Students dance the night away at NOCS outdoors

Students danced Sunday night away under the stars during a Night of Country Swing (NOCS) dance held in the Backyard. 

NOCS, in partnership with Chadron State College’s Residence Life Association (RLA), hosted the swing dancing event from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., behind the Kent and Andrews residence halls. The event was themed, Why Don’t We Just Dance, and was hosted on campus to raise awareness of NOCS and increase student membership. 

NOCS, which was founded in 2007, provides a way for students to appreciate Western Nebraska tradition and celebrate country swing dancing. Lessons are provided during the weekly dances for people who want to learn how to country swing dance, line dance, or just want to learn some new moves.

“My favorite part about NOCS is that there is never a point where you stop learning,” NOCS Campus Activity Board (CAB) Representative Kelsey Crock, 21, senior of Cheyenne, Wyoming, said. “Every day I am learning more and more. It is so rewarding watching everyone’s transformation from the beginning of the year to the end.”

About 115 students filtered in and out of the lively three-hour evening event. Attendees were treated to snacks provided by NOCS and a prize raffle sponsored by RLA. Prizes included a vacuum, two waffle makers, two Bluetooth speakers, and a dinnerware set.

“The thing about country swing dancing is that you can put your twist on it,” NOCS President Caleb Smith, 21, senior of Broken Bow, said. “I think it is really cool to bring people together and see what happens.”

The next dance is scheduled for Oct. 3 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Chadron Arts Center, located on the corner of Fourth and King streets.