Carolyn Crist

To Swing, then Swung!

 

The Swing Club at UGA showcases all aspects of swing dancing – Lindy Hop, Charleston, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing/Jitterbug. The instructors teach three Lindy Hop lessons a month and one Charleston/Balboa/ShimSham lesson a month. UGA students, faculty and members of the community are invited to join and donate $1 at the end of the lesson.

Susan Elrod and Erik Hofmeister teach the swing classes each week.
Susan Elrod and Erik Hofmeister teach the swing classes each week.

Erik Hofmeister and Susan Elrod teach basic steps, one standard move and one “cool” move every class period to appeal to both beginner and intermediate students. Members don’t need to bring partners and often rotate during the lesson.

Grace Greenwood and Harman Johar, UGA students, watch Hofmeister and Elrod demonstrate a new move.
Grace Greenwood and Harman Johar, UGA students, watch Hofmeister and Elrod demonstrate a new move.

  

Rachelle Hoehn, swing club president, shows first-time attendee Kate Butzen how to step and turn.
Rachelle Hoehn, swing club president, shows first-time attendee Kate Butzen how to step and turn.

The group meets every Monday at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Ballroom but invite members to dance in Athens on Tuesdays at Buffalo’s in the Alps Shopping Center or DanceFX at Five Points.

  

Hoehn and Taryn Mecher spin during a Lindy Hop move.
Hoehn and Taryn Mecher spin during a Lindy Hop move.
Members of the Swing Club can also join Swung – the Athens swing performance group.
Anu Laxmi and Bharat Valluru mess up, laugh and try again.
Anu Laxmi and Bharat Valluru mess up, laugh and try again.

Carolyn Crist

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