By AMANDA FLEMINGER
Watching performances and dancers turn, jump, leap and pop at school activities; stepping and “shimmying” has additionally been added to the list. Adding to the Bravettes, Boone Dance Crew and the B Boys, two other dance clubs add to the list. Both have ideas in mind for the year and have assortments of competitions and performances planned. As Brave Aid approaches in January, practices are beginning to become more crucial and intense as they all compete to be showcased in the talent show. Seeing as these are new clubs though, that is not stopping them from competing. The clubs practice more than once a week, and sponsors see dedication and commitment.
RHYTHMIC STEPPING TRIES TO PREPARE FOR PERFORMANCES
After a two year break, the Step Team has returned. Without a sponsor there was no possible way to have the club in the past, but at the request of her students Terry Smith, English teacher, sponsor, agreed to the dancers. T. Smith has experiences with coaching a step team by sponsoring University’s in the past. She said it gives her a way to interact with students as well as a way to mentor them academically.
“[My favorite things about stepping are] the beats. When it’s rhythmic and has a lot of energy, I enjoy it,” Smith said.
The first competition they are practicing for is the Martin Luther King Step Show. This statewide competition is Jan. 15 in Plant City.
“I think we will be ready for it,” junior captain Christopher Smith said. “I’m very strict; I don’t play around. When I say do it, they do it or they know trouble is coming. With strictness, I’ll get them prepared.”
A weakness though is the fact that they are unable to get outsiders to teach them steps. T. Smith said she has tried to get representatives from fraternities and sororities, but she has received nothing but “no” as an answer.
“I want them to come out and teach them [steps] and also to help show them [to have] structure,” T. Smith said.
But this hasn’t stopped them; the three captains, juniors, C. Smith, Erica Lovett and Corissa Bowie make up their own steps. Lovett said whatever comes to her head, she does.
Practice takes place three days a week: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. They plan to attend and perform at home basketball games, Brave Aid and at state competitions.
CULTURAL IDENTITIES INFLUENCE STUDENTS THROUGH DANCE
In hopes of learning something new, both freshman Analyse Roberts and junior Lelah Gainey joined the new Bollywood club sponsored and started by Carlota Iglesias.
“[It feels good [to just learn this style of dance] and it’s something different which makes it hard, but once I get it, it feels good and it’s fun,” Gainey said.
Roberts said that the thing she likes most about it all is what it represents.
“It represents our feminine side and inner women instead of trying to be cute and “sexy” as most guys view girls,” Roberts said.
President Benedykta Martinez already had experience to the style of dance and with the help of Iglesias, they got the club started.
“I’m really excited [seeing others students a part of this]. Everyone’s so enthusiastic which is contagious, and it makes me more excited to come every Thursday and have fun,” Martinez said.
The style is completely new to everyone minus Martinez. They gather every Thursday to learn the style of dance and understand the culture.
““[My favorite thing about Bollywood are] the steps because they’re unusual,” Roberts said. “They’re not simple and you have to practice non-stop to get them. I like it because I love challenges.”
By watching clips and learning from Martinez, they pick up the steps to their dances.
“The combo of both makes it easy,” Iglesias said.
They’re plan is to perform in Brave Aid, Relay for Life and charity events. For anyone interested, Iglesias says it’s not too late.
“[I’m] nervous [about auditioning for Brave Aid] because I’ve never done it before but I’m also excited because I know the steps and I feel really confident about it,” Gainey said.