Students build coordination and creativity through dance

October 25, 2006

Steve Ryan dips Denay Trykowski

Dancing to the beat of "Lady in Red," or any of today's modern music, one can practice simple steps and express the beat of the music through movements in the body.

Students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater have the opportunity to close their textbooks and open their minds and bodies to a more hands-on class, "Partner Dance: Swing, Latin and Club." The beginner-level course introduces three forms of dance: swing, club - which concentrates on the nightclub two-step - and various Latin dances. Dance aficionado, Denay Trykowski, has taught in the physical education professional program at UW-Whitewater since 1994 and leads the partner dance class as one of the electives offered in the program.

"I love teaching this class because I can watch students grow and develop. With a little background and rhythm, you can see any student transform," Trykowski said. "The classes I teach are a great physical outlet and a release from normal classes."

Trykowski has an extensive background in dance, having taught at several universities including Ball State, Salisbury State University, University of Richmond in Virginia and Wichita State University. In addition, she has trained and danced at the Arthur Murray Dance Studios and regularly participates in dance competitions throughout the United States.

Trykowski commented that students take the class because of pure interest and that makes the class more enjoyable because students bring a different energy to the studio. As part of the requirements for the class, students are required to complete an outside dance log, tracking practice time with a partner from class. In addition, students are also required to take one partner lesson outside of class. Trykowski encourages her students to experience other points of view because not everyone teaches the same.

"Different experiences allow students to expand their worldview and become better dancers. I challenge the students to explore partner dance outside the community of UW-Whitewater as a means to adjust and better themselves," Trykowski said.

Dance builds a deeper understanding of rhythm and motion and allows the dancer to learn through their feelings. Students take the class to learn new skills and build upon existing ones. Senior Steve Ryan is taking the partner dance class for his second time. "I like the class and wanted to become a better leader and a better dancer," Ryan said. "I really enjoy what I am doing."

Barbara Houdek, a junior, is taking the class for fun and recreation. "I have always wanted to learn how to dance and that's why I am here. This is my very first dance class and I am learning a lot," Houdek said.

"Partner Dance: Swing, Latin and Club" is a three-credit elective workshop in the general education physical education field and open to all majors. The class is a partner class, and requires an equal male-to-female ratio. Students are encouraged to enroll with a partner, however, anyone can enroll and partners can be arranged in class.

Trykowski also teaches "Beginning Country Western," another dance class offered in the spring semester. For more information, contact Denay Trykowski trykowsd@uww.edu or (262) 472-1505.