eichert described the atmosphere of the club.
“Some people don’t even dance; they’re just there because they enjoy the atmosphere,” she continued, “Swing Saginaw has only been around for a year, so most people there have learned how to dance within this past year or so themselves. It’s really a lot less intimidating than most people think.”
The Winter Formal was a special Swing Dance, which had lessons for those who may be new to dancing and allowed their more experienced members to cut a rug.
“It [was] a formal [event], but it’s intended to be pretty relaxed.” She said “If students do not have formal attire, they can just wear the fanciest clothes they have. No date, dance partner, sign-up, or dance experience is required,” Eichert said.
Eichert left off with an endearing note on how this club has affected her experience at SVSU.
“I am so thankful for everyone who has been a part of Swing Saginaw, it’s truly been a wonderful year, and I could not be happier with how much it has grown.” She said. “It’s also been an honor to have the opportunity to share my favorite thing with so many people on campus, and I’ve loved seeing the friendships that have formed from Swing Saginaw,”
Students interested are encouraged to check out Swing Saginaw’s Instagram, @swingsaginaw, or their SVSU Engage page for future events.
