Campus THEN and NOW Series - Part 3: Gerlinger

Caitlin H.

October 9, 2009 - 6:54 PM

Things I don't do in public: dance.

This term I allowed myself to try something new - dance class. Aside from a few years of ballet lessons what feels like eons ago, my dance experience has been incredibly limited. I guess I made up my mind that it can be fun to try something a little outside the comfort zone and master a new skill. I like to take a PE class from time to time just to break up my academic schedule. Usually those have been limited to things like soccer and ultimate Frisbee. Well, this term I really went out on a limb and exposed myself to something new - an intro class on ballroom dance.

When I signed up for the course I'll admit, I was a little terrified on the inside. I'm sure you can imagine the endless potential for me to embarrass myself in a situation like this. There is always the opportunity to end up in front of the class stumbling around clearly not being able to ‘bust-a-move.' The possibilities are endless in the spectrum of humiliation. Aside from a lot of giggling on my end at how ridiculous I can feel sometimes, the class has actually been marvelous. It would be a clear understatement to say that I have been blown away.

The class meets twice a week for one hour sessions led by Laura Katzman. Class is held in Gerlinger Annex which is home to the Dance Department. Gerlinger Hall is an interesting building. I believe it was first built in 1921, and in 1992 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The annex was added in 1970. I had been in the Gerlinger buildings for intramural basketball games before, and once for a dodge ball tournament as a fundraiser, but never before with an academic purpose. It might seem strange but it feels rewarding to me to utilize more of the campus as I pursue my undergraduate degree.

So far in class we have been learning the basic waltz. I have been called upon to learn a variety of steps as both a lead and a follow. I have also been particularly interested to learn some more history of the dance in addition to the basic steps. I can't recall all the dances we will cover over the term but I believe the cha-cha and the rumba were among them. It will be quite the experience.

Wonderfully enough, my ballroom dance class requires more than attending designated class times. I will at some point during the term, make an effort to go out into the world, away from my sheltered studio and dance...in public...with people who clearly have a passion for ballroom dance, and join them. I'll then write up a short synopsis of what I experienced and what moves I was able to do; a kind of self reflection. It is intimidating right now but I'm also excited to get out there and learn more. Every Friday on campus the Ballroom Dance Club hosts a lesson with an open dance to follow. I'm hoping to attend soon and will be sure to add more pictures so you are able to get a better sense of what it is like inside the studio.

Now that I've surely inspired you to try ballroom dance for yourself I hope it goes as well as it has for me. And even if you're not looking to try dance, do what I did and just try something new!

Coming next: 13th Avenue