Music echoed through Muncie Mall Saturday night as the Larry McWilliams group played live for dancers of all ages.
The Muncie Symphony Orchestra’s event, “Dance, Dance, Dance!” brought together Ball State’s Ballroom Dance League, the Holiday Dinner & Dance Club, Five Star Dance Studios and professional dancer and choreographer Ya’akov Eden in order to raise money for the MSO’s main season.
Each group did a short demo before opening up the floor to any dancers, and participants ranged from small children and their parents to students to older couples.
A crowd of around 50 filled seats and stood against the walls watching until their turn to dance.
Jeff and Cindy Garretson have been dancing together for 11 years and are part of the Holiday Dinner & Dance Club.
“It’s hard to be in a bad mood when dancing,” Cindy said.
The Garretsons said the number of young people at the event surprised them. They were used to being the “young people,” they said.
Junior public relations major Vance Yount said he is used to having college-aged people dancing because he is part of the university’s Ballroom Dance League.
“I am surprised about the turnout,” Yount said. “We always have such a small group, so I am pleasantly surprised. I’d have to say [my favorite part] is bringing different groups together.”
Yount was also excited to see Eden, an emeritus professor and the retired adviser of the Ballroom Dance League.
“I think this is great,” Eden said. “[Dancing] is so simple and enjoyable to people in general.”
Public safety officer Scott Smith stopped by during his shift in order to watch the dancers.
“I love seeing the parents out there with their kids,” Smith said. “This reaches the community a lot more than some of the other events here. There are a lot of different cultures here.”
