University Holds First Dance

Not since John Brown University was founded in 1919 was dancing allowed on campus. Now students at the Christian school are swinging into a new era.

The Student Government Association sponsored the "Swingin' Good Time" dance Friday -- the university's first dance ever. The Board of Trustees changed the school policy in October.

Junior Austin Benedict said the dance was surprisingly fun. The excitement lasted well into the night as students shouted for "one more song" from the 20-piece swing band called the Jack Mitchell Band.

In the university's history, the only exceptions to the rule were put in place 20 years ago, allowing folk or square dancing, or choreographed dancing as part of a dramatic presentation.

The new policy still forbids impromptu dancing, dance-parties in dorm rooms and freestyle dancing on campus. Only school-sponsored dances are allowed, and those have to be structured styles of dancing, such as square, folk, salsa, line, waltz, swing and ballroom.