Alternative Spring Break will be giving a ballroom dancing class tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Hughes-Trigg Ballroom West. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

Created nearly 20 years ago, ASB provides SMU students an opportunity to participate in community service during spring break. This year’s sites include Habitat for Humanity in Taos, N.M., Teach for America in New Orleans, National Wildlife Refuge in St. Mark’s, Fla. and Children’s Outreach Program in Denver, Colo.

“The ‘alternative’ is that instead of hanging out, we take Spring Break and give back to the community,” ASB Director Courtney Sartor said. “We do fun stuff during the week, but most of the time is spent on service.”

Fundraisers are used to help lower expenses for the student, according to Sartor. Student Senate also allots money to the program.

“We try to keep it as low cost as possible to take the burden off of the student,” Sartor said. “This year the cost is $150. Scholarships are also available.”

ASB will also be selling hot chocolate from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2. Students will be able to purchase the beverages in front of the Flagpole from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $2.

Students who wish to become involved in ASB should contact Sartor or visit the ASB We site. Applications are available online at people.smu.edu/sparc and are due by Feb. 14. Sartor says that information sessions will be held on January 30 in the common area of Hughes-Trigg and Feb. 12 in Portico A of the student center. Both sessions begin at 7 p.m.

“Giving back to the community is very important,” Sartor said. “Alternative Spring Break is a great way to give back, meet new people and have a great experience.”