USU Dancers get ready to break a leg
USU has introduced a new club devoted to a physically demanding activity: dancing.
Emily Petersen, a junior majoring in exercise science, is the founder of the USU Dancer’s Club. She started it to give people the chance to try a new activity and allow those who already dance to continue their love for dancing after high school.
“It’s a dance club that anyone can join. It’s really just to have fun,” Petersen said. “I want people that haven’t danced and who have danced to keep on dancing after high school. Really, I just want people come have fun and enjoy themselves. We get opportunities to perform, which is great, but really, it’s all about having fun.”
The club’s first performance is set for the Howl, one of the most anticipated events of the year and one of the largest Halloween costume party events west of the Mississippi River.
The dance club will be switching on and off with USU’s Dance Company throughout the night, performing a choreographed routine that mixes jazz choreographed by Megan Anstine with lyrical and hip-hop dancing.
After this performance, dance club members will be helping out on the floor by entertaining guests. The club practices twice a week and is open to all. The only fee for performing is around $25 for a costume.
Petersen said those who can’t perform but want to dance before the Howl can come in to learn the dance for fun.
Since the Dancer’s Club is new and still taking off, expansion can be difficult. However, they are seeing success with the club Facebook page, which often features videos of the dance combinations being taught each week to motivate people to come to practices. The members of the club have been spreading the word to their friends and bringing them along.
“We really want to get people here to have fun. We would like to keep performing a new dance every week and perform,” Petersen said. “An end-of-the-year concert is something we are considering. Since it is a new club, we are trying to get new ideas, and people are welcome to share their ideas with me.”
After the Howl, the Dancer’s Club will still meet weekly to practice dance routines choreographed by Petersen. She encourages those with no experience to not be afraid and participate in something new.
“Just try it. Come have fun,” Petersen said. “No one’s here to judge you, and it’s just for fun. We’re all open. We just want to dance. We dance for fun.”
The club meets every week at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in HPER 102. Petersen said there is no fee to join the club, but participants should come in comfortable shoes.
– tiffanyfarfan@aggiemail.usu.edu
Twitter: @farfantiffany