Did you know that dancing can burn up to 400 calories per hour, improves muscle tone and coordination, and increases self-confidence? Or that social dancing increases brain connectivity, making you smarter and reducing your risk of dementia? How about overcoming shyness, feeling more at ease in social situations, and meeting new people? Discover these benefits and more with one of the many University Recreation dance courses offered this fall.

Whether you are an experienced dancer or have two left feet, University Recreation non-credit dance courses give participants the chance to learn new dance styles in a supportive environment before hitting the dance floor. The styles offered this fall include Swing Dance, Lindy Hop, Ballroom, Latin Club, and Modern/Jazz.

Swing Dance developed in the 1920’s as part of the swing-style of jazz music, and includes a group of related dances. East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and Jitterbug are examples of dance varieties that participants will learn about, with moves including basic steps, counts, spins, and dips. The Lindy Hop is a popular, specific type of swing dance that includes the Charleston, as well as jazz, and tap elements.

If you’ve always wanted to salsa in a Latin club, learn the Rumba, Salsa, and Cha Cha in University Recreation’s Latin club dance class. This class is energetic, fun, and spicy. If Ballroom is more your style, learn varieties such as the Foxtrot, Waltz, and Tango. Participants can express themselves with a more contemporary style in UREC’s Modern/Jazz class.

Session dates and times for these courses are as follows:

Swing Dance: Wednesdays 8- 9 p.m. from Sept. 12 – Nov. 14

Lindy Hop: Wednesdays 9- 10 p.m. from Sept. 12 – Nov. 14

Latin Club: Tuesdays 7- 8 p.m. from Sept. 11 – Nov. 13

Ballroom: Tuesdays 6-7 p.m. from Sept. 11 – Nov. 13

Modern/Jazz: Wednesdays 6- 7 p.m. from Sept. 12 – Nov. 14

Each course costs $35, and includes 10 weeks of once-weekly class meetings. To register, visit the UREC Member Services office in HPER 225 from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, or 1- 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information about these or any other University Recreation programs, contact Katie Helms at khelms@uark.edu or 479-575-4684.