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Country dancin' the night away in Logan
By Kami Capener
March 24, 2005 | Cowboys, boots and
ten-gallon hats-forget the images of hoedowns on the
farm, country dancing has evolved. Western swing, line
dancing and two-stepping have become popular pastimes
for Utah State University students. With two local businesses
sponsoring country dance nights, country dance classes
available on campus, and the birth of the Country Western
Swing Club at USU, more students are becoming involved
in the country dancing scene.
"Let's be honest, there's not a lot to do in Logan,"
said Tim Peterson, a junior majoring in biology. "Country
dancing provides a way to hang out with friends, the
opposite sex and plus, it's just fun to do."
Teran Bingham, a sophomore majoring in nursing, said
country dancing is a good way to take a break from school.
"You get to meet new people," she said.
While many people country dance for the social benefits,
Camille Goodrich, a sophomore majoring in family, consumer
and human development, said she dances because "it's
good exercise." Social dancing, including line, swing
and two-step, provides many physical benefits, a Mayo
Clinic Health Letter states, "Dancing can burn as
many calories as walking, swimming or riding a bicycle."
Other health benefits of dancing include cardiovascular
conditioning and strong bones, the letter states. Along
with the physical benefits, social dancing also has
psychological benefits. The Mayo Clinic letter said,
"Dancing contains a social component that solitary fitness
endeavors don't. It gives you an opportunity to develop
strong social ties which contribute to self-esteem and
a positive outlook."
While dancing comes naturally to some people, those
requiring a little more attention have resources available
to help them master the two-step, swing and line dances.
Utah State offers both beginning and advanced western
swing classes.
"Most of the dancing I do these days, I learned from
the class," said Peterson, a past member of the advanced
western swing class.
Alli Coffman, a beginning western swing student, said
the class is a great opportunity to learn more dance
moves, including lifts.
Along with the basic moves of country dancing, come
the rules of etiquette. According to Janet Ratzloff
of cowgirls.com,
the center of the dance floor is reserved for stationary
dances, like line and swing dancing. The edges of the
dance floor are divided into lanes, said Ratzloff, with
the outside lanes for faster dancers and the inside
lanes for slower dancers.
"Be nice to your fellow dancers and try not to bump
into people," she said. It is man's responsibility to
watch out for other dancers and to prevent any collisions,
she said.
Finding a good location for some "boot-scootin" in
Logan has become a lot easier in the last few years.
Club NVO began
having country nights about three years ago and they
have remained popular ever since, said Bryan Jenson,
the owner and manager. Every Thursday, Club NVO has
country dancing from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. The admission
charge is $4, which includes instruction from 9 p.m
until 10 p.m. Jenson said the variety of Club NVO makes
it great, along with country dancing, Club NVO has a
hip hop dance room, pool tables and karaoke. Jenson
said the average attendance on country nights is around
500.
The Cache Valley Fun Park also has a country dancing
night. Wednesday nights during the school year from
9 p.m. until midnight are reserved for country dancing,
said Lee Stevens, Cache Valley Fun Park manager. The
admission charge is $2 with a USU student ID or $3 without.
Average attendance on country dance night is around
120-150 people, said Stevens. "We're here, come have
fun," he said.
The Country Western Swing Club at Utah State provides
another opportunity to country dance. According to the
Utah
State University A-Station, the purpose of the Country
Western Swing Club is to "provide a fun atmosphere where
students can meet each other through recreation and
dance." The club began fall semester of 2004 and its
membership has been growing. Michael Holt, the club's
treasurer, said membership is now approaching 200. Holt
said the club costs $7 a year to join, and membership
benefits include admission to the Cache Valley Fun Park
country nights, additional instruction and socials throughout
the year. Holt also said more activities are being planned,
including competitions.
Country dancing provides a great social scene, along
with physical benefits. With the opportunities to dance
in Logan and all the resources to learn, country dancing
is a great activity for everyone. As Holt said, "it's
all about having fun."
For more information about country dancing visit:
The United Country
Western Dance Council
5678 Magazine
Dance Forums
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