Aaron Berkowitz – General Assignment Reporter
SPDC left it all on the stage as they performed in their most recent showcase which took place in the Lyman Center for all students to come out and see. Jesse Kroll, super senior and co-founder of SPDC, said the entire dance group put a tremendous amount of work into all parts of the show and he was excited for the crowd to see all they had prepared. “We ask a lot of our members, but they have always pushed through and we are all just happy we get to show it all to Southern finally,” said Kroll.
He also said the dance team made it through all of the late the night practices, emotional experiences, and some technical difficulties during their dress rehearsal in order to put on a successful show that they could be proud of. “I couldn’t be happier with the way everyone has performed tonight,” said Kroll. “Last minute at our dress rehearsal we didn’t have music, lights, or anything so we pretty much had to wing it tonight. Luckily, our members are strong and confident and despite the last minute issues we are pushing through.”
Tamel Holloway, junior and choreographer for the group, said a bad dress rehearsal usually means a good show. “Preparation for this show begins on the first day of practice in the fall,” said Holloway. Holloway performed one of the crowd’s most celebrated dances of the night to Lorde’s Grammy nominated song, “Royals.”
“It was supposed to be a duet, but it didn’t go as planned,” said Holloway. “The music gives off that earthy vibe so I really just got the inspiration from picturing myself bopping my head at a lake somewhere.” The four elements theme for the show was voted in unison among the members of the team, according to Holloway.
Darias Texira, freshman business major, said learning new dance styles was challenging but with help from his team he thinks he has adjusted well. For this showcase, Texira said he is best fitted with the water element dances. “I would like to say earth because I like the style of dance more but water because of the more free-flowing movements and I am better at some of the more smooth and lyrical pieces.”
Kymberlee Stephens, senior exercise science major and SPDC President, said she loves her dance crew because of all the diversity and hard work that they bring to each and every show. “We practiced pretty much seven days a week between this performance and the competition in the fall,” said Stephens. “Everyone has done a great job, I am extremely impressed. Our team is so different because we bring a whole bunch of styles of dance together to create our own.”
Texira said the build up to the show was very intense because the team was often practicing five days a week for up to four hours, but the response from the crowd made it all worthwhile. “It was very time consuming,” said Texira. “It was hard but we did it. I love that our team constantly pushes each other to do things that we thought we couldn’t.”
Holloway said although this was the last show of the semester for SPDC everyone should be on the lookout for what they have in store for upcoming semesters.
“We’re a group of hard workers,” said Holloway. “It’s amazing to actually be in the presence of people who all share the same passion and drive.”
