By Madison Thompson–
Have you ever been so enthralled in a book series or a movie that you wished you could dive right in? To be able to go and dance with Mr. Gatsby or to attend fine dinners with Daisy Buchanan? Well here’s your chance.
On March 25 Dancing with the Cards, U of L’s ballroom dancing club, will be hosting a Great Gatsby themed dance.
The theme was chosen because of the wide audience the book has reached throughout the years. Whether it be through a book club meeting or a required read for high school English class, most students have read (or watched) “The Great Gatsby.”
All students, with or without dance experience, are invited to the event and encouraged to dust off their formal 20s-style attire. Of course, it is not mandatory to dress within the theme. If nothing else, go with casual sundresses or simple business casual.
“We don’t expect everyone to dress up, but I know I will be,” said Emma Goble, president of Dancing with the Cards.
For students who do not have dance experience but are interested in learning some simple moves, Dancing with the Cards will be giving a quick lesson at the start of the event.
“Around 7:30 p.m., we plan on teaching a swing dance lesson,” Goble said.
After the dance lesson, which is not mandatory, the party will get in full swing.
“We will even have a live DJ and the music is going to be a mix of 20s and pop music,” said Goble. “Some of the music has been remade to fit the 20s period.”
On top of dancing there will also be prizes given away throughout the night for attendees. Every hour, there will be a raffle for three different gift cards. The only requirement is that you have to be there to receive the prize.
Goble encourages student who may be nervous to dance in front of others or worried about their coordination to simply come and give it a try.
“I was uncoordinated at first. Then my friend invited me. I didn’t really think it was something I could get into,” she said. “James, the head dance instructor, taught me some basics and I was glued to it from then on. It’s a great way to get to know new people.”
Dancing with the Cards has hosted large dances in past years, but it hasn’t happened in the past three.
“Apparently years and years ago the club did stuff like this, but it kind of died away,” Goble said. “This is kind of a first test to try and revive it. We would like to do another sometime in the fall semester if this one goes well.”
The dance will take place in the Red Barn from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission to the event will be $3 for students and $5 for non-students.
“Get out of your box and try something new,” said Goble.
