The UC Merced Hop Cats (swing dance ensemble) is a dance group under the direction of ethnomusicologist David Kaminsky. The initial two-credit course (GASP 31c) is open to all UC Merced undergraduates without prerequisite. The continuation (GASP 131c) is repeatable for credit. Students learn dances of the swing era, with a focus on the lindy hop. The Hop Cats also arrange regular swing events, at which these dances are taught to guests. The group collaborates closely with the UC Merced Bop Cats (swing band).
Here is a video of the UC Merced Hop Cats dancing the choregraphy "Mama's Stew" when the course had to go online due to the COVID-19 pandemic:
