Luther College is home to musically gifted and athletically talented students, and the Ballroom & Swing Team is the intersection of both.
The Ballroom & Swing Team participates in competitive dances, as well as hosting social dances for students of all skill levels.
Vice President Brynnen Stefan (‘27) said, “I love seeing the joy brought about through movement and connection, regardless of an individual’s dance background.”
Competitive dancers regularly practice three times a week. The six primary types of competitive dances one might learn in their first year are the cha-cha, rumba, triple step swing, waltz, tango and foxtrot. Eventually, dancers may have the opportunity to learn the Viennese Waltz, mambo or even quickstep.
The Ballroom & Swing Team is slated to travel to four different competitions over the course of fall and spring semester.
Ingrid Roeske (‘27) is the president and a member of the competitive ballroom team.
“I first got involved in the fall of my freshman year!” she said. “I had absolutely no idea how to ballroom dance and I thought going to a social would be fun! I went and absolutely loved the vibe, the dancing and the people and wanted more, so I joined the competitive team!”
Stefan is an advanced bronze dancer on the competitive team and also teaches some social and competitive lessons.
With eighteen years of dance experience this fall, Stefan said, “I brought that competitive drive with me to Luther, so I enjoy the adrenaline rush of competing and really digging into technique [and] overall skill in the dances we learn. On the other hand, I’ve enjoyed teaching and attending social dances more every year! Our social lessons are open to students, staff and faculty; and are a wonderful way to get to know people around campus and learn new styles of dance in a low-stress environment.”
When asked of her involvement, Stefan said, “I began dancing on the competitive team in the fall semester of my first year. I had seen the club on Luther’s website before arriving and was immediately interested in continuing my dance career in college. After attending the first social lesson of the year, I knew I wanted to be a part of the competitive team!”
Joey Maiden (‘27) is also a member of the competitive team, and similarly got involved as a first year. She said,“The friends I’ve made and experiences I’ve had with ballroom are unlike any other and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.”
Each spring semester, the team hosts Dancing With the Luther Stars, where senior dancers are partnered with a member of the faculty to perform. While dancers compete for a trophy, Dancing With the Luther Stars simultaneously raises money to benefit charity.
The Ballroom and Swing Team also frequently appear at Jazz Nights hosted at Marty’s alongside the Jazz Orchestra.
Stefan said, “For those interested in the social or competitive aspect of the Ballroom & Swing Team, we always like to reiterate that no dance experience is necessary to dance with us! Dance lessons may seem daunting at first, but most of our team members had little to no prior dance experience before coming to Luther. We all connect through our love of movement and building connections with people from diverse backgrounds.”
Ballroom socials are held every Monday night at 8 p.m. in the Mott-Borlaug room in the Union. Everybody is welcome to come, with no prior dance experience necessary. It offers the perfect opportunity for those interested in dance to see what a dance lesson is like and get to know those in the organization. Students attending a social dance may learn any variety of dances, from cha cha and the hustle, to east coast swing or salsa. These social dances are taught by members of the competitive Ballroom & Swing Team.
To those interested in joining the team, Roeske said, “You do not need to know how to dance! That is why we are here! To teach!”
Students are encouraged to attend the Ballroom & Swing socials and connect with the team on Instagram @lc_ballroom or at www.luther.edu/ballroom.
