This Might Be Your New Favorite Thing to Do on Campus

Imagine adding a single activity to your weekly schedule that boosts your endorphins, strengthens your body, improves mindfulness, and helps you make friendships that will last long after graduation.

That’s the WVU Student Dance Association (SDA), and the National Honors Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) in a nutshell. Their goal? Make dance accessible to all students. Don’t sweat it if you’ve never even tapped your foot along to a good tune. The SDA is a welcoming, judgement-free zone for dancers at all levels. And if you are a budding dance professional? They have big opportunities through their national honors society, too. Think master classes, performances, connections with professional dancers, and leadership roles.

We talked to two seasoned SDA members, and a few themes quickly emerged: if you’re looking for community, connections, and fun (with or without a major time commitment), dance might just be your new favorite thing to do on campus.

Anyone can join. And you can go at your own pace.

“Any student can join SDA without even being involved in the Dance Program, which I think is amazing because it gives us a variety of people, which strengthens our group. SDA provides a space for students to express their love of dance, to participate in classes, and to meet other students with the same interests,” said Abby Cox, a junior dance major and SDA secretary.

“One amazing aspect about SDA is that it is low commitment, meaning you only have to pay a small due per semester and that gives you the chance to participate in masterclasses and audition for the Spring Showcase, but it is completely up to you on how much you participate.”

You’ll find your people. And grow as a human.

“I’ve met so many amazing people and made great friends who share the same passion,” said Sydnie Tetrick, senior dance major, SDA fundraising and events chair, and vice president of the NHSDA. “It’s also given me chances to get involved on campus, connect with professionals, and grow as both a dancer and a person.”

“One of my fears coming into college was meeting new people and forming new relationships. SDA has made it so easy. It brought me into the most genuine group of people … I have developed lifelong friendships,” said Abby Cox, a junior dance major and SDA secretary.

You’ll make memories. While giving back to the community.

“We host master classes with professionals from around the area, community service opportunities, and on-campus events like bake sales, volunteering at shows, and fundraisers,” Sydnie said. “We host free adult classes that anyone can join, and we offer yoga sessions from time to time. We also organize service drives and are planning an upcoming member info session … ”

“I couldn’t imagine my college experience without it. It truly is an amazing group of people who have the best time together and who love bringing in new members to share that with,” Abby said.

It’s time to take that next step.

Whether it’s a dance org, a gaming club, or a group you haven’t even discovered yet that combines a love of rock climbing and top hats (we don’t judge), WVU has a student organization for you. You can also start your own! There are over 450 to choose from. And we have an easy search tool to help you get started.