KENDAL HUNTSMAN
STAFF WRITER
The excitement of dancers on campus reached its climax at the St. Vitus Social Dance Club’s first swing dancing competition of the semester on Feb. 3 beginning at 7 p.m. It was estimated that just over 60 students came to watch the competition, according to senior David Forrester, president of the club.
Four couples competed in the choreographed dance: two in the officer’s dance and 10 in the impromptu dance for a total of 16 couples. The winners of each round received prizes. Between performances, the dance floor was open to anyone who wanted to dance.
“I was really impressed with the turnout,” said freshman Jenna Moury, who competed with her dance partner, freshman Anthony Edwards, in the choreographed part of the competition. “It was awesome that we were all able to take a break from the stress of school and just dance.”
Senior Maximilian Harris and his dancing partner Maryceline Josephson chose the song “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé and won the officer’s dance, where all the high-level members of the club competed against each other and were judged by freshmen Tonianne Zottoli, Alessandro D’ Anselmi and Joshua Feibelman.
“I’ve been dating Maximilian for over a year, and the first time we met was when he asked me to swing dance,” said Josephson. “I enjoyed dancing with him in the competition, but the most fun I had was during the intermission songs because there was no pressure of messing up. We were able to simply dance and laugh with each other.”
Harris agreed saying, “We spent many hours working on our routine over the last couple months. We have done this routine in another competition, but we hadn’t quite mastered it. I am happy to say that we won this competition, having polished our performance. I look forward to presenting our next routine and hope everyone enjoys it as much as the last.”
Freshmen Josh Feibelman and Jessica Resuta won the choreographed dance, where couples practice for weeks ahead of time and put together a routine. They chose the song “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra.
“When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor,” said Feibelman. “It’s to enjoy each step along the way.”
Resuta agreed, saying, “We love to entertain and give the crowd a good show with our dancing!”
Sophomore Ryan Murphy and Kristine Stickney won the improv category. Once the first two competitions were done, 10 couples were asked to volunteer to dance and have fun.
“I love the club because I get to go out, dance and just have fun with my crazy shenanigans,” said Forrester. One of Forrester’s favorite parts about the club is a memory that he will cherish forever. Forrester said, “One gentleman came in, and he barely knew anything. And I was watching him dance, and the joy in his face was so amazing. It reminded me why I enjoy dancing so much. … It’s very rewarding just getting to watch everyone come and learn.”
The club as a whole has grown dynamically over the past year. “It’s incredible how much everyone has learned over the past couple years,” said Forrester. He invited all students to “come dance with us Thursday nights from 5 to 6 p.m. and Sunday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. in the aerobics room in Finnegan Fieldhouse.”