Do people make fun of your dancing?

The Gonzaga student body is about to start dancing again. Boundless, the student-led dance club began its fall class schedule this week. But don't worry, it's not too late to join in the boundless amounts of fun.

Boundless began as a club in 2008, with the intention of offering any interested students an opportunity to try new forms of dance and improve on old favorites. The club offers dance classes ranging from jazz and ballet to Latin and Flashmob, all of which are student-taught. Breanne Flynn, Boundless secretary and this year's Boundless jazz teacher, said she believes this is the key to the success of the club.

"We really try to orient ourselves to what our classmates want. We're already stressed with school and other activities, so dance should be something that we just whole-heartedly enjoy doing," Flynn said.

In the past, classes were offered once a week, usually at night or on a weekend morning. The classes were on a come-as-you-can basis. This year, however, things are run in the same manner with one small change. Boundless students will now have the opportunity to showcase what they have been doing over the course of the semester with a winter performance called "Popsicle Toes"in early December.

"This dance recital gives students a goal to work towards in the course of the semester and a chance to share what they've learned," said Boundless Vice President Madeline Nolan.

Boundless put on a similar showcase last spring called "Barefoot in the Grass," which they plan on repeating this spring. While these performance opportunities take a little more commitment from students attending classes, there is still no required attendance to participate.

 Many students have not participated in Boundless in the past because they have little to no dance experience but, according to Flynn, these students have nothing to fear. 

"Whether it be your first class ever or your 15th year of dance, we just want to continue spreading the passion and joy we've always experienced through dancing," she said.

Boundless President Tamera Pumphrey encourages students of all backgrounds to try at least one class.

"Dance is not only an artistic form of expression, but it is a fantastic workout. Also, the teachers are more than willing to adjust the difficulty of the class to fit with what people want," Pumphrey said.

In addition to offering dance classes, Boundless also offers a unique volunteer opportunity. Every other Saturday morning, club members have the chance to volunteer with the Dance for Parkinson's program. These volunteers, along with instructor Terry Grizzell, work with members of the Spokane community diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Mika Aoyama, the Boundless service-project coordinator, said she believes this is as beneficial to the volunteers as it is to the patients.

"[This experience] really furthers the commitment students have for serving others and forging connections with others," Aoyama said.

In past years, Boundless members have enjoyed the opportunities presented to them through this club. Kaelin Albade, who has danced off and on for most of her life, attended a lyrical class offered last year.

"I hadn't danced in a while and was a little nervous to get back into it but I really enjoyed the easygoing, relaxed atmosphere. There was no pressure to do anything in a certain way, so it was pure fun," Albade said.

To be a part of this fun, Boundless invites everyone, no matter what type of dance experience they have, to come try a class.

According to Nolan, "people that claim they cannot dance prove themselves wrong simply by walking and waving at the same time."

Classes are open to anyone who wishes to try it out and are always free. Teachers ask that students come to the Theater/Dance building on Pearl Street in clothes they can move in, and ready to have a good time.