Students wishing to celebrate the rebirth of swing and other similar dances of the 1930s and ’40s may want to join Iowa State’s Ballroom Dance Company.

Through the company, which has been around since the 1980s, students are given the opportunity to learn many types of dances such as swing, the cha cha and the fox trot.

Swing is a style of fast dancing in partners, said Marcus Clark, senior in computer science. He said the male twirls the female around and flips her over his arms and shoulders.

The company caters to a younger crowd and charges a $25 membership fee, Clark said. The fee includes trips, workshops and competitions, as well as dances held at ISU.

Lessons are offered at both intermediate and beginner levels.

“We encourage anyone to get involved,” Clark said. “The first two weeks are free to new members so they can check it out.”

No prior knowledge of any dance style is needed. Through lessons and trips to surrounding ballrooms, participants will have an excellent opportunity to increase their knowledge, Clark said.

“I have been dancing for five months, and I am always learning something new and different,” said Maddy Wiseman, sophomore in chemistry and a member of the company.

Occasionally, the group attends the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines on Wednesday nights to practice its swing skills. A free lesson is offered at 7 p.m. to anyone, regardless of whether he or she has a partner.

“There is always someone to dance with,” Wiseman said. “You won’t ever feel like a wallflower.”

Throughout the lessons, partners are rotated so everyone will have an opportunity to dance with someone different, Wiseman said.

In addition to the Val Air Ballroom, the group often travels to Lake Robbins, near Madrid, and dance clubs in Minneapolis to practice their skills.

“We encourage anyone who wants to have a great time to get involved,” said Tim Jensen, senior in psychology. “It is easy to get involved, and it is a great social atmosphere.”

The company has not started meetings for the current school year, but preparation is underway, Clark said.

“Once we begin we are going to offer lessons in waltz, swing, merengue, fox trot, cha cha and the lindy,” he said.