Luther College’s Ballroom and Swing club exists to promote dance, culture, and fun on the college campus. The competitive dancing team alone has over 30 members, with our social dancers adding even more to our club as a whole. We aim to teach anyone who has ever wanted to learn how to dance.
By bringing in various ballroom dance professionals and collaborating with other college clubs, we provide a thorough instruction to all who attend. However, as a student-led group, we also run our own practices weekly and strive to create a responsible and inclusive community through our independence.
Luther’s Ballroom and Swing club offers an incredible opportunity for all students to experience dance in a new way, and meet others who are just as curious about the world of ballroom dance. Through laughter, a little sweat, and of course, dancing, the ballroom club wants to give everyone the chance to strut their stuff on the dance floor and have a new and creative outlet!
Interested in joining our team? Let us know by filling out this form! This form is for those interested in both competitive and social dancers!
Visit our Club Website for more videos, photos, and upcoming events!
Competitive Team
For those interested in a more competitive environment, the competitive team is the way to go. Practicing three times a week (generally on Wednesday and Thursday nights and Saturday mornings), the competitive team focuses primarily on six dances:
- Waltz
- Tango
- Foxtrot
- Rumba
- Cha-Cha
- Triple-Step Swing
As you progress in the team you also have the chance to learn upper-level dances and international dances such as:
- Standard Waltz
- Standard Foxtrot
- Quickstep
- Mambo
- Viennese Waltz
We are currently working on expanding the number of competitions that we attend as a team, but currently averages to about 4 competitions a year, with numerous social events to attend between them.
Auditions for the competitive team are held at the beginning of each school year, with the month of September being used for basic instruction to prepare all students interested in auditioning. Interested in joining our competitive team? Let us know by filling out this form!
Dancing with the Luther Stars is an annual event in which Pros (senior student competitive dancers) and Stars (Luther Faculty and Staff) pair up and compete for the mirror ball trophy by dancing various Ballroom and Swing dances, such as Rumba, Tango, Waltz, and Cha Cha, among others. This is the largest fundraising event the team hosts in which part of the proceeds are donated to a charity of the team’s choosing. Past winners have included Bradley Phillips & Kjerstin Nelson (2018) and Jodi Enos-Berlage & Gabriel Palacios (2022). This event will also feature showcases put on by other team members, such as small group dances or solo dances in between the competitive dances.
Social Dancing
For those interested in learning a wide variety of dances, but do not wish to compete, our social dance lessons are the perfect match! Taught by members of the club in a low-key setting, social dance lessons are a great way to get a wide survey of what ballroom dance has to offer. Some of the dances taught include:
- Tango
- Hustle
- Triple-Step Swing
- Cha Cha
- Waltz
- Â And many others!
Social lessons are held once a week on Monday nights in the Regents North Gym. These lessons are open to any student who wishes to learn the basics of these dances in a low-stress environment! No experience is necessary for the social club. Interested in attending social lessons? Let us know by filling out this form!
Resources
The Ballroom & Swing team knows that not everyone can cover every cost. From paying for lessons to buying a team jacket, it can be easy for the costs to add up. That’s why the team is proud to offer scholarships to all of its team members! Simply download the form, fill it out, and turn it in to the treasurer of the club in order to be considered for a scholarship.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the executive board via their email, lutherbs@luther.edu!
We love connecting with our dancers and friends! To keep up with the latest news, events and shenanigans from the club, be sure to check us out on some of our social media platforms – we’d love to hear from you!
Facebook:Â www.facebook.com/lutherbs
Instagram: @lc_ballroom or tag us using the hashtag #lutherballroom
Snapchat: @lutherballroom
Spotify: @lutherballroomswing
Email:Â Â lutherbs@luther.edu
Contact Information
Contact Information
Grace James
President
Luther College
700 College Drive
Decorah, Iowa 52101