Maybe it's the grace and beauty that attracts people. Or perhaps the sexy rhythms get them going. Yet, it could be the fast-paced stylings that entice others.
There are so many forms of ballroom dance - from the traditional waltz to the salsa, even the hustle. By definition, ballroom dancing is any form of dance for two partners, where one leads and the other follows.
Throughout the years, ballroom dance has continued to attract different groups of participants due to its variety and different levels of competition and social dancing. Within the last few years, however, younger people have increasingly caught the ballroom-dancing bug.
"In the '30s, '40s and '50s, it was all about knowing the dances," said Eva Reiter, a mechanical engineering freshman who attended the MSU Ballroom Dance Club's first lesson.
Now, ballroom dancing is regaining popularity for socializing, she said.
"It's club-style stuff you can do with your friends," Reiter said.
Travis Reed, an executive board member of the club, said within the past few years, the number of college-age members has risen.
"I don't know if it's because of an increase in popularity or increased advertising," said Reed, a first-year veterinary medicine graduate student.
Elizabeth Williams, owner of Elizabeth Williams School of Dance, 128 W. Grand River Ave. in Williamston, also said there are more young people taking ballroom dance lessons at her studio.
"It's probably because of the movies. And it just puts on an air of professionalism more than grunge dancing," Williams said.
Recent movies such as "Shall We Dance?" featuring Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere, and "Mad Hot Ballroom," a documentary about students from New York City elementary schools who learn to dance and compete, might allure dancers. Or maybe it's because of the classic movies people grew up with: "Dirty Dancing," "Strictly Ballroom" and "Saturday Night Fever."
For another take on the ballroom dance scene, the dance production "Burn the Floor" toured the world during the past few years and was recorded for home entertainment showcasing extreme ballroom dancing to nontraditional music and outrageous costuming.
Also, ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" features celebrities who are paired with professional dancers through training and competition. The pairs are judged by experts and viewers resulting in the elimination of one couple per week.
Chemical engineering sophomore Dan Garland said he wants to learn to mimic the professionals.
"It's fun to watch them dance on TV, the professionals," Garland said.
Bobbi Jo Gamache, the Michigan area coordinator for USA Dance, said ballroom dancing can be helpful for students who are stressed by school, particularly during finals.
"Moving to music is great," she said. "It's like touch therapy."
It's also a great way to meet people, Gamache said. "The neatest thing is you're meeting people that you'll never meet in another way."
For those just starting out in the ballroom dance scene, a number of local options will ease newcomers into the culture.
On Sundays, the MSU club holds classes from 2 to 3 p.m. and open dancing from 3 to 4 p.m. in Demonstration Hall. The club welcomes both singles and couples of all experiences. Students, staff and Lansing-area residents can participate.
Every few weekends, the club focuses on a different style led by professionals and experienced dancers.
"We hire people from around the state of Michigan to come in, so it's not the same people every week," said Erika Konkel, club president and history junior.
This semester, the club plans to cover the waltz, rumba, hustle, collegiate shag and polka.
"We do a lot of Latin and swing and those dances are very popular with young people," Konkel said. "It's the kind of dance you can improv and do what you want."
She suggests newcomers wear clothing they feel comfortable moving around in. Some women show up in heels and some men wear black loafers or tennis shoes. Yet there are still a good number of people who just dance in their socks.
"For most of us here, this is a hobby," Reed said, adding that the club welcomes all types of couples. "We are very open for people of the same sex to dance together."
The cost of a club membership is $25 for a semester or $3 per lesson. If someone is planning on attending nine or more of the 11 remaining classes, it is recommended they buy a membership to save money.
The club also offers progressive lessons for more in-depth training about particular dances before the regular class time on Sundays. The cost of the six-week class is $25 per person or $20 with a membership.
For those dancers who want more than just the basics, they can sign up for classes at local studios such as Elizabeth Williams School of Dance. Classes run Fridays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. It costs $80 for eight weeks.
Regardless of their ability or dedication, ballroom dancers say the art never gets old.
"There's always something new to learn or people to meet," said Okemos resident Stephanie Stanton.
Setting the mood
Dip and twirl in style with music from "Dancing With the Stars."
Quick step - "Lets Face The Music and Dance" by Frank Sinatra
Samba - "Bailamos" by Enrique Iglesias
Rumba - "Endless Love" by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
Fox trot - "Let There Be Love" by Nat King Cole
Jive - "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins
Tango - "Dance With Me" by Debelah Morgan
Viennese Waltz - "I Got You Babe" by Sonny & Cher
