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History of Social Ballroom at Penn State The beginning of the Ballroom Dance Club: In the 70s Dr. Harold "Hal" and Dr. Hanley "Betz" taught all the coed dance classes at Penn State. Hal and Betz would hold "Folk and Square Dance Roundups" every Friday night in 133 White building, where about a hundred students would dance to music Betz and Hal put on. Afterwards, Hal and Betz with some of the over 21 students went downtown to the Tavern restaurant. Although, once or twice they got in trouble for having a couple under 21. Eventually, four students walked up to Betz and asked her how they could dance more. Betz suggested they form a Ballroom Dance Club and that's exactly what they did in January 1978. The students began putting on Ballroom dances a couple times a semester with live bands and all. According to Betz, the club's first advisor, they did this all on their own, even learning new steps. The club essentially started with social dances and the competition aspects came much later. When certain dances were offered and special events occured: Irish Dancing, Zydeco, Hustle, West Coast Swing, and Lindy Hop in 1999 - 2001 Swing, Jitterbug '98 Calypso April '03 Saturday Night Fever Dance Oct. '03 |
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