New Dance Group Eager to Perform

As Missy Elliott blasted over the speakers in the Lee Lohman arena, 12 girls sporting ponytails put every ounce of passion they had into a dance routine they had learned only hours before.

On Nov. 5, tryouts for a new SAU hip-hop dance team were held on campus. While the current SAU dance team performs a wide variety of types of dances, this new team will focus on one: hip-hop.

With no formal team name or set members, choreographer and founder of the group Orsola Evola is energized and optimistic.

"I woke up super early," she said. "I was so nervous and excited, I love seeing talent."

Evola is currently a sophomore at St. Ambrose University and has been dancing for 17 years. In coming to SAU she had hoped to continue dancing, however, she didn't feel the current dance team matched her style.

"I wasn't into the whole jazz factor of it," she said.

The reality of starting her own dance team came into focus after talking to student Tiana Washington. Washington, the co-founder of the up-and-coming squad was instrumental in getting president Ed Rogalski to approve the team.

"Hip-hop has always been my love," Evola said.

As the tryouts contined Sunday night, Evola encouraged the girls and, with nothing but good intentions, pushed them to their limits.

"When we come back we're going to do it again and again. You're going to hate me," Evola said, with a laugh, as she sent the girls on a break.

Once a complete roster is made, SAU students will be able to see the hip-hop team in action during multicultural week, as well as at the SAU men's basketball games.

"I want to get (the crowd) hyped," Orsola said.

While hip-hop is often seen as a type of dance only African Americans can excel at, Washington insists that's not the case.

"You can be black and still not know how to dance," she said.

Evola believes that being able to shine at this cultural dance is something people are just born with.

Freshman Rachel Ruden who attended the tryouts is hopeful that she will be on the team.

"I love to dance to hip-hop, I love the culture and I want to meet new people," she said.

Naturally, not everyone who tried out can make the team, but Washington believes that selections will be made based upon attitude and the capacity to memorize steps quickly.

The team, once complete, will consist of 16 girls. So far, eight have been chosen, but another tryout date is currently being scheduled. Interested students have been advised to keep checking their e-mail for more information about the upcoming event.

More than anything Evola and Washington hope that the future team will be accepted and embraced on campus.

"I would like to be approached after a performance and be told 'you were really good the other night'," Evola said.

With moves like the 'worm', 'booty shakes' and 'the chicken' as their artillery, they are sure to fire up the crowd at any event.