Students were dying to dance at the annual Bradley University Lindy Exchange Nov. 21-23. The event consisted of live music, late night dances and lessons. New to the exchange was the incorporation of a theme: zombies.
“This was our first official year using a theme,” junior and president of Bradley Swingers Jenna Krukowski said. “Incorporating zombies into everything was a task.”
According to Krukowski, students were able to transform into zombies by using a professional makeup artist who charged for artificial cuts, bruises and skin shading.
“I’d say around 20 or so people utilized the makeup artist,” Krukowski said. “Some people did their own makeup, and it looked pretty good.”
The Bradley Swingers invited 17 Midwest schools to the exchange, including University of Notre Dame, Illinois State University and Augustana College.
“[The event] was open to really anyone, but mostly to the swing societies of different colleges,” freshman mechanical engineering major Peter Borowski said. “It was a great time to meet other swing dancers from around the area.”
About 35 Bradley students and 90 other dancers attended the exchange.
“Swing is primarily a social dance, so it was great to make connections with dancers from other schools,” Krukowski said. “I know I am personally inspired by all the amazing dancing I’ve seen.”
The exchange began with a welcome dance at the First United Methodist Church followed by live music at Camp Wokanda. The next day included dance lessons in the Markin Recreation Center before that night’s main event, the zombie dance, held in Student Center Ballroom. The event concluded with private dance lessons and an afternoon farewell dance held in Baker.
According to Krukowski, the zombie dance had the highest attendance due to the locations of each venue.
“As always, there’s going to be bumps in the road, but overall, [the exchange] was a success,” she said. “I’ve heard numerous good things spoken from person to person, over social media and said directly to me.”
All students were welcome to come to the dances and lessons, regardless of dancing experience. The exchange also offered the Bradley Swingers many opportunities.
“The event provided the BU swing club with somewhere to utilize what they’ve learned, provided outside instruction to broaden their skill set and exposed them to dancing and dancers outside of the Bradley bubble,” Krukowski said.
The Bradley Swingers host lessons every Sunday at 8 p.m. followed by an open dance at 9 p.m. in the second floor dance studio of Markin. The lessons are open to everyone, regardless of dance experience.
