Spring Break
It's time to walk the walk
Or dance the dance, as the case may be. Come Friday night, they'll be mixing it up a bit as four dance groups make the case for most talented A&M crew.
By: Megan Ryan
Issue date: 2/18/09 Section: Features
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Each group will be assigned a different style than their usual to present to the audience the night of the performance. The styles are assigned based on a random drawing and the crowd will vote for their favorite performers.
"What makes our family special is the passion and the diversity of styles of dance that we present," said Terrance McClain, a freshman business accounting major and member of Fade to Black.
The event gives the groups a chance to show the Aggies what they can do.
"A lot of people here don't realize how many talented dancers we have and this event allows each organization to represent their own unique style," said Kim Johnson, a senior international studies major and president of Dance Arts Society.
Like Fade to Black, Johnson said Dance Arts Society is diverse in style.
"I think what makes Dance Arts Society unique is that our dancers are skilled in so many different styles of dance," Johnson said. "We have everything from hip hop dancers to prima ballerinas. I think the audience will be able to see that when they perform."
Some of the groups have performed in the event before, but this is the first time for Akh Mastani.
"I think this is an amazing opportunity for all the dance groups to come together and showcase their different styles," said Riddhi Parikh, a junior economics major and member of Akh Mastani.
Each group will be dancing a different style than they are used to, but first get to showcase own style.
Each group will present the assigned dance. Fade to Black will perform jazz/contemporary, Dance Arts Society will perform a Latin style, Ballet Folklorico Celestial will perform an Indian style and Akh Mastani will perform Hip Hop.
Each group has its own motives for performing.
"The best part of being involved in this event is being able to showcase your talent and getting more publicity," McClain said.
Parikh agreed and is looking forward to showing the audience what her team is made of.
"I am a part of the Indian dance team," Parikh said. "I think the best part about being involved in this event is that we are given the opportunity to show Texas A&M what our culture is all about."
Other groups, including Dance Arts Society, aim to entertain the audience and impress the judges.
"I'm very excited about the piece we put in the event," Johnson said. "It will be unlike anything else up there. I think it will definitely surprise the audience as well, but I don't want to give anything away."
However, there are challenges that arise with the excitement of performing in front of a large audience, especially when that audience includes other dancers.
"I think the biggest challenge we are being faced with is competing with some amazing talent," Parikh said. "Of course, we would like to win, but if we do not, we know that the winner is probably just as deserving."
The competing groups will be accompanied by guest appearances.
"There will also be performances by the Yell Leaders and the Little Wranglers," said Rachel Wilkins, a senior history and psychology major and president of Student Honors Council.
Wilkins said the night is sure to be packed with excitement.
"The best part about being involved in So You Think Ags Can Dance is getting to be in the midst of things on the big night," Wilkins said. "The cheering and laughing make the evening so high-energy, especially when the crowd is voting."
The groups have their own practices varying from one to three practices a week. They will be working to impress five judges: Edward Funkhouser, executive director of the honors program, Sharon Toups, owner, director and choreographer for Center Stage Productions in Bryan, Texas, Mark Gold, student body president, Amy Zak, director of FLiC and Colin Laden, president of MSC FISH.
They think they can dance
The participating groups are: Akh Mastani performing Indian dancing, Ballet Folklorico Celestial performing Mexican Folk Dance, Dance Arts Society performing jazz/ballet/contemporary dance, and Fade to Black performing jazz/modern
When and where
The event is hosted by the Honors Student Council and is expected to fill up early because of the free admission. The winner will be named "Aggieland's best dance group." The event is at 7 p.m. Friday in Rudder Auditorium.
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