NMU will be swinging and stomping with fancy-footed feats of finery and finesse, as well as with amateur attempts at this weekend’s Dance Jam.

Dance Jam, an event to bring together different dance groups on campus and to introduce
students to what these groups are all about, will be 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 in the Great Lakes Rooms of the University Center. Admission is free.

Junior zoology major Dana Shove, president of the NMU swing dance club (newly-renamed the “Swinging Cats”), has been behind the planning for the event. In addition to the swing dancers, the event will bring together and raise
awareness about the NMU Dance Association, Hip Hop Dance Club and the Ballroom Dance Club.

“Since it’s the beginning of the semester, I want to get [people] involved in the different dance groups on campus,” Shove explained.

The evening will begin with an hour of warm-up dancing in a variety of styles, getting jiggy to a mix of modern, swing and pop music, she said. Then, at about 8 p.m. the Hip Hop Dance Club will do a performance, and
wafterward Shove will introduce the Swinging Cats, Dance Association and Ballroom. After the discussion, everyone will get back to busting moves.

The night will likely include a little instruction in a variety of styles, as well as just kicking off those Sunday shoes and having a good time on the dance floor. No dance experience is required, Shove assured.

“It’s for people who have never danced to [those who] have been dancing all their lives. It’s not just for freshmen—it’s for everyone,” she said.

“It’s always fun to just let loose a bit. I also like [dance] because nothing about it should be stressful. If you mess up, you can just laugh about it and try again,” she continued.

Shove expounded the
benefits of getting involved with campus groups like these.

“I always encourage people to join because you get to meet all kinds of people,” Shove added. “You learn from them, and you get to branch out and maybe get involved in their
other interests as well.”