Des Moines underground
Erin Newbury - STAFF WRITER
Issue date: 2/6/09 Section: Features
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Swing dancing has become a weekly favorite at Java Joe's Coffee House for Travis Belgarde, graphic design junior. He said he heard about it from a fellow art student who asked if he would be interested.
"I didn't think to do it until someone asked me." Belgarde said. "I thought dancing was fun, but just not in public." He decided to go because it was something new and sounded interesting.
The weekly dances were started by the group Step Into Swing to spread swing dancing to more people and to build up the dance, according to Larry Mullica, owner of Step into Swing. They picked Java Joe's because it provided enough space to dance.
"We felt there was a need for a place to dance a little more often than in a regular venue," Mullica said. "We usually get 20 to 30 people on a normal night and up to 35 people on a good night." This is a free event every Thursday from 8-10:30 p.m.
For those beginners who may be hesitant to try it out, the group offers lessons, either private or in a small group, for 15 to 20 minutes. The lessons are free before the event and they can also learn throughout the night with tips and support from the veteran dancers.
"We love to see beginners and we will help them in the right direction," Mullica said.
Along with Thursday night dances, Step into Swing also provides opportunities to dance on the first Saturday of every month at the Ballroom Dance Studio on Douglas Ave. in Des Moines from 8-11:00 p.m. The cover charge is $5 and snacks and drinks are provided.
Java Joe's also features other weekly events such as an Irish jam, poetry slam and jazz jam and jazz big band. Anybody can join in on the poetry and jazz slams, or come on open mic night to showcase their talent. Weekend events include anything from comedians to musicians from Iowa and surrounding states.
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