The Swing Cats went on a retreat last weekend to polish original techniques and further develop their vintage moves.

The retreat, known as the “Sundance Swing Out” is sponsored by the Swing Dance Syndicate in Fort Worth. Attendees come from across the state to take various classes and learn new moves during the day, with live band dances at night.

According to their Facebook page, “the ACU Swing Cats are dedicated to the preservation of Pre-WWII swing music and dance.” The Swing Cats began performing 15 years ago with only small groups participating. Since then, they’ve grown to a mass of about 40-50 people.

Cole Bennett, Swing Cats sponsor and English professor, said activities like swing dance are important because they help give students a fresh change from the other activities they usually participate in.

“When you’re involved with a lot of classes and extracurriculars that are academically oriented, sometimes you need an extracurricular activity that is just fun and physical,” Bennett said.

Bennett said Swing Cats is a welcoming community to both experienced dancers and beginners.

Lessons are available every Tuesday night in Studio B of the SRWC. Intermediate lessons start at 8 p.m., with beginner lessons starting at 9 p.m.

“[Swing Cats] wants to preserve the history of swing dance and to continue it with new people,” Bennett said.