The Sandspur

Issue date: 3/12/07 Section: News

Does the idea of swing dancing sound interesting and fun to you? On Saturday March 3rd the Rollins College Swing Dance
Club or "Rollins Swingers" hosted a dance in Dave's Down Under. Don't worry, they host these swing dances at Rollins on the first Saturday of each month until May. So if you missed out this month, you can definitely make it for next month's event!

The dance itself was not a structured dance class, it was a social event. However, at the
dance people did come and taught an hour lesson on swing dancing. For the rest of the night the instructors DJed. It was a nice relaxed atmosphere so people could go up to the instructors and ask them questions. The
dance was held at Dave's Down Under for numerous reasons. It was really convenient for people to come in and out, or stop by The
Grille for a quick snack. Having it a Dave's Down Under allowed the feel of a school dance as opposed to a dance class for this
event. President Yahaira Lorenzo described the even as "a whole lot of fun!" According to Lorenzo, "the purpose of these dances and
the Rollins Swingers is to revive that feeling that was going on in the forties and fifties." Dave's Down Under gave the feel of an old time jazz club where a person can go and dance. Basically, the dance is there for people to have fun so it is acceptable to come and go as you please.

This club itself expands further than Rollins. It is much larger involving most of Central Florida including the University
of Central Florida. The club at Rollins was created when a member of this Central Florida swing community came up to Yahaira
Lorenzo and brought up the idea to her about having a regular dance. Since a student at Rollins needed to head this, Lorenzo was
perfect for the job.

The dances are occasionally themed. Such themes include a forties, fifties or sixties night. On occasion they will have nights to
honor the soldiers over in Iraq. This is because swing dance became increasingly popular during World War II. The dress
of the events varies on what is going on in the world. "Swing dancing is a very important part of America's history in the cultural aspect" Lorenzo explains. Although the dances fluctuate in numbers there are often thirtyfive to seventy people that show
up.

If joining the Rollins Swingers or even becoming involved in this large community of swing dancers you can contact Yahaira at YLorenzo@rollins.edu. She can tell you about upcoming events at Rollins. She can also tell
you about other people in Central Florida who are involved in this swing community. Or if you cannot wait until next month and
want to try some swing dancing she teaches people basic lessons. She can get you connected with her group that often goes to other schools swing dance dances.

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