Swing dancing has found a new home at Washburn University, with the launch of the Washburn University Swing Dancers.
The club held its first meeting Wednesday, Aug. 28, in the Vogel Room of the Union. Over 20 dancers gathered to break the ice and hit the dance floor.
The Washburn University Swing Dancers, temporarily known as the “Twisted Spurs,” began their journey nine months ago in November. The origins of the club trace back to a student-to-student connection when Jadyn Falley, junior biology major and club president, was taught how to swing dance from friends at other colleges. This chain of passion for swing dancing quickly attracted others, growing the club to 32 members from various institutions, including Kansas State University and the University of Kansas.
Falley expressed her excitement about the group’s inauguration.
“Swing dancing has brought together students from different schools and backgrounds, and I’m thrilled to see this community grow,” Falley said.
The club’s vice president, Wyatt Carlson, senior entrepreneurship and innovation major, has been dancing for several years and co-founded the club.
“Swing dancing is something I’ve been passionate about for years,” Carlson said. “It’s the only club of its kind at Washburn, that I know of, and I love the atmosphere my friends and I have created here.”
Alessandra Thompson, senior elementary education major, and Kayleigh Smalley, senior radiologic technology major, also shared their enthusiasm. Both women emphasized that swing dancing is more than just a hobby; it’s a cherished part of their cultural heritage.
“Swing dancing is how we dance in Oklahoma,” Thompson said. Smalley added, “It’s the way I learned to dance growing up, and it’s great to find a group that shares that background.”
The Washburn University Swing Dancers meet every other week on Tuesdays and have planned several outings to local dance venues. This week, they will visit Guitars and Cadillacs in Overland Park on Thursday night and Dirty Dawgs in Manhattan on Saturday and Sunday. The club’s activities are open to all members, and they are also planning off-campus trips to 18+ bars for those interested.
For updates and more information, follow the Washburn University Swing Dancers on Instagram.
Edited by Stuti Khadka and Jeremy Ford
