Students bond in hip-hop clubs

For them, it's easy to let loose. \nThey just stand in front of a mirror, watching the rhythm of their feet flow with the music. They spin in circles on the floor, and stand up to "pop" their bodies and "jerk" their arms.\nQuite simply, they boogie to the beat.\nIU Essence is one of many hip hop dance teams on the IU campus. A trend today, hip hop dancing is increasingly popular among college students, providing a healthy workout while incorporating unique styles of dance and choreography.\nFounded in 1995 by Tarpina Augustine, IU Essence welcomes anyone who is interested in dance, even those with no previous experience in high school dance teams or ballet classes.\n"Our motto is 'no experience necessary, but talent and ability required,'" said senior Fallon Coleman, captain of IU Essence.\nEach semester, the team invites students to join the fun, offering try-outs to anyone interested in dancing. Captains evaluate the dancers on their accuracy, stage presence and creativity. Although males are welcome, the team currently consists of eight females.\nJunior Jessica Berry, co-captain and treasurer of IU Essence, handles the funds and keeps an account of the balance. The team raises money through its student organization account and holds fund raisers throughout the year for the purpose of buying performance outfits. \n"Our main form of advertising is simply by dancing at different events and word-of-mouth," said Berry. \nColeman said IU Essence is an organization open to everyone on campus, and its dancers are always eager to perform at campus events. In the past, they have had live performances at Culture Fest, One for Diversity's unveiling of art for Ballantine Hall and the Homecoming Parade.\nLast summer, IU Essence won first place at the Star Quest amateur dance competition in Indianapolis. The remarkable thing about their success is that none of the women has been professionally trained in ballet or jazz, Coleman said. But dance experience is not a major factor because hip hop depends on the ability to interpret the rhythm and move in sync with it, she said.\n"You've got to be able to feel the music and let your body flow," Coleman said. "Our choreography is precise, but our movements flow."\nBecause the rhythm of the music is not always consistent, Coleman cannot always count aloud for the women. At this point, hip hop requires "feeling" the music, which takes a certain amount of awareness and talent.\nThe newest hip hop dancers at IU belong to Sequel, founded in October. Similar to IU Essence, Sequel is also a laid-back group of dancers that practices twice a week. It was formed by a group of women who had all danced together in previous years and thought it would be fun to start up an official hip-hop team of their own.\n"My goal, as a captain, is to remember that we are all here for fun," said junior Jenna Deckard. "It's really important for us to keep it as low-key and fun as possible." \nSequel is still publicizing its name both to future dancers and local organizations needing entertainment at events. As of now, Sequel will perform at halftime shows for local high school basketball teams. It is also its goal to be in the spotlight at a Pacers game this year. \nLike IU Essence, the team consists of eight members, and many of these women have had previous dance experience in the areas of ballet, jazz, meringue and salsa.\n"The diversity of dance skills is amazing," Deckard said. "When we incorporate all these different backgrounds, it looks really nice." \nColeman also said she was amazed at the diversity of skills among her dancers.\n"I have met a lot of different people and seen their talents," she said. "I've learned from them. Everybody brings something unique."\nThe freedom of this unique form of dance brings dancers from all parts of campus together. While practicing, they communicate ideas, help each other master tricky moves and crack jokes. Despite the sweat, hip hop dancers said they keep coming back for more because it is what they love to do.\n"I have a passion for dancing," Coleman said. "I love being on stage."\nShe said it doesn't take a whole lot to dance hip hop.\n"The only thing you really need is soul," she said.\n-- Contact staff writer Lyssa Rebholz at lrebholz@indiana.edu.