CAMPUS AND AREA
University Daily Kansan, April 2, 1985
Page 11
DANCE:
It takes two to two-step
A nostalgic rendition of "Moon River" echoes through the bare room in Robinson Gymnasium. Dispersed across the floor are 11 couples, most staring at their feet as they concentrate on perfecting the waltz step.
Tuxedos, gowns, corsages and boutonnieres are absent from this informal dance. Instead, the students wear the typical Lewis and worn sneakers to this gathering — HPER 108. Source and Ballroom Dance.
One might think that learning to dance the waltz, polka and ballroom two-step wouldn't be popular because songs such as "Beer Barrel Polka" don't play at many campus juggers. But an increasing number of students are shuffling to Robinson to take the class
"It's a lot of fun," John Secrest, Wichita junior, said yesterday. "It'S something you always can use later on in life."
Secretest said that last semester one of the students in his fraternity enrolled in the class and persuaded six others to take it this semester.
At left, Brett Parker, Olathe senior, and Christine Hutcherson, St. Louis senior, receive help from their instructor, Jay Johnson, during their square and ballroom dancing class. Above, the feet of a couple struggle to stay in step while practicing the waltz.
Jay Johnson, teaching assistant in the department of health, physical education and recreation, said enrollment in his three ballroom dance classes had doubled in the past year, from about 60 to about 120 students. The class is gaining popularity, Johnson said, because students are
interested in participating in outside dance functions.
"A lot of people take it because they want to learn how to dance," he said. "People getting married want to do more than just the hug dance at their wedding."
The students spend about three days on each dance. Johnson teaches a new step one day, and the students practice for one day. Each couple takes a skills test on the third day. Johnson said he planned to spend more time on the complicated dances, such as the jitterbug.
As the students learn the new steps, they can meet others during the semester. Julie Henson, Topeka freshman, said students in the class changed partners every time they started a new dance. Sometimes the partner switching starts new friendships and romances.
Johnson said the students switched partners to prevent people from getting stuck with someone who didn't learn quickly. The students have a wide range of dancing abilities, he said, but the partner changes match the skilled dancers with the slower learners.
"There are some people who don't get the beat," Diana Closson, Kingman sophomore, said. "That's the hard part of this class."
At left, Lawrence Peters, Denver freshman, spins his dance partner, Patty Caton, Kansas City, Kan., senior, while the waltz music plays during their dance class in Robinson Gymnastium. Above, Michael Luhman, Natoma sophomore and Diane Jobson, Overland Park junior, make sure their feet stay in step.
Story by Rick Zaporowski
Photos by Doug Ward
A Ready Answer At Your Reach
MODEL EL-533
10-DIGIT FINANCIAL CALCULATOR
- 10 digits with decimal selection
- Percent, delta percent and right shift hours
- Comes with application book, batteries and wallet.
slim keys
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
Annual rate/effective rate conversion
Performs interest calculations automatically.
Reg. $44.95
SHARP
Sale $32^95
Powerful wallet-size financial companion in elegant silver & gold-tone finish.
Amortization of payments.
kinko's copies TAX TIME
COME TO KINKO'S FOR
OUR UNCLE SAM SPECIAL
ALL TAX RETURNS COPIED
ON THE SELF SERVE MACHINES
ARE 3¢
HURRY OFFER EXPIRES APRIL 15, 1985
904 Vermont 2024 W. 23rd 622 W. 12th
843-8019 749-5392 841-6177
Special Student Rates
Phone for free bid 843-2649