by Megan Deaton
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| Chris and Brianna practice their west coast swing at a Dancing in Dale meeting. |
For people in the Oklahoma City area, the world of ballroom
dance is opening new doors to self-expression. Free ballroom dance classes on the OU campus provide a way
for beginners to learn dance in a stress-free environment.
The Dancing in Dale group meets every Friday night, starting
with separate classes for beginner and intermediate students, and then joining
together for one big dance party.
Guest instructor Jason Donaldson owns his own dance company,
but volunteers to teach ballroom dancing for groups such as Dancing in Dale.
“We’re trying to build a dance community for Oklahoma,”
Donaldson said. “There’s no real
mainstream company that advertises that or promotes that. Most people that own a dance company,
studio or club don’t promote anyone but themselves and that’s not the point of
dance.”
Though there are many types of ballroom dancing, Dancing in
Dale focuses on West Coast Swing.
“My favorite style of the moment is west coast swing,”
Donaldson said. “It’s kind of a complex
dance so it makes people think but at the same time you’re able to interpret
the music the way you want to. As
you learn the steps to the dance you can start to make those alterations.”
Donaldson said he views ballroom dancing as an invaluable
activity.
“Dancing does a lot of things,” Donaldson said. “The number one problem in America is
obesity. Dancing is fun. It almost distracts them from the fact
that they are exercising.”
OU photography senior Sarah Carone uses dancing as a
solution to a health problem that prevents her from participating in other
sports.
“I have genetic joint problems similar to arthritis, and
this is one of the only physically demanding things I can engage in,” Carone
said. “Dancing is like art for me. When I'm dancing, I'm a different person,
and the stresses of being a full time student with a full time job just
disappear.”
Carone is part of another dancing group on campus called The
University of Oklahoma Ballroom Dance Theater. The group is not an official campus club, but is an
extension of the ballroom classes that can be taken for course credit.
There is no fee to join, but members must also be enrolled
in one of the course credit classes.
“This group is really important if you want to become a part
of the dancing community,” Carone said.
“There are not many levels of separation in the OKC dance community, and
if you want to stay a part of it, it’s a very good place to be.”
Donaldson and Carone both said they encourage others to get
involved, no matter how daunting joining a ballroom dancing group might
seem.
“I tell people right now in your mind learning how to dance
is like climbing Mount Everest,” Donaldson said. “I can get you to the top.”
Carone said that the support she receives from others makes
the whole experience worthwhile.
“It may be a little taxing on your time, but when you get to
perform and you overhear someone saying, ‘I want to learn to do that.’ There is no greater feeling,” Carone
said.
Dancing in Dale meets Friday nights in Dale Hall, with a class for
intermediate performers at 7 p.m. and a class for beginners at 8 p.m. After classes, there is open dancing
starting at 9 p.m. The club
usually focuses on a different type of dance each week and is completely free
to anyone who wishes to participate.
Those interested in Dancing in Dale should check the
Facebook page each week for updates.
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