History of the Club

A Seed is Planted (2001-2004)

In 2001, the "UI Swing Dance Club" was officially formed, but little is known about this period of the club. As we understand it, the club was formed by a few Swing dance fans that were inspired by the “Swing craze” of the late 1990s. Members would meet every week at the University Field House to dance at Monday Night Swing. A club officer would be assigned to bring music and they would play CDs on a small boom box. The group would gather to socialize, practice and learn from one another. In the fall of 2004, the group was all but non-existent. Most of the first organizers had already left and the few members that were still around did not meet on a regular basis.

Revival of the Club (2004-2017)

Because of the hard work of the Executive Board and the success of UI Swing Club's events, the club was awarded best student organization in April of 2009. It was a great year all around for the UI Swing Dance Club. Additional activities were being planned while new members participated and helped organize social events. The Flying LindyHawks were getting more opportunities to perform and teach around the State. Club dancers continue to improve while their love and knowledge of Swing dance and Swing culture grew. The club was running smoothly and it seemed that it could only do more great things. This new board would continue the traditions that had been established the past four years while continuing to bring more Swing to the Iowa City community. The summer and fall would offer more performances, social activities and opportunities to spread the love of Swing dancing around the State of Iowa. The future was looking good.

The Persistence (2017-Present)

The Flying LindyHawks and Hawkeye Lindy Exchange are now fond memories. However, there is still a strong swing dancing presence in Iowa City, and the Club serves as a hub for dancing, with dancers coming from hours away for our events. We continue to teach two levels of weekly lessons and have strong community attendance. Club members love to travel, attending exchanges such as Rock Ya Body, Nevermore, Midwest Lindy Fest, and more.