Fall 2024 is here, and with it the return of SOS, The Mac Weekly’s Student Org Spotlights! With so many start-of-semester jitters to shake off, we turned our eyes to Macalester’s movers and shakers to cover dance groups on campus: X-ertion, TapTHAT, and Mac Swing.
X-ertion
First, let’s dance with X-ertion: Macalester’s student-led pan-Asian dance group!
At the beginning of every semester, X-ertion hosts “Mega Meetings” where students can learn about the planned dances for that semester and sign up for those they are interested in. After a semester of rehearsals, X-ertion exhibits their work in a showcase. For tech lead Adrien Chen ’26, the showcase is the most rewarding moment of the semester, as it exemplifies the passion every member has for X-ertion.
“Being able to see everything that you’ve done that semester on the day of the showcase is very special,” Chen said.
Although the Mega Meeting and sign-up deadline have passed for this semester, there are still ways to get involved (even for those who don’t dance!). Thavida Johnston ’26, the media lead for X-ertion, highlighted the importance of every role in producing the showcase.
“We also do a lot of things with tech, social media, marketing, video editing, all kinds of things that go on behind the scenes that allow us to put on our show every semester. So if you’re interested in that, we’re always looking for more,” Johnston said.
X-ertion also hosts one-day dance workshops, allowing students to drop in with no long-term commitment.
Although X-ertion’s dances generally focus on K-pop routines, the org also showcases other Asian dance and music styles, and hopes to further branch out in the future.
“We really welcome anyone who’s interested in joining the org in the future to not limit themselves just to K-pop and things like that,” Johnston said. “This is a safe space for people to perform choreographies from any part of Asian music that they desire.”
X-ertion prioritizes creating a safe space, which marketing lead Aino Boley ’26, who had never danced before joining X-ertion, appreciates.
“Everyone is so accepting,” Boley said. “Even if you’ve never danced before, there’s people who’ve never danced and people who [are] majoring in dancing, and so it feels very safe. No one’s judging you.”
X-ertion’s fall showcase will be on Nov. 23 in the Kagin Ballroom. To get involved or ask questions, students can email [email protected], and follow them on Instagram at @x.ertion for updates.
TapTHAT
TapTHAT is a young Mac dance org, only now in its third year of existence. As it builds a name for itself, it also builds a wonderful space for choreographed tap and clogging.
Tap, as told to The Mac Weekly by Ellen Pendrak ’27, is an American dance form that takes inspiration from an array of places and people, including New York, Chicago, Danish clogging, Irish Step and others, gaining popularity during the vaudeville era of theater. It owes a huge credit to the African American community and performers such as Bojangles.
TapTHAT uses this distinct and noisy language of movement in a performance-oriented troupe. The process in meetings is ground-up, as well-tenured members help teach greenhorns key techniques.
“There’s still that aspect of like, ‘Oh, if you don’t know something,’ slow down, take the time to teach it,” Pendrak said.
TapTHAT then moves on from an instructional phase into drilling and rehearsing, preparing until a showcase is ready. With this approach, new members as well as those already confident in their abilities will find a fun time for tap that is rewarding and all about breaking new barriers in their dance.
Advice from a veteran of the org? Don’t be afraid to get into it.
“Anytime I mention being in the club, people are always like, ‘Oh, well, I have two left feet or I can’t dance to save my life.’ And that’s really not important,” Pendrak told The Mac Weekly. “So just don’t be afraid; don’t be intimidated.”
TapTHAT’s meetings take place Tuesdays from 6–7 p.m. and Thursdays from 5:30–6:30 p.m. in the Leonard Center Studio 1.
Mac Swing
Traveling from the West Coast up into Minnesota is the art of swing dancing, which, at Macalester, is led by Mac Swing. Mac Swing’s meetings are split into lessons with professional instructors from 7–8 p.m. on Tuesdays, followed by social dancing time from 8–9:10 p.m., and peer practice sessions from 4–6 p.m. on Saturdays, all of which take place in the Leonard Center studio space.
While the instructors are professional, that expectation is not extended to members — in fact, Mac Swing is meant to be an encouraging space for new dancers. Because swing is a partnered dance that has a lead and a follow, more seasoned swingers can help guide newer faces in their quest for tempo and movement. The dance also helps foster a connection between partners that accounts for a special feeling of bonding. Swing is less about the formation of choreography and more about the thrill of improvisational movement, which can be done to everything from jazz to present-day pop songs.
The swing community in the Midwest is actually quite strong, despite swing’s West Coast origins. Swing City Chicago is a national swing dancing competition that hosts serious competitors making a name for themselves through swing, as well as friendly socials and workshops where those passionate about the art can get together and dance. Mac Swing takes a field trip to this event every year, which happens on Halloweekend. Lilabeth Sokolewicz ’26, one of the co-leaders of the org, made her favorite Mac Swing memory here.
“There’s something about being out on the dance floor at like 5am with all of your friends, and everyone’s a little bit delirious, but you’ve been dancing all day, and it’s just a really, really fun vibe,” Sokolewicz says.
But those who are looking for Midwestern swing pride a little closer than Illinois need not fear. SWINGesota is a swing dance club right here in St. Paul, which has been a great place for Mac Swing to create community from outside campus.
Mac Swing emphasizes their supportive environment and the potential for all kinds of new members to put on their swingin’ shoes and find an energetic space for dance here at Macalester.
