More than 20 new dancers attended the St. Thomas Swing Club’s second practice Oct. 14 in the Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex, where junior Casey Nightingale, club co-chair, taught elementary moves, such as the side step and the pretzel.

The high-energy club is more popular than ever this year, sophomore Jenna Lorence said.

Nightingale’s co-chair, sophomore Allison Appleby said no experience is needed to join.

“It’s just a great way to meet people and for people to do something together that they wouldn’t normally do,” Appleby said.

Junior Tyler Krpan said the club is about learning and experience.

“Most of the people here are pretty new to this,” Krpan said. “Don’t be worried if you don’t know how to do it because you’re learning with everyone else.”

Freshman Sam Wielgos, who is new to swing dancing, said the club allows people to connect on a more personal level.

“It’s one of those rare clubs where you get to meet people one-on-one,” Wielgos said.

The Swing Club’s first campus event will be the Mob Hop, a 1920s themed dance, on Saturday, Nov. 15 in Scooter’s, featuring a DJ and a professional instructor teaching new mob-style moves.

Carlee Hackl can be reached at hack9822@stthomas.edu.