Professor sponsors social dance club on campus 

By Alana McLaughlin

Staff Writer

Trevecca has a new dance club for the first time in the university’s history.

Christian Rodriguez, president of the club, formed the Trevecca Social Dance Club, Trevecca’s first social dance club.  

“I wanted to set up something that people could come to, just show up and have some fun learning different stuff,” said Rodriguez. “I wasn’t sure what the response would be [to the club], but everyone I’ve talked to has all been super excited. Everyone was just excited that someone was wanting to step in and get it started.” 

The club is sponsored by Michael Jackson, known as “MJ”, professor of homiletics and Hebrew bible, and his wife, Cheryl. 

“To be honest with you, some of my students put him [Rodriguez] onto me because they had learned in Bib Faith that Cheryl and I liked to dance,” said Jackson “I decided to surprise my wife with a little dance lesson package. It was four dance lessons. We got hooked on the first lesson. [It has been] 10 years for my wife, and nine for me,” said Jackson. 

According to Presence, the club’s mission is to serve as an opportunity for interested people to practice and showcase different styles of social dance such as swing, country, and ballroom dances.

The club’s charter explains that lessons and workshops are designed to encourage socialization, confidence, and respect for dancers and partners while practicing these styles in a fun and relaxed environment.

“I want the students who come to grow in their confidence,” said Jackson, “I want them to find a community of respect where we can enjoy being with one another and doing something that is energizing, fun and has some physicality to it.” 

The Church of the Nazarene Manual (34.4) prohibits all forms of dancing that detract from spiritual growth and break down proper moral inhibitions and reserve. Many Nazarene churches do not support any form of dancing.

“The thing that I have learned about dancing,” said Jackson, “If you learn ballroom dancing correctly, it removes a lot of what can be perceived as a negative stigma.” 

Recently updated in 2023, The Nazarene Manual Covenant of Christian Conduct promotes the avoidance of all types of entertainment ventures and media productions that produce, promote, or feature the violent, the sensual, the pornographic, the profane, or the occultic, or which feature or glamorize the world’s philosophy of secularism, sensualism, and materialism and undermine God’s standard of holiness of heart and life.  No specific forms of dance were deemed acceptable by the Manual.

Though the Manual technically stands against the idea of dancing, there is no consequence for dancing today. This club shows the freedom to take part. 

“[Dancing] becomes this relationship of mutual respect, and it is the furthest thing from anything sensual,” said Jackson. “That’s why they call it social dancing. You are behaving together in a social contract where you have your space, and I have my space.” 

Male and female students are encouraged to join the club. There is no cost, and all skill levels are welcome. 

“The goal is to just show up and have fun. Super chill, have fun, stay for as long as you want.” Rodriguez said.

The club meets on Thursday evenings. For more information on the club and its meetings’ locations and times, follow them on Instagram.

Students can also learn more about the club through Trevecca Presence.