Let loose and have some fun with the University of Dayton Swing Club 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Baum Opera House.

Members of UDSC will compete at the annual Dayton Swing Smackdown against other schools and area swing dance clubs.

Vice president of UDSC Mariah Roller said she is anxious to compete at Saturday's event.

"I'm excited about the upcoming competition," she said. "We did well last year, and I really like our routine for this year. We combined hip-hop with swing dancing, so it's really fun."

UDSC is made up of over 40 members with a variety of majors and class years.

"We even have non-UD students who are active club members," Roller said.

Students involved in this club can learn various types of swing dancing in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. During regular practices, at 7:30 p.m. Mondays in VWK, a group warm-up is held; then, participants split into two groups, separated by experience level, to learn new dance moves.

Anyone who is interested may join the club. Auditions take place in November and are held only for the competition team. Almost all the students from the UDSC competing at the Dayton Swing Smackdown are members of the competition team.

Being a part of the competition team requires high skill level in the ability to dance to chorography alone and with a partner. According to Allison Lodico, president of UDSC, scores at the competition will be based upon a team dance that has been choreographed, along with partner dances.

"Each team participates in 'Strictly Swing' where they select two couples from their team, and each couple competes against other selected couples in one song," Lodico said.

Eight teams will be competing Saturday, including groups from Miami University, Ohio State University, Purdue University and Butler University, along with other regional clubs not affiliated with schools. Some UDSC members will have the opportunity to dance with representatives from the other areas.

"There is an individual competition called the 'Jack n' Jill' that I will be competing in, as well as a few other UD dancers, where you are paired randomly with another dancer," Lodico said.

This dance is open to more members than just those on the competition team.

UDSC representative Michelle Tomczyk said she is excited about the upcoming competition, but realizes that some people may have the wrong impression about swing dance.

"I think everyone should try swing dancing at least once, especially because most people don't actually know what it's all about," she said. "I know I held false conceptions about swing dance until I actually went to one and saw the full potential."

Roller, who also had misconceptions about swing dance before joining UDSC, said she is hoping to see many UD students in the crowd this weekend. Spectator passes for the competition can be purchased for $5 at the door.

"It's a great opportunity to experience something new and support your fellow students," she said.

Students are encouraged not only to attend the Dayton Swing Smackdown but also a UDSC practice to see and experience it for themselves.

"It is an amazing way to meet people from all over the UD and Dayton community, and the lessons each week are tons of fun," Lodico said. "It is also a great stress reliever and gives you something to focus on besides homework and school."

Tomczyk said she is feeling weighed down because of a busy pre-midterm break schedule, but she keeps her mind focused on the excitement that is this weekend.

"This week is crazy busy," she said. "But every time I start to feel tired, I remind myself that the competition is this weekend, and I'm totally fired up again."

For more information on the competition, visit http://www.daytonswingsmackdown.com.