April 6, 2022

Outdoor dancing and casual dining under the stars are the hallmarks of Columbus State University’s annual “Spring Swing,” which benefits scholarships in the university’s Dance Minor Program. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, April 30 and begins at 6:30 p.m. in the university’s Rankin Livery & Courtyard in Uptown Columbus.

“Spring Swing includes something for everyone—dancing, friends, food and fun, all in the name of supporting Columbus State’s Dance Minor Program,” said Patty Taylor, who as the volunteer chair of the program’s advisory board leads Spring Swing planning efforts. “The dance floor will be open to all to dance the night away.”

Guests will enjoy a performance by and show off their own fancy footwork to music by THE TAMS and their 14K Gold Band. Three community teams will also compete that evening in the Spring Swing dance competition. Guests and friends of the Dance Minor Program can “vote” for their favorite team by donating to it through the event. In addition, a panel of judges will be looking at overall performance, technique and dance floor sass as they award the Cougar Dance Cup.

The annual event, however, is about more than showing off fancy footwork. Spring Swing is part of the Dance Minor Program’s year-round scholarship fundraising efforts and provides a forum for awarding those to CSU Dance Minor students. Those scholarships total around $10,000 annually.

“Our alumni, the community and the Dance Minor Advisory Board have been so supportive of our dance students,” said Amy Mutarelli Taylor, assistant professor of dance and director of CSU’s Dance Minor Program. “There is a bright future ahead for dance at Columbus State thanks to their invaluable contributions of time, talent and resources to our program.”

Established in 2016, the Dance Minor Program has become one of Columbus State’s fastest-growing curriculums. Enhancing the Department of Theatre and the other world-class programs in the College of the Arts, the Dance Minor Program is a 15-credit-hour program of study including courses in dance technique, dance history, dance choreography/composition, and performance. Dance technique classes include various levels of ballet and modern dance. All CSU students, regardless of their chosen major, can study in the Dance Minor Program.

Tickets for the event are $10 per person in advance of the event and can be purchased online. Tickets purchased at the door are $15 per person, and all ticket purchases benefit the Dance Minor Program. Additionally, fine foods and beverages will be available at the event for purchase.

For more information, to purchase tickets or to vote for your favorite community dance team, visit columbusstate.edu/springswing2022 or call CSU’s University Advancement Office at (706) 507-8956.