BOOT-SCOOTIN' BOOGIE: AREA CLASSES ALLOW DANCERS TO PRACTICE STEPS BEFORE STEPPING OUT

While Aretha Franklin belted out the lyrics to "Think" Saturday afternoon, wannabe swingers practiced the East Coast Swing in the gymnasium of Evangelical United Church of Christ. The small group is one of many that meets weekly to allow dancers to get the steps to new and old dances down before they step out for a night on the town.

"This is something I've always wanted to do," said Judy Kucera, who attends three classes each week. "I didn't know a thing when I started this (last fall) I'm learning a lot and having a great time."

Kucera is learning everything from the East Coast Swing to the fox trot to numerous country line and partner dances in the classes she attends in Gordonville, Jackson and Cape Girardeau. She said the classes are emotional and physical stress relievers, and she enjoys the company of friends she's made in class.

"It's wonderful," she said. "My legs, my arms and things don't hurt so much like they used to. My blood pressure is down, and it's a great way to lose weight."

Kucera isn't the only person seeking out dance lessons. Irene Reynolds, who teachers line and partner dances twice weekly, said people of all ages, shapes and sizes are attending classes to learn new steps or get a refresher course in old ones.

"They have a desire to get out and socialize," she said.

Reynolds sees mostly older couples and women in their 30s and 40s during her classes. However, the swing class she participates in as a student has mostly teen-agers, she said.

"The young guys are the ones we're getting out. We can't get the older guys to come for some reason," she said. "We try to mix everyone up so everybody gets a chance to practice."

Aaron and Andrew Ulrich, 17, have attended the swing class since it began last fall. Although their initial goal was to be prepared for a big band gala held at Jackson High School last week, they continue to attend the class because they enjoy it.

"I like it better than modern dance, because with the other dancing it's just jumping around," said Andrew Ulrich. "With this, there's more to it."

The twins said their parents seem to support their classes, as do their schoolmates. In particular, girls seem to like guys who like to dance, they said.

"I guess it does help to impress the girls," Andrew Ulrich said. "We had our gala last week and I knew how to dance, so I got girls."

Impressing others may be a large factor in male participation in dance classes, but everyone likes to be able to dance without stepping on their partner's feet. That's probably the major reason people take dance lessons, she said.

"Some single people come because they want to be ready for when they get a partner," Reynolds said. "Mainly, people come out because it's fun."