The Social Dance Policy hit campus this spring semester, sparking dance classes and a flurry of opinions. While the amendment to the Responsibilities of Membership was announced last semester, the changes were not implemented until January. If Trinity Western students want to dance, they will have to do it right. The new policy begins by stating that all dancing done at TWU is to be “conducted in the spirit and ethos of Trinity Western University,” and “be kept modest, wholesome, and fun.” In order to ensure that all social dances be kept according to these requirements, all events that involve dancing must be submitted through the Event Approval and Room Booking Process at least three weeks in advance for review. The music and dance moves will be monitored as well, in order to keep them in line with the university’s mission and community standards. Inappropriate dancing, “including, but not limited to, dance moves that mimic sexual activities, grinding, or obscene body gestures,” is prohibited. The policy also sets regulations in place for the music played at dances, saying, “All music must be free of profanity, sexually suggestive lyrics, references to alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substances, vulgarity and must respect the responsibilities of membership of TWU.” Although this change may stir up the campus, it is still on probation. The first six events will be assessed to make sure they are in line with the social and educational goals of the University. As the policy states, “The process is a learning process.” The effects of the new policy were seen immediately, as two new dance classes sprang up this January. A swing club, led by student Emily Elzea and alumnus Dan Funk, began meeting on Monday nights, while a Latin dance class with instructor Brittany Smith started on Thursdays. The dream of beginning the swing club began when Elzea, a dancer for four years, transferred to TWU last year. “I was frustrated because of the no dancing policy, so I contacted TWUSA to try and start one last semester,” Elzea said. When the announcement came that the policy would be changing, Elzea worked with Rec Services to get the club in place. She sees the club as a great opportunity for guys and girls to get together in a fun and laid-back environment. “Swing dancing is the most fun and wholesome opportunity to have at this age,” she said. While the majority of the campus seems to approve of the changes, there are still a number of people at TWU who are wary of the new policy. Some students feel that the no dancing policy helped TWU stay different. “It’s not that dancing is wrong; it was just a tangible thing that set Trinity apart,” explained one student, “I came to Trinity because it was different.” However, numbers indicate that Trinity was ready for the change. Over 70 people attended the first swing dance lesson, and over 35 came to the Latin class. Swing lessons meet in Robson lounge on every Monday from 8- 9pm. Latin dance class meets at the same place on Thursdays at 7pm. For further information on the new dance policy see: http://www.twu.ca/studenthandbook/dance.aspx