Biochemist by day, dancer by night

by Cindy A. Abole, Public Relations

When Bill Stillway, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, isn’t in a classroom lecturing on scientific topics like the molecular structure of cells, he can be found Wednesday evenings smiling and laughing while performing graceful “ocho” moves across the Harper Wellness Center aerobics floor.

Stillway loves to dance. An admitted dance enthusiast throughout most his life, Stillway especially enjoys Contra Dance, a form of folk dancing which evolved from Scottish, Irish and English roots. Immigrants settling in New England introduced Contra dance along with music, instruments and customs from their European ancestors.

Stillway’s first introduction to contra dancing came unexpectedly while attending a regional scientific conference in North Carolina. “It looked like just plain fun,” Stillway said, referring to the openness and ease which flowed between dancers while communicating their merriment through a smile, laugh, hoot or holler. His interest naturally grew to include trips to contra dance festivals and workshops in the northeast and more locally to the Black Mountain Folk Music Festival in North Carolina. Recently, Stillway’s interest has shifted towards other dances including the waltz, swing and the Argentine Tango.

Featured in the 1997 movie, “The Tango Lesson,” the Argentine Tango is a dance that has grown in world popularity. It challenges a dancer’s dedication and concentration amid a display of complicated footwork. “It’s not necessarily rhythmic, but boasts lots of body movement and defining pauses to music. It’s a dance that evokes lots of movement with feelings,” Stillway said.

Under the direction and guidance of former colleague Robert Anderson, M.D., and Charleston attorney Edmond Robertson, Stillway helped organize contra dancing through Charleston Folk in 1983. Stillway was recently approached by organizers at the Harper Wellness Center to teach dance at the request of students and staff. He’s also a Celtic musician, playing the recorder and autoharp in the local band called “The Hooligans.”

“It’s healthy to have other interests besides work and science,” Stillway said. “People spend time and go to the Wellness Center to jog, climb stairs, swim. Like all of these, dancing can be an excellent form of exercise.”

Are the joys of dance being rediscovered by today’s Generation-Xers? Stillway thinks so. The popular pastime is slowly making a comeback among young men and women. He recently assisted in the College of Charleston Governor’s School request to teach dance to 100 high school students during one evening’s lesson. He taught them a simple swing routine known as the “Lindy Hop,” a precursor to the jitterbug and boogie-woogie named for aviator Charles Lindbergh. “The students had a great time and didn’t want to leave,” Stillway said.

Whether its biochemistry or the Retro Swing, Stillway concentrates on teaching students the basic steps in whatever type of dance form and letting them go from there. For now, he plans to continue his work and promote dance.

Stillway continues to teach dance at the Harper Wellness Center, Wednesday evenings from 8 to 9 p.m., second floor aerobics room. For further dance information on Wellness Center classes, contact 792-6611. Stillway can be reached via e-mail at<Stillway@musc.edu> and in an upcoming website.

Catalyst Menu | Community Happenings | Grantland | Research Grants | Research Studies | Seminars and Events | Speakers Bureau | Applause | Archives | Charleston Links | Medical Links | MUSC |