Swing dancing is inarguably a major element of the UW and Laramie experience.
Whether it is at the Cowboy Bar every Wednesday night or at the Quadra Dangle every Thursday with the Cowboy Country Swing Club (CCSC) student organization.
CCSC puts on weekly lessons, taught by UW students, which are always followed by a dance for a chance to put what is practiced to good use.
“We share our love for country swing with the community through our weekly lessons and dances,” Ashlyn Dubanski, president of CCSC said. “As well as through our special events and concerts.”
One such event will be held this coming Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Quadra Dangle Dancehall, located at 3905 East Grays Gable Road in Laramie, Wy.
Saturday’s concert and dance will feature the band Country Club, from Cheyenne, WY. All members of the band are UW alumni.
The event will also act as a fundraiser for the CCSC.
Several items donated by Laramie businesses will be raffled off by the end of the night, with tickets going for $2 each.
Raffle prizes will include a basket of goodies from Turtle Rock, a Pistol Pete blanket from The Knothole, a ceramic wheel-throwing class for two with KMR Creations 307, a hand-tooled and painted leather keychains by Pronghorn Prairie Co., as well as gift cards from various businesses in Laramie.
“The funds we raise for the CCSC go toward member t-shirts, future concerts and events, equipment for bettering our teaching,” Dubanski said. “For example, there is an incredible 3-day country swing dance conference and competition in Arizona this summer and we hope to send our instructors.”
Saturday’s events are not just about raffle winnings to swing instructor Meg Hubert, however.
“I love swing dancing and I love helping other people discover the joy of it,” Hubert said. “It’s truly an activity where you can build relationships with people you never knew before and get to know people really well.”
Most students can agree that the CCSC as a student organization and the Quadra Dangle as a venue come together to offer the best all-around swing dancing experience in Laramie.
“It’s a great way to learn something new,” Political Science major Kameron Murfitt said. “Dancing with friends helps grow friendships, and the swing club is the best place for that.”
CCSC will host their regular weekly lessons followed by a dance in the Wyoming Union Ballroom on Thursday, and instructors will be available to provide lessons before and during Saturday’s event.
“I’m really looking forward to this Saturday to get to dance with people I haven’t gotten to before and to dance to live music,” Hubert said. “The Quadra Dangle is beautiful, the music will be great, and the community is even better. So, I think everyone should come, even if they’ve never been swing dancing before.”
