Joining a club can be the perfect way to get involved on campus, and God’s Country Club may very well introduce you to your new favorite hobby. Run by Cal O’Flanagan and Heidi Bishop, the club teaches line dancing and swing dancing on different nights throughout the year. 

O’Flanagan, an Engineering major, said, “God’s Country Club got started with a passion for dance and a shared idea between Heidi and I to bring the community together to move our bodies and enjoy some fun memories, and learn something new.”

The line dancing side of the club, headed by O’Flanagan, meets every Monday night in Student Union 203 (the dance room) from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. O’Flanagan said, “Be willing to try something new and see what you might surprise yourself with.”

The first Wednesday of every month, a different part of the club meets. Heidi Bishop teaches swing dancing. Come by yourself or with a partner and enjoy learning swing dance steps. Bishop, a sophomore, said, “Swing dancing is really such an easy style of dance to learn that anyone can pick it up pretty quick.” Both swing dancing and line dancing are beginner-friendly. Anyone can participate regardless of skill level.

Bishop said, “Swing dancing might seem like you need to be really good to enjoy it, but it's really easy to get to a basic level of swing dancing where you can be able to enjoy dancing with your friends and just have a good time. It's a great skill to have when you need a dance break from homework, need to break it down on the dance floor, or just want to have some fun!”

The two halves of the club combine on the first Wednesday of each month, where the club hosts an Open House from 9 - 10 p.m. in the CU Arena. Alternating between line dances and swing dances, the open gym night is a great way to try out something new while having fun with friends.

God’s Country Club has picked up a group of students who regularly attend. Sophomore Hannah Robinson emphasized how amazing the sense of community is within the club. The club allows students from a variety of majors and schedules to connect through dancing.

Bishop said, “My favorite part of running the swing dancing part of the club is being able to connect with different students I wouldn't normally. During the part of our swing dancing nights where everyone is practicing the new moves they've learned, I love to go around to talk and dance with people, especially the newcomers to the club. I love swing dancing because I get to dance, but it's also just a wonderful opportunity to get to know people.”

Come for the dancing and stay for the fun sense of community. You might even pick up a new hobby! For more information on God’s Country Club, email O’Flanaghan at cal.oflanagan@eagles.cui.edu or Bishop at heidi.bishop@eagles.cui.edu.

Tags: clubs, dance

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