Written by Nic Fraraccio // Photo provided by Delta Gamma Rho
A group of students from women’s social club Delta Gamma Rho (DGR) have started a club to teach participants the skills and techniques associated with ballet.
The ballet club has met twice during the spring semester, with each class lasting one hour. Plans for the club started while a group of DGR members were on a hike. Freshman Reed Wilson said the members wanted to join a ballet class but felt there was not an option available in Searcy.
Wilson, who has over 15 years of ballet experience, volunteered to teach the class. After a couple of weeks of planning, Wilson began teaching the class on Feb. 3.
About 40 people attended the first class in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Music and Communication. Wilson said the time flew by when teaching the class for the first time.
“It was really fun to teach,” Wilson said. “It was so rewarding getting to see everybody do so well.”
The one-hour class is structured to accommodate all levels of experience. Members participate in across-the-floor and barre routines while learning different ballet positions.
Wilson said she goes through each routine slowly to serve as building blocks for the class.
Students have expressed their interest in the club since the first class meeting. Junior Elena Gartrell said it was fun to support Wilson and attend the event with friends.
“It was really fun just to learn from someone that knows so much,” Gartrell said. “It was nice for us to all do it together and learn together, but also see so many girls supporting someone else.”
Gartrell also said the club is a great “community builder” for Harding students and faculty that decide to participate.
Junior Bailey Hammond, who has danced since she was 3 years old, said ballet is a good physical or mental outlet for those who participate. Hammond also said it was great to see everyone encouraging each other during the class.
“I am just really proud of everyone that’s been there,” Hammond said.
Along with classes, the club is planning a possible recital when certain routines and positions are learned.
Wilson said the recital would bring everyone together and give the group a goal to work toward.
The club plans to meet after spring break on Friday, March 17. Wilson said all Harding students and experience levels are welcome to join the class. The class takes place in the Reynolds mirror room in C207.
