Angelina Salinas / The Collegian
Every Monday and Tuesday on ABC, millions of viewers watch celebrities compete in “Dancing with the Stars.” Since its start in 2005, it has quickly become a television phenomenon.
With the popularity of the show, there’s also an increase of interest in different styles of dancing. Fresno State has always offered dance classes, but one in particular has become more appealing to students since shows like “Dancing with the Stars”””the swing dance class.
There are two classes offered this semester by instructor Kim Morund on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. and the other one right after from 12:00 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.
Morund grew up here and has taught ballroom dancing for about 25 years and she has taught dance classes at Fresno State for 11 years. Within the last couple of years, there has been an increase in enrollment in her swing dance classes. Morund credits this change to television shows like “Dancing with the Stars.” She has also seen a definite increase in the number of males that enroll in the class.
“They see it on TV and know that it’s OK for guys to dance,” Morund said.
In general, younger generations, such as college-age students, are more inspired because they are becoming more aware of it. It is also a great way to meet new people.
Agricultural business major Pat Chimienti transferred from a junior college and this is his first year attending Fresno State.
“I took the class because it seemed like fun and a good opportunity to meet people since I just started here,” Chimienti said. “It has definitely improved my dance moves, I didn’t have any before.”
Students said Morund has a very lively and quirky personality, which puts people at ease and her class is a reflection of that. The class starts off with warm-up moves and throughout the class, boys and girls partner up and she plays different music that they swing dance to. During a song, they switch partners about two to three times with guys alternating from girl to girl.
Liberal studies major Danielle Esmay is also a fan of “Dancing with the Stars.”
“Me and my friends always watch the show,” Esmay said. “Out of all of the different dances they do, swing was one that I thought I was capable of doing.”
Morund thinks that students also like taking this class because it goes back to the social aspect with a boy and a girl. It also teaches coordination and rhythm.
“It brings people together,” Morund said. “By the end they all know each other and go out together and dance.”