If you’re tired of dancing endlessly to club hits such as “My Humps” or “Gold Digger,” then the Red Friars Dance Club may be the answer for your dancing rut. Founded in 1934, the Red Friars are celebrating their 71st year as a club at Iowa State.

“Although the club has been around since 1934, it was not integrated as a nonprofit corporation until 1991,” said Pat Banitt, board member for the Red Friars. “Now we even have the Red Friars Endowment Guarantor Fund, which was created to preserve the future of live big-band ballroom dancing in central Iowa.”

Banitt said the club’s name has been the same since its creation in 1934.

“The ancient usage of ‘Red’ refers to the pole of a magnet pointing to the north. ‘Friar’ refers to a brother or member so the name essentially means ‘magnetic brotherhood,'” said Rodney Biensen, president of the Red Friars.

With a name that inspires such camaraderie, it is no surprise that membership of the Red Friars now boasts 95 couples, some of whom have been members for more than 40 years. Participants on the Red Friars’ board are also committed to the dance club for a significant amount of time.

“There is a 16-member board of directors with each member serving three years.” Banitt said. “However, most board members are involved for much more than their single term.”

For individuals interested in becoming members, bylaws of the club require an invitation from existing members, but one can be easily received upon request, Banitt said. Members of Red Friars have access to discounted tickets for each season, with which they can enjoy lessons before every dance and admittance to all dances held within a year.

The Red Friars is considered a private club, but Biensen said new guests are always welcome.

“Other guests may attend with a member and pay $20 per couple. But for ISU students who are involved in the Ballroom Dance Club, the cost is $10.”

Regularly meeting in the South Ballroom of the Memorial Union, the Red Friars features bands with the classical “big-band” sound and include dance forms such as swing, rumba, fox trot, cha-cha, waltz, tango, pola and mambo.

“The elegance of the ballroom and music is reflected by the members,” Banitt said. “Formal attire is required. Cocktail dresses and evening wear for women and tuxedos or business suits for men.”

The Red Friars encourage new members and guest attendees not to be intimidated by the dress code of the club. Instead, every dance offers participants the opportunity to perfect their skills.

“A 30-minute dance lesson, featuring a new dance each time, is taught by Larry Link or another instructor of his choice,” Banitt said.

According to their yearly schedule, the Red Friars will be highlighting the waltz on March 3 and the cha-cha on April 7.

“At every dance, the Red Friars offers an incredible opportunity for the chance to cut a rug with the steps you know or to pick up new steps from other members,” Banitt said. “We are all about emphasizing the benefits and joys of ballroom dancing, so everyone should come and participate.”