Two Step Takeover: How Country Swing Captured Utah State University
Country swing dancing has taken over the state of Utah as one of the most popular pastimes around, and at Utah State University, it is no different. One of the most popular clubs on campus is the Country Swing Club, which routinely fills the Cache County Fairgrounds with new and experienced dancers alike.
Despite the fact that country swing dancing has been an important part of western country culture for nearly a century, many of the people who frequent the dance floor only started upon arriving at Utah State.
In fact, this trend is so common, even a large portion of the presidency of the club is made up of people who began dancing while at USU.
“I went a little bit in high school, but when I got up to Utah State, I took a class, and then from there, I just kept going,” said Ethan Moser, vice president of the club. “Eventually, I joined the committee and got more involved that way.”
For many, the club was a way to meet new friends and create a new aspect of their social life upon arriving to Utah State.
“I started going on Tuesday nights. One of my roommates found out about it freshman year and was like, ‘Why don’t we go?’” said Molly Thompson, club treasurer. “I had a lot of fun and felt really welcomed, so I kept going back.”
According to the presidency members, the club takes pride in creating a safe and comfortable place for people to socialize and dance, highlighting it as one of the priorities of the club.
“While we do want to grow the popularity of country swing dancing, our focus is holding events for people to socialize and meet others who have similar interests,” Moser said.
Trying to create a friendly and social environment is not necessarily unique to the club, so why has country swing dancing become so popular as a pastime here at USU?
Partygoers swing dance in the TSC Ballroom during Casino Night on Feb. 7th.
Both USU and country swing dancing share strong ties to Utah’s agricultural and western history, and Cache Valley is a community based around agriculture. This plays a role in the popularity of country swing dancing, but even future doctors and engineers show up alongside ranchers and veterinarians to dance, so what is drawing such a crowd? Members of the presidency shared their perspective on a possible explanation of the growing popularity of country swing.
“In a smaller town like Logan, honestly, there isn’t a ton of nightlife or things to do,” Moser said. “You can either hang out in your apartment, or you can go swing dancing. It’s an easy, fun thing to do in the afternoons.”
Thompson pointed to more overarching cultural aspects of Utah as a possible explanation.
“Utah has a very big ‘meet new people’ culture. I’m not completely sure what you would call it, but everyone is always trying to expand their bubble and meet new people,” Thompson said. “Swing dancing is such an easy way and place to meet new people.”
For some, the idea of going swing dancing sounds completely foreign and rather intimidating. In order to help, the club strives to create an environment where everyone is welcome regardless of past experience. Both the USU club and Logan’s Sage Hall provide opportunities for people to learn everything from the basics to advanced moves.
“When I started going, I felt like everyone there was willing to help,” Thompson said. “The committee members are always there, and we are always happy to teach someone a little about how to dance. Also, when we do our events at Sage Hall, they have instructors who go around teaching people moves.”
The club invites everyone to come out, give it a try and have a good time. It is very active on Instagram @ususacountryswingclub, with posts about events it’s holding and how to get involved.