On Tuesday, Feb. 24, students gathered in Elizabethtown College’s Jay Lounge for an evening of line dancing, an event built as much around community as it is around choreography.
The weekly sessions are organized by Taiman Nunes, president and founder of Boot Scootin’ Jays, the club that hosts the dances. What began as a personal discovery has grown into a consistent gathering where students can relax, learn a few steps and connect with others.
“I fell into line dancing about two years ago,” Nunes said. “I loved how it’s very non-performative in that there’s a community around it.”
Inspired by that experience, Nunes decided to bring the activity to campus through regularly scheduled events held every Tuesday and Thursday. The sessions are intentionally low-pressure and open to anyone who wants to join.
“You don’t have to come every week. We don’t perform, so it’s very low stress,” Nunes said. “It’s just something you can come to if you want.”
This particular Tuesday marked the one-year anniversary of the weekly gatherings. To celebrate, the session featured a playlist of some of the group’s most requested songs, along with a few easy dances that newcomers could quickly pick up.
One of the dances taught during the event was set to Pitbull’s song “Celebrate,” chosen to match the anniversary theme.
Rather than focusing on complex routines, the sessions emphasize accessibility. Most dances center on footwork, making them approachable for beginners and participants of varying ability levels.
“I want to show that anyone and everyone can dance,” Noons said. “Back home, I know several people with physical disabilities and challenges who still line dance, and I just think it’s amazing.”
For Noons, the ultimate goal of the event goes beyond teaching steps.
“I hope people take away a sense of community,” Noons said. “And just learning how they can get their body moving with dance.”
For attendees, the experience delivers exactly that.
First-year students Kaitlyn Schoener, an early and special education major, and Julia Sevick, an early childhood and special education major, said they came to the event simply because it’s enjoyable and a good way to unwind.
“It’s so much fun,” Schoener said. “There are a lot of good dances.”
Sevick agreed, adding that the event offers a break from academic pressures.
“It provides an opportunity to destress your schoolwork without really engaging your brain,” Senick said.
The anniversary session captured the spirit that has sustained the event for a year: simple choreography and a welcoming space where anyone can join the line.
