The Hip-Hop Coalition at Arizona State does more than perform outside the Memorial Union at lunchtime. Few people know what being a member of this dedicated organization entails.
Membership in this esteemed organization is no cake-walk.
Lengthy and competitive auditions kick off the year every fall semester and after making the team, attendance in class every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday is crucial.
Walking into practice is nothing like entering the set of a hip-hop video on MTV.
Dancers are individually styled, from jerseys and do-rags to t-shirts and gym shorts. They "bust a move" to hip-hop music with a catchy beat and sassy lyrics chosen by choreographer Nick Long. His moves are complicated, but through continuous repetition, his enthusiastic pupils sharpen their skills and grasp routines quickly.
Between segments, dancers ask each other for clarification and review the moves together. It isn't unusual to see people giggling when they get the moves wrong or after their choreographer cracks a joke.
Despite the walls of people packed into the gym, the temperature remains fairly cool for observers. But the sweat dripping from the performers' brows illustrates how hard they are working at practice.
A regular week in the life of a dancer includes hours of training, but the dedication and hard work paid off last year. According to coalition President Laura Towers, the Level 2 squad competed in the Bravo Challenge Dance Competition last December and brought home the gold.
Watching the members mingle before practice, it was apparent that friendship is one of the strongest elements of this group.
The HHC is divided into three levels, a dance class level, a Level 1 dance team, and Level 2 dance team, each building in competition and requiring additional dance skills. The Level 2 dancers perform at all charity events as well as professional competitions. This year's top team is comprised of 26 members, who practice eight to 10 hours a week. Being on the Level 2 squad is an investment of $180 per semester in membership fees, which include competition attire and dance classes necessary to learn routines.
Level 1 dancers pay $80 per semester for two dance classes a week and are encouraged to participate in all on-campus performances.
The HHC is not just a dance team: it's a community. With a membership of about 150, the Hip-Hop Coalition has the power to make a difference, and they do.
The organization's mission statement illustrates the positive message of equality members try to integrate into the community. It states, "The Hip-Hop Coalition strives to provide a safe learning environment for each individual regardless of race, culture, gender, sexuality, body shape, religion or any other difference that may divide us as humans."
Coalition President Laura Towers explained that accepting individuals from all parts of the spectrum allows the organization to benefit from everyone's strengths.
During auditions, Towers says the executive board evaluates dancers by assessing their, "personality, pizzazz, dance ability, eagerness to learn, willingness to put yourself out there and be an advocate, and the ability to strengthen our mission statement and put it into use."
The Hip-Hop Coalition also uses their talent to benefit the community. Many of their shows are done without payment to benefit local charities at ASU and around the Valley.
They travel to schools that can't afford dance programs to teach hip-hop clinics. They sacrifice their time to help the March of Dimes, Relay for Life.
This community involvement impacts the lives of coalition members. ASU senior Kip Shearer, a participant for the past four years, said his motivation to be on the squad is often the nature of people he meets.
"I have met friends, girlfriends ... I have met so many people through this organization. It has been the highlight of my ASU experience," Shearer said.
Team member Chanel Warwick has an extensive dance background in flamenco, merengue, salsa, tango and, of course, hip-hop. The ASU sophomore described the organization's atmosphere as having "a lot of energy ... a lot of great friendships comes out of this. It's fun to meet people from all over and know that you have a common interest, which is dance."
Reach the reporter at callie.parkinson@asu.edu.
