Dancing into the spring semester

BY BETHANY KILPATRICK

Multimedia Journalist

Five, six, seven, eight! A new club sport has been established at Tarleton State University, and they are ready to leap into action.

The Tarleton Elite Dance Club was founded this spring semester with the intention of providing a safe place for dancers of all skill levels. While many collegiate dance teams have a limited number of spots available to only the most advanced dancers, the club focuses on inclusivity. 

Club President Paladin McNair is a freshman at Tarleton and is originally from Washington. She holds an impressive background in dance, beginning at age three, including training in ballroom, ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap and more. 

In addition to her training, she has competed in ballroom dancing in the Junior Olympics and received sixth place. 

“Dancing is like a second home,” McNair said. “I feel more at ease because I am with people who actually like to dance, too. It helps me cope and make friends.”

While collegiate dance teams are typically highly competitive and only offer a limited number of spots for the most trained and advanced dancers, the goal of the club is to include all who share a passion for dance regardless of prior knowledge or skills. 

Vice President, Rickayla Molice, is a great example of the attitudes and ambitions the club aims to embody.

“I really am a singer,” Molice said. “I just leaped into dance with her (McNair) because she danced really good, and I was like, ‘You know, I want to do this.’”

The club will focus on any and all styles of dance, including hip-hop, jazz and more. They have high hopes for the success of their club and are ready to dive right in.

“Our goal this semester is to do more fundraising,” McNair said. “We want to do a clinic to raise more money for the club, and of course, we want to do competitions, and we want to put on our own spring show.”

Ema Rogers is a freshman at Tarleton who has 13 years of dance experience. She was thrilled to find out about the establishment of the new club. 

“I have always been passionate about dance,” Rogers said. “I have done all types of dancing from hip-hop to lyrical. There is something special about being able to express your emotions through body movements. Dance is just an amazing thing, and it brings me the joy of just being able to be in the moment.”

The club held its first practice on Feb. 3, 2024, in room 223 in the Tarleton Campus Recreation Center. 

“The first practice was so amazing,” Rogers said. “It was everything I could hope and dream of. They are very inclusive and welcoming towards all people, no matter their level of dance.”

Practices will entail a variety of exercises designed to strengthen everyone as a dancer and an athlete.

“We worked on techniques, combos, across the floor (drills) and much more,” Rogers said. “The captains were so helpful and gave great feedback. Overall, my experience with the first practice was amazing.”

The club currently has about 40 members and is still accepting new members, male and female. 

The club will host practices on Mondays and Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the same room. To join or ask questions, contact McNair via email at [email protected]

“Just come to a class or practice one day to see if you want to do this,” McNair said. “We have open arms.”