Santa Clara University is home to more than 200 student-run organizations, giving students many opportunities to explore new interests. This year, the Santa Clara University Line Dancing Club (SCULD) is bringing country to campus.
Line dancing is a choreographed style of dance in which participants perform repeated sequences of steps in rows or lines. Often associated with country and western music, it can also incorporate elements of other dance styles including polka, swing and salsa.
While line dancing has been popular for decades, social media platforms like TikTok have introduced it to new audiences through dances set to songs such as “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” “Footloose” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.”
Co-presidents Grace Anderson ’27 and Hermione Summers ’28 founded SCULD after noticing a growing interest in line dancing among Santa Clara University students.
Anderson picked up line dancing while working in Florida, while Summers learned through close family friends. The two were surprised to discover that the University did not already have a club dedicated to line dancing.
SCULD meets every Tuesday from 8 to 9 p.m. in the California Mission Room, located in the basement of Benson Memorial Center.
Beyond their weekly meetings, club members take their dancing off campus. On Thursday evenings, members head to Old Wagon Saloon and Grill in downtown San Jose, about three miles from campus, for beginner lessons.
The venue also offers intermediate lessons on Saturdays and country swing lessons on Sundays, followed by open line dancing. There is a $10 charge for lessons, with food and drinks available for an additional cost.
For Anderson and Summers, SCULD is about more than learning new steps. The co-presidents hope to create an inclusive community where students can meet new people and build confidence.
“I think what’s really special about line dancing is everyone leaves their dignity at the door, because you have to allow yourself to get a little bit silly,” said Summers. “People enter the dance floor or enter our club meeting already with some of their walls down.”
Anderson reflected on the community she has built during her time line dancing.
“The people I’ve met through line dancing are absolutely incredible. Being surrounded and supported by people who love to line dance really just makes everything so fun,” said Anderson. “I was horrible when I first started, but I felt like I had a community cheering me on and that’s why I do it.”
Although the club teaches a variety of dances and levels, its meetings primarily cater to beginners. Summers also acknowledged the competitive nature of the performing arts, specifically dance, and emphasized her desire to create an inclusive environment.
“It was so important to us that this club does not become a competitive atmosphere. It is about making friends and staying humble,” said Summers. “It is critical for us to make sure anyone who has never danced before can walk in and have a positive experience. And so, we decided to keep our executive board really small.”
The club’s emphasis on community appears to be resonating with students. SCULD has attracted 119 members to its GroupMe chat only one month after its launch.
With its growing membership and beginner-friendly approach, SCULD is giving students a new way to connect, one step at a time.