Imagine a large room filled with people emoting an aura of pure awkwardness. Prim and proper girls are standing on the right side of the room, and geeky boys wearing ties their fathers helped put on are mingling on the left side of the room. Nobody wants to make the first move. It would be disastrous to talk to the opposite sex, let alone dance with them. Luckily, this classic image has been exhausted in many teenybopper films and is unheard of in the swing scene of Madison. Jumptown, the swing dancing organization on campus is overflowing with warm-hearted, energetic and sociable people who all have a passion for this art. Names like Frankie Manning and Benny Goodman, the king of swing, are looked up to as idols, while students and community members alike daydream about their incredible dance moves and stage presence.
"Jumptown is one of the greatest things I've found on campus. Learning a social dance like swing dancing is perhaps the most real world, applicable skill I have learned so far in college. It is really about having a good time, and that's exactly what we do!" explained Katie Phelan, a junior majoring in medical science.
Although the stereotypical dress of zoot suits and flamboyant skirts are not commonly spotted in the modern scene, the dancing itself competes with the moves seen in the Swing Era.
Starting in 1935, swing not only became popular, it also created a new lifestyle and culture. Jumptown is now celebrating this unique art, offering classes to instruct and inform the interested public. The Lindy Hop, a type of swing dance, is huge in the social dancing scene and is mainly taught in these classes. Laura Malischke and Trevor Laak instruct this versatile partner dance as they explore various moves and rhythms to fully embrace the swing experience. The classes are held on Monday nights, starting with the intermediate level at 8 p.m. and the intro class at 9 p.m.
These classes also demonstrate that, depending on the music, the Lindy Hop can be highly energetic, resulting in many sweaty bodies, or it can be sensual and personal. Also, the many moves taught in class are always open for interpretation and crazy variations. Every dance is different as swing fanatics strive to become in sync with the music being played. An extra swivel with the hips or a flick of the leg is a great way to add style and individuality to the dance.
Are you too afraid to try out the classes? There are also dance gatherings where you only need a smile and a willingness to put those dancing shoes to work. These dances are held in Union South with Jumptown's own DJ on hand to spice up the music. The tunes played at these events range from classic songs, like Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing, If You Ain't Got That Swing," to other songs that keep every dancer's feet moving.
These dances are a great way for new dancers to open their horizons to a different social scene. Gina Schiappacasse, a sophomore, expresses her love for this addicting art.
"For me, swing dancing is a major stress reliever. It is a great opportunity to socialize, exercise and learn a really incredible skill that will stick with me for the rest of my life," she said. "Jumptown is a great organization that is very open and accommodating to new dancers. The members are welcoming and encouraging, and the atmosphere is always positive and upbeat. It's an amazing scene to be a part of."
On Sept. 30, Robert Bell and the Twin Cities Hot Club are coming to the Memorial Union Terrace to provide live music for everybody's enjoyment. Jumptown is offering free swing lessons before the dance to provide even the most inexperienced individuals a chance to master the art of swing. In addition to classes and informal dances, Jumptown offers other workshops and events throughout the year used to improve one's individual technique and create an even more defined style.
The Madison swing-dancing scene filled with experienced dancers willing to pass around their talent. Although learning a new skill may be intimidating and overwhelming, the crazy antics and abundant friendliness will knock everyone's dancing shoes off. Who cares if you step on a few toes, horribly mess up or fall flat on your face? Everyone will have a good laugh, make some new friends and, of course, create hilarious memories to tell the grandkids.
For more information on Jumptown and swing dancing opportunities around campus, please visit the group's website at www.uwswing.com.