Club President Becky Smith said interest in swing dancing on campus peaked around three years ago when the student organization started.

“I saw people dancing on-stage at Party at the Aud my freshman year and I thought it looked really cool, so I went to one of their swing nights and I just kept going,” said Smith, a computer science senior. “We had over 400 members in our first year.”

Swing Night is held every Wednesday at Sparty’s Night Club, 410 S. Clippert St. in Lansing. The State Swing Society offers swing dance lessons from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., followed by open dancing.

“We have a lot of fun, especially because there’s no pressure. Everybody is pretty much a beginner,” said Sarah Podjaski, a communication junior.

Smith said lessons in East Coast Swing are offered for beginners as well as more advanced lessons for regulars.

“I really like watching the new kids come by,” said Dan Apczynski, a co-president. “They have that little glow in their eye that I remember having when I first started.”

The club also holds meetings at 7:30 p.m. every other Wednesday in 108 Bessey Hall to discuss upcoming events and to organize carpools to Detroit area clubs. The next meeting will be held March 14.

Apczynski, a philosophy junior, said the group also occasionally gets together with the University of Michigan’s swing society.

Smith said she has noticed an increase in membership this semester as people get interested and bring their friends. There are currently about 50 members.

“At this point we’re giving memberships at a pretty discounted rate,” she said.

Normal membership fees are $15 per semester or $20 for the whole year. The discounted rate of $10 will last through the end of the semester.

Members receive a card that entitles them to discounts at various clubs and workshops and also will get members who are 18 to 20 years old into many Detroit area 21-and-older clubs.

Smith said the group raises funds by teaching lessons and deejaying at residence halls throughout the year.

“It’s a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people,” she said. “You don’t need any experience and you don’t even need to bring a partner.”

For more information on the State Swing Society, visit www.msu.edu/~swingers. Admission to Swing Night at Sparty’s for those 21 and older is $2 and is $5 for students who are 18 to 20 years old.
State Swing Society members receive a $1 discount.