Everyone from expert dancers to first timers eager to try something new have the opportunity to join a student-run organization all about jazz and classic swing dancing: The Swing Cats.
With weekly meetings that are completely free and open to the public, the Swing Cats are A&M’s oldest swing dancing organization. First timers can come with or without a partner, and those new to the style can learn even how to swing dance from student-led lessons.
Sarah Trevino, member of the Swing Cats and biology senior, said the group strives for an easy going, non-judgmental social atmosphere where students can simply have fun.
“You really don’t need to have any sort of background in dance, or even a partner for that matter,” Trevino said. “You can just come as you are and we teach you in a very safe space, it’s non-judgmental, and everyone has a blast. The first part is … the lesson part, and we have lessons at every meeting. And the last hour is when we have social dancing, and it’s just a lot of fun. It’s a good way to exercise and to blow off some steam from all the stress we have during school. “
Trevino said swing dancing can easily be applied to other styles of music.
“We don’t just listen to old songs,” Trevino said. “Since most modern music has roots in jazz, it is easy to swing to anything with a good beat. When I DJ, I like to throw in some electro-swing and remixes.”
Meredith Rowe, Swing Cats member and biology senior, said the dances taught by the organization differentiate it from other groups.  
“Our main style is East Coast Swing, and that’s what makes us different from the other swing organization…with West Coast Swing,” Rowe said.
Mark Wierzbicki, Swing Cats members and biomedical engineering doctoral student, said there is a large variety of styles taught by the organization.
“We typically teach East Coast Swing as our beginner lesson,” Wierzbicki said. “It is a six-count dance that is easy to learn the footwork and a basic turn. We teach this one first so newcomers can pick up some dance moves and start having fun right away. Lindy Hop is an eight-count dance. The triple steps in the footwork are a little trickier than the East Coast step, so it takes a little more practice to learn. Charleston is also an eight-count dance, but instead of having the triple steps of Lindy Hop, kick steps are used.”
Swing Cats holds weekly meetings from 9 to 11 p.m. on Thursdays in the PEAP building.