New Hillsdale line dancing club participants pose for a photo in the Old Snack Bar. Courtesy | Amelia King

A new line dance club brings a southern tradition to campus, according to sophomore and club president Amelia King.

“I danced a lot over the summer at different line dancing bars and honky tonks around where I’m from,” King said. “So then I thought, this is way too fun not to have at Hillsdale.”

Though the club is currently working with the Student Federation to become official, it has already held its first lesson with more events on the books. 

King said general line dancing lessons are scheduled for Tuesdays from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Old Snack Bar and lead up to big dance nights. The first big dance night is this Saturday, Oct. 2, from 7 – 10 p.m. in the OSB.

Sophomore and vice president Lydia Marshall said the group tossed around the idea of this club last semester as a joke, but after this summer, they realized Hillsdale needs a club like this.

King said they want a club that reaches across the barriers between students and creates more community. Also, since the lessons are a small time commitment, Marshall said it can fit into most people’s schedules. 

“It’s just one hour. Put down your Western Heritage Reader, your great books reading, and just come move your body a little bit,” Marshall said. “And invite Larry Arnn.”

As opposed to partner dancing atmospheres, line dancing allows everyone to get involved without the pressure of making a mistake, Marshall said.

“With line dancing, everyone can be dancing at the same time, and you’re not worried about what you look like or if you’re messing up the steps, because no one’s relying on you,” Marshall said. 

Vice President for Student Affairs Diane Philipp said she is excited for this club and can see it growing in popularity.

“Line dancing is a great way to meet people,” Philipp said. “Everyone can participate because it’s easy to learn, and you don’t need a partner. Everyone can jump on the dance floor at the same time and have fun.”

Philipp also said the club can partner with other school organizations to host events.

“It would be fun if we can join the new Lone Star Society with the line dancing club together and host a campus dance,” Philipp said. “Maybe these two groups can also teach everyone the Texas two-step.”

King said the club is hoping to bring in live music for one of their events, and they may be able to partner with SAB in the future to put on a hoedown. 

Sophomore Hope Huisman said she is excited for this club because it reminds her of when she goes line dancing back home in Arizona.

“I love line dancing because it doesn’t require a partner to dance and has simple choreography so anyone can pick it up,” Huisman said. “It’s also a great excuse to wear cowboy boots.”

King said the stomping of cowboy boots fills the room as everyone dances together, and that is the atmosphere she wants to have at Hillsdale.

“Put your boots on, bring your friends, and come dance,” King said.