Whether you have two left feet or the grace of a ballerina, the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center has a dance class for everyone.
The arts center offers dance classes each week for Auburn students and community members.
Classes range from salsa to swing to line dancing and cover a multitude of age groups and interests.
"We've been offering dance classes ever since we opened our doors," said Sara Hand, director of the arts center. "That was 11 years ago."
Some of the classes are free to the public and some are not, depending on the instructor's preference.
The arts center provides the building for the classes and receives a commission from each instructor if the class has a cost.
"I think this community really takes advantage of free classes at the art center," Hand said. "I know our college students do."
Five classes are offered this semester including "Practice Dance!," "Intermediate Line Dancing," "Salsa!," "AUSDA Swing Friday" and "Lindy Wednesday."
Both the Swing Friday and Lindy Wednesday classes are taught through the Auburn University Swing Dance Association by president Chip Self, senior in electrical engineering.
The class meets from 7 to 9 p.m. both nights and includes one hour of instruction followed by one hour of social dance.
"Friday night is typically an easier, beginner introduction to swing--what we call East Coast swing," Self said. "Wednesday night we do some more intermediate, advanced kind of swing called the Lindy Hop and the Charleston."
Hand said she enjoys the social aspect of the Friday night classes as well.
"It's actually really great because they teach lessons from about 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and then they have social dancing from 8 to 9," Hand said. "You don't have to have a partner--it's a lot of fun."
Each dance class at the arts center teaches students a different skill.
"Practice Dance!" is a beginner's line dancing class taught by Wartan Jemian. It features line dances choreographed to popular country music artists. The class meets Monday through Friday at 8 a.m.
"It is line dancing for fun and exercise," Hand said. "Dr. Jemian has been line dancing here at the arts center every morning since we opened our doors. He is an art center jewel."
For those interested in Latin dance, the salsa class offers a beginner level introduction to salsa. Students do not have to bring a partner, and there is no previous experience required. Salsa classes meet Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Self said beginners should not be concerned about being behind if it's their first visit.
"We always try to cater to whoever arrives," Self said. "Some weeks we'll have no beginners, and some weeks we'll have nothing but beginners."
Mery McMillan, senior in elementary education, said she enjoyed attending the Friday night swing class.
"It's a fun experience," McMillan said. "It's different, and I think it's definitely something everyone should try at least once."
McMillan has previous dance experience, but she said beginners would not have trouble keeping up.
"They really take time to explain everything to you," McMillan said. "If you get lost or need help, they will make sure you get it."
"Practice Dance!" will be offered Monday through Friday from 8 to 10 a.m. during the summer.
Three other classes will also be offered.
"Square Dance with the Village Squares" will be offered Wednesdays from 6:15 to 9 p.m. and will cost $12.50 per person per month.
"Square Dancing with the Auburn Allemanders" will take place Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and will cost $15 per person per month.
A free intermediate line dancing class will be offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m.
"We also offer theater classes, visual arts and music classes along with dance," Hand said. "We really try to cover every avenue of the arts."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
