Big band and country swing bring their styles to the TSC ballroom

At first glance, the image of a 1940s ballroom and the dust-kicking country dance hall seem worlds apart, but both styles have a lot more in common than many might think. 

Heather Burr, a member of the Big Band Swing Club, described the history between big band and country swing dancing.   

“There is kind of a rivalry when it comes to big band and country swing dancing,” Burr said. 

On Oct. 16, both big band and country swing dancing clubs came together to host Dancing with the Clubs in the Evan N. Stevenson Ballroom in the TSC. They invited students with any level of experience to come and join them.  

When planning the event, both clubs wanted the event to be a way of exposure for students to learn either dance style.  

“When planning everything, we want students to explore either dance style and let them explore dancing like we all did once, while helping them by teaching them step by step,” said Mason Pike, the Big Band Swing Club president. 

Students were welcomed by USUSA leadership at the door, and members from both clubs made sure everyone felt welcome when learning new dance moves.  

Adam Fillmore, a member of the Big Band Swing Club, highlighted the shared history between big band and country swing dancing. 

 “What few people know is how closely related both dance forms are. They are basically siblings when you look at the history. Big band came first, but both forms share the same dance moves. Country came later, but when you look at them, they both have the same dance moves. It’s just the music that’s different,” Fillmore said.   

For Burr, the Big Band Swing Club is trying to bring appreciation back to swing dancing and being a place for people to have fun.  

“For us as members, we try to find a place where people can learn how to swing dance but also just enjoy and have fun after a long day. We want to be a place where people can just unwind,” Burr said. 

Members of both clubs have different reasons for why they joined their club. Amanda Richards, a country swing dance member, found swing dancing an excuse to be social and find new people to meet.  

“For me originally, swing dancing was a way for me to find a place to meet a lot of cool people and to make new friends that I would never originally meet if I didn’t give swing dancing a chance,” Richards said. 

Meanwhile, Fillmore found it as a way for him to settle into college and come out of his shell. 

“For me, swing dancing was a way for me to meet new people and get out of my bubble and find new friends,” Fillmore said. “I was an introvert, so it was a good way for me to get out there and settle into college.”  

When it comes to Utah’s culture, both clubs can agree that country swing dancing has swept all over Utah in recent years. 

 “In the last 10 years, you can see that country swing dancing has grown a lot here in Utah. Right now, I would say it’s the most popular one,” Burr said. 

When planning the event, both clubs wanted to appeal to students who had never tried swing dancing or who were hesitant to join. Pike’s main goal was just giving people a chance to see if this is for them. 

 “For people who are hesitant, I would say just give it a chance. We are trying to make a beginner-friendly environment for people to dance, and no one is perfect when they first start. We all struggle at first,” Pike said.  

Ryker Monson, the USU Country Swing Club’s vice president, wanted to give students a chance to gain confidence as he remembers his first days as a new member.  

“Our goal for this event is to give students a chance to gain confidence. Sometimes you’re your own worst critic. We don’t give ourselves the credit. We do improve, but we compare ourselves to others who have mastered swing dancing,” Monson said. 

Both clubs hope that students will come and try out what they have to offer.  

“My piece of advice for new people to dance is to just give yourself grace. No one is perfect when they start, and no one will judge you when you start either. We are all here to help you,” Fillmore said.   

Richards hopes everyone can enjoy the opportunities that dance opens for people. 

“Thanks to swing dancing, I get to meet and teach so many new people every time,” Richards said. “It’s a great place to just get out there and make new friends that you would not make if you did not join.” 

Members of various Utah State Dance clubs dance a line dance on Oct. 16 at the Taggart Student Center.