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About

Mission Statement

The University of Manitoba Swing Dance Club (UMSwing) is an entirely student-run organization that operates under the umbrella of the University of Manitoba Student's Union (UMSU). UMSwing is non-profit and works towards being able to provide affordable dance lesson to students and non-students. Although the majority of members are students, UMSwing is open to everyone and boasts members of all ages and skill levels. Founded in 2000, UMSwing is celebrating 11 years of introducing people of all ages and experiences levels to swing dancing. UMSwing welcomes anyone of any ages, even those who think they have two left feet or cannot dance, and they welcome the opportunity to prove you wrong!

The mission of UMSwing is to:

Spread knowledge of swing dancing and other partner dances
Illustrate the benefits of dancing:
- Physical and mental health benefits
- Great way to meet people and socialize
- Fun and exciting!
Provide the opportunity to learn and practice in a safe, fun, and relaxed environment

Executive Committee

	Brian Turchyn UMSwing President pres [at] umswing [dot] ca Hey everybody! My name is Brian, and I am this year's UMSwing President. I joined UMSwing in 2007, after a friend of mine convinced me to go to the January open house. Although I wasn't too sure about joining before then, I loved the open house and walked out with a full membership. I've been helping out with UMSwing for the past two years, and also been one of the office supervisors. Last year I was the club's Graphics Designer and Web Administrator, and have been affectionately named "The Maid" for my obsession with keeping the office clean. I'm also UMSwing's resident MC for all of our open houses.
	Lisa Semchuk UMSwing VP Internal vpinternal [at] umswing [dot] ca Greetings! My name is Lisa Semchuk. Prior to joining UMSwing I had a love of jazz, but as a musician. Essentially I am walking proof that UMSwing’s advertisement campaign works – after seeing the demonstrations at the Info Days Sessions and posters for an open house, I decided to give it a try. I began swing dancing in 2010 and it has been nothing but a positive experience; in addition to learning something new and getting exercise, there is a great community of dancers who are very friendly. I’ve made myself known based on my goofy smile, cheesy dance moves, and dance routine to Kenny Loggins’ hit song “Footloose”. I am very enthusiastic about swing dancing and am looking forward to making contributions to UMSwing as Vice President of Internal Affairs.
	Adam Morrison UMSwing VP External vpexternal [at] umswing [dot] ca In my third year of university I decided to join swing dancing, and my only regret is that I didn’t join earlier! Having no dance or musical experience, I was so uncomfortable at any social situation that involved dancing; eventually, I got tired of that and decided I was going to learn to dance. My jaw dropped as I watched experienced dancers performing impressive moves and aerials like I had never seen before. I planned to join one of the four classes offered, but by my third week I was signed up for every class I could! I have met some really great people, had great experiences, and learned a lot about dancing. It was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I look forward to a dance-filled 2011.
	Sebastian Lao UMSwing Secretary/Treasurer treasurer [at] umswing [dot] ca I started swing dancing in 2007 when I started university as a means to meet new people and engage in the university social scene. I love traveling with my friends to dance events far and wide, or basements nearer to home for laughs and good times. My love of Charleston probably stems from my love of playing soccer. I can often be found in the swing office, at one of our campus’ many coffee distribution centers, or crying alongside classmates in the washroom after a particularly excruciating math exam.
	Erin Prokopanko Director of Publicity and Promotions promotions [at] umswing [dot] ca Hello, my name is Erin Prokopanko, and I am a Swing-aholic. It’s probably been less than a day since I last danced, and if it was more than that, I’m probably crying inside. I first started swing dancing just over a year ago, in October of 2009. One of my best friends went to the UMSwing Open House that September and just wouldn’t stop telling me how amazing swing was and how much I would love it. After three weeks of flimsy excuses like “I can’t dance”, I finally acquiesced and gave it a try. I was hooked. Since that day, I’ve gone to every swing event and class that I could. Joining UMSwing has been such a great physical and social activity. I’ve met so many amazing new friends through dance, and I won’t stop doing it until I’m dragged away kicking and screaming. I think it’s safe to say that UMSwing has changed my life for the better, and I’m so glad to have the opportunity to give even a little bit back.