AkSwingClub promotes faith and friendship

My name is Darla Petersen, and I am what you might call spunky, passionate, and zany. One of my favorite things in the whole world–besides words, country music, French vanilla bean ice cream, and sunshine–is swing dancing.

My older brother, Brigham, and I have gone to as many church and community dances as we have been able to since we moved back to Palmer about eighteen months ago. So when people started asking us how to swing dance, we were so happy to help! We even taught a dancing activity to the youth in our church. That experience gave us the confidence to do it more often and we now host a free, twice-a-month club where Western Rodeo style swing dancing and line dancing is taught. Teens from 13-18 years old meet at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (560 Bogard Rd, Palmer) on the second and fourth Friday nights of each month from 7-9 pm for dance instruction. Then we can attend monthly youth dances to show off our newly honed dance moves.

The focus of the club is dancing, and this is not a stand-around or sit-in-corners club. Using our bodies in healthy and appropriate ways helps us to better appreciate the gift of a body God has given us. In swing club, we help teens who are new to dancing by showing them (not just telling them) what they can do to improve stance, style, and safety, and give them other tips we think will help. We also teach one line dance every event (occasionally with help from other youth or adult mentors) as well as reviewing prior line dances that have been taught.

After minor injuries resulted from learning on YouTube videos that lacked instruction, we realized an in-person club was a much safer solution, especially with adult supervisors and spotters. At our first meeting there were about 65 teens who came, and attendance varies from 20-60 youth. Members of our group are becoming even more capable partners and we invite collaboration and love learning from each other.

Many people don’t understand that it can take a lot of effort and practice to master simple-looking moves. It is easy to wonder why not jump straight from a starting position to a move like the Canopener, but it is extremely difficult to learn advanced moves without knowing the basics really well. There are three basic moves we start with that create a safe foundation for other moves. I have done a lift before, called the Mermaid. After watching, an observer said it didn’t look hard at all and they wanted to give it a try. I may or may not have been dropped. Teaching moves in a learning setting is safer than learning at a dark, crowded, noisy dance and safety is a top priority. We make sure to have supervisors and instructors ready and able to spot people on moves that haven’t been mastered yet, as a precaution.

In addition to dancing, this club helps us to build relationships with each other in a faith-friendly environment. It’s amazing to see how so many different teens can connect, with dance as a common ground. The group requires people to get out of their comfort zones and the youth support and encourage each other to learn new moves and ask new people to dance. You simply cannot swing dance without a partner.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of connection. The Savior doesn't intend for us to do things alone. Christians throughout history, including the early pioneers in my own faith, have celebrated together through dance. Dance is about celebration, connection, and belonging. Dancing in church multiplies the benefits of combining uplifting music, modest dress and clean language with developing positive social skills.

Our rules are simple but significant:

• Everyone dances---with the opposite gender, as much as possible

• Always say yes---someone’s bravery to ask should receive a positive response

• Stay in the gym

• Leave at 9:00--this respects the time of our chaperones

• If you are going to do a lift, you must have A) consent, B) responsibility for safety, C) a spotter

• Listen to instructors---to keep everyone safe, we require respect for the decisions of our instructors

Overall, AkSwingClub is a ton of fun, a way to connect, and an opportunity to build faith and belonging. We would love to see new faces there! If you are interested in joining the AkSwingClub, you can text @akswing to 81010 or text “AkSwingClub” with your name to 435-592-2226. It is important to join to receive reminders in case of canceled or relocated events.

When Darla Petersen isn’t dancing, she enjoys reading, writing and learning new things. She is 15 years old and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.