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Dance Dance Revolution, more simply known as DDR. Is it a sport? Is it a game? Is it dancing? The answer to that depends on whom you talk to.

According to Shaun Thomas, "the community itself basically agrees it's something between sport and a game … it's NOT dancing!"

Thomas, 26, of Moline should know. He's been a DDR enthusiast for the past two years. He is also the president of the newly formed QC-DDR club.

A DDR player stands on a pad with four arrows pointing in each navigational direction. A screen in front of the pad displays the same stationary arrows. Additional arrows scroll up on the screen, indicating what movements the player should mimic on the pad. The game is typically played using Play Station 2 or in an arcade setting.

The speed, accuracy and "hand-to-foot" coordination required make it a sport. The music and challenge of elevating to higher levels make it a game.

"Some players may freestyle," Thomas said, "but that's the closest to dancing that it gets."

"It's a good transition for people who want to get out and exercise but still want to play [video] games," said Jeremy Higgins, 26, of Long Grove, Iowa, one of Thomas' co-workers at TownNews.

In the beginning, Thomas couldn't play the game for more than 20 minutes at a time. He was what he calls the "quintessential couch potato." Now, he can play for two to three hours at a time, and competes at some of the highest levels. That sometimes means moving at 500 steps in 90 seconds.

"I'm probably the exception more than the rule," Thomas admits.

But that doesn't stop him from trying to persuade almost anyone he talks to into trying the game. As expected, he's not always met with positive reactions.

"If I want to go out and dance, I'll go to a club," said Chris Murley, 24, of Alpha, Ill., a co-worker of Thomas'. "DDR is for homebodies."

Another co-worker, Randy Rinehart, 21, of Davenport stated more subtly that "DDR is just dancing without a partner."

Comments like that don't get to Thomas, though. He used to feel the same way. In fact, Thomas "dismissed it as a stupid game that no one would play." That was before a couple of friends rented the game. Now he's hooked.

"Hooked" may actually be a bit of an understatement for someone who plays one to two hours a day, seven days a week. Based on how busy his weekends are, he may play up to 20 hours a week.

In addition to bringing a healthier lifestyle, DDR is a good way for Thomas to have fun and spend time with friends. They take turns playing at his house, cheering each other on and giving pointers.

"I noticed there was no real community or machines in the area, so I decided to start one," Thomas said.

Though his club currently only has five active members, they are already making headway in building the DDR community in the Quad-Cities. Ryan Jones, one of the members, has been active in assisting Thomas in his goal. Recently, Jones persuaded Miller Time Bowling in Davenport to purchase an arcade-type machine. When the machine arrives, Thomas plans on coordinating tournaments to help boost interest.

In the meantime, Thomas plans on spending his free time building a stronger game pad and trying to beat the game.

Anyone interested in joining QC-DDR can contact Thomas by email at ddr@kildosphere.com.