Getting away from long lecture classes while learning useful social skills is something all students could enjoy with the multitude of dance courses offered at the University.Jennifer Lum, biology senior, said she looks forward to taking Latin dance, one of two kinesiology dance classes. “I like that it’s a class where I’m learning something, but I’m not stuck sitting in a desk,” Lum said.
There are 14 leisure dance classes offered at the University.
The dance courses are offered at the beginner and intermediate level to accommodate all level of dancers. Most of the beginner leisure classes were offered in the beginning of spring 2009, and all classes except belly dancing are being held in the Student Union.
While the first group of classes is already in session, students are encouraged to sign up for classes that will begin either in February or in early March.
Belly dancing and beginners Cajun dance classes will be offered in February. The dance classes offered in March include intermediate ballroom dance, hip hop, intermediate salsa, intermediate tango and intermediate swing and jitterbug.
Registration is accepted up until the day the class starts, but signing up early is encouraged because of limited space.
“Registration is first come, first serve until the class is full,” said leisure class coordinator Lynne Maxwell. “As long as we meet the minimum enrollment, we’ll continue taking registration up until the time the class starts.”
Though the classes are not free, students get a discounted price. Classes vary in price from $48-$51 for students, instead of the $69-$72 full price.
Ric Seeling, owner of Ric Seeling Club Dance, instructs or has instructors from his studio teach all of the courses except belly and Cajun dancing. In addition to the leisure class, Seeling offers students the opportunity to practice what they learn in class in a series of dances during the weekends at his dance studio.
“A lot of people think you have to be a dancer to dance,” Seeling said. “But in my class it’s just regular people trying to learn to dance.”
Seeling said learning to dance is all about great communication.
“You have to learn the words before you do the sentences,” Seeling said. “It’s an investment.”
Gail Breaux, Baton Rouge resident, said she’s taking a dance class to determine whether to make an investment in the classes.
“My husband and I cruise extensively where they always have dances and we don’t want to be left out,” Breaux said. “We want to learn the basic steps so we can move on to intermediate.”
In addition to leisure classes, two dance classes — beginner ballroom and beginner Latin dance classes — are offered for credit through the kinesiology department. The classes fill up quickly, only accepting 36 students into the ballroom class and 45 into the Latin.–
Contact Alice Womble at [email protected]