This story is a part of the “My Favorite Class” series. With 100+ majors and countless areas of faculty expertise across campus, dip into one of these classes to fulfill your Rowan University course requirements.
Meet Gillian Finn, a transfer student junior mathematics major from Somerset County, NJ and Kieran Mills, a transfer student senior philosophy major from Hunterdon County, NJ. They are here to share their experiences in their favorite class, Ballroom Dance.
Ballroom Dance at Rowan is a dramatic arts dance class that teaches the fundamentals of ballroom dance styles. They focus on various realms of ballroom including foxtrot, waltz, swing, salsa and bachata. They give you basic footsteps, and tie them together with basic formations, timing and rhythm.
Professor Eugene Lapierre is very patient and understanding with his students. If the students aren’t understanding a part of the ballroom technique, he will take the time to make sure everyone understands it to the best of their ability. He is also a professional dancer himself who specializes in ballroom dance. He understands the history and origins behind all of these styles.
Ballroom dance is adaptable for any individual, including for people in wheelchairs. During Fall 2023, there was an event at Rowan which integrated an inclusive ballroom dance class, held by the American DanceWheels Foundation. This is a non-profit organization that teaches wheelchair ballroom and latin dancing. “We as able-bodied individuals tend to distance ourselves from people with disabilities because we don’t know how to approach them,” says Gillian Finn. “We didn’t want to hurt each other. We didn’t know how to interact with each other. I think we need to be able to go and approach people with all sorts of abilities, disabilities, whatever it is, with an open-mind and to feel comfortable.”
“I didn’t know that wheelchair dancing was a thing. It opened my eyes because I didn’t know that this existed inside of the dance world,” says Kieran Mills. “It made me wonder what other kinds of dancing is out there to be tried.”
To get involved in Ballroom Dance, all you have to do is register for the course (THD 08190). Whether you have dance experience or not, the class is catered to all levels. “This class has been an outlet for me to reduce stress and socialize with other people,” says Gillian. “As you learn the steps, you get into your own world and forget about what is happening around you.” A few weeks into the course, Kieran saw improvement in his coordination and confidence. “I would recommend this class to any college student looking to benefit their physical and mental health. It has helped me become less isolated and more engaged with other students.”
“I would recommend this class to any college student looking to benefit their physical and mental health. It has helped me become less isolated and more engaged with other students.”
Written by: Jordyn Dauter, junior double major in dance & elementary education