Swing dancing is alive and well at UNM.
Jitterbugs Anonymous, a special interest club at the University that facilitates communication among swing dancers at UNM, allows the community to work in the promotion, continuation and education of swing dancing, its members say.
Jitterbugs Anonymous was established two years ago by a group of students to enhance the swing dancing community.
"We are really interested in the history of the dances," said Frederick Gleicher, vice president of Jitterbugs Anonymous. "Swing originated from the Charleston, the mother of all dances."
Gleicher said the purpose of the club is to encourage people to get out and dance at prices that are easily affordable for students.
Jitterbugs Anonymous offers free swing dancing lessons on Thursday nights in the Dance Room at Johnson Center and hosts various other events throughout the year.
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The club, which has about 40 members, has a $7 membership fee each semester which allows members to enjoy different lessons and workshops.
The lessons are taught by President Matt Horowitz and Caci Gallop and are tailored to the levels of the students that show up for each session.
"It depends on the homework load," said Markley Marrow, the club's treasurer. "Numbers and skill levels differ during the course of the semester."
Marrow said people show up for lessons because swing dancing is fun and easy to learn.
Marrow, who has been swing dancing for a little more than a year, said she got involved after a friend took her to a swing dancing club.
"I went one time and I was hooked," she said. "I love it."
Marrow said she listened to similar styles of music growing up and that she goes to the classes to have a good time.
"It is something that has become very popular and it is part of our culture," Marrow said.
Gallop, one of the club's instructors and resident DJ said she "has never found anything more fun than swing dancing."
Gallop and other members of the club also look forward to Tuesday nights, when they put on their dancing shoes and step back in time for swing dances at the Heights Community Center.
The dances attract people of all ages, including David Hampton and Kyle Tuffli who drive down every week from Santa Fe.
"The swing dance scene died in Santa Fe, so we come down here," Hampton said. "I like coming here because of the people you meet and you learn how to impress the ladies."
The dances start at 8 p.m. and cost $3.
