Geneseo Late Knight and Original Xpressions dance group cohosted a “Dance Xhibition” in the MacVittie College Union Ballroom on Saturday Sept. 30.
The workshop featured lively choreography from OGX and a special guest appearance from Rochester Institute of Technology’s dance group Velocity.
OGX, one of several dance organizations on campus, is open to everyone who enjoys dancing. OGX focuses less on the techniques behind dancing and more on just having fun.
“The purpose of OGX is to provide a free style of dancing environment because a lot of the other clubs offer very specialized cases [of dance] like Orchesis,” OGX manager sophomore Brenden Navarro said. “OGX provides a multicultural dance experience. It allows everyone to come in; anyone who can just keep a beat to very experienced. So, it’s just a whole mod-podge of everyone who can join, and that inclusive environment is what OGX strives for.”
The event began with an energetic hip-hop performance from OGX—a perfect way to start the night and hype up the crowd before Velocity took the stage. When Velocity performed, the group taught both OGX members and eager participants dance routines.
Velocity described themselves as an urban competitive dance team. The group has a hip-hop style with African and Caribbean influences. Within the dance Velocity taught, they even included step, which was a new style to many participants.
As people learned the various steps taught by Velocity’s captain, they became more comfortable with the style of dance. When the steps finally became synchronized, the footsteps echoed in the ballroom, which was exciting as it became evident that the dance was coming together.
For people who have never danced before, like political science and economics double major freshman Hannah Ueshiro, “Dance Xhibition” was a new experience that opened her eyes to an activity for which she may have a new appreciation.
“The most enjoyable part of the workshop was getting out of my comfort zone and learning something new because it pushed me to try new things, and I ended up liking it,” Ueshiro said.
Dancing is a great way to have fun and be social. It is also a creative way to become more active and exercise. Childhood special education major sophomore Gianna Paniccia likes the activity because it is also a great way to reduce anxiety.
“I think it’s a really good way to relieve stress from a busy school week,” Paniccia said. “It couldn’t have come at a better time because we’re getting into this crazy part of school right before break and everything.”
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been dancing since you could walk, there are many opportunities to expand on your knowledge of the art of dance. After Saturday’s event, many people learned that dance is in fact a way of life.
For OGX member sophomore Camryn Mancuse, dance is about having fun, which is what the workshop provided.
“I like the creativity behind dancing and the style you can add to it,” Mancuse said. “It’s just really fun for me and it’s kind of therapeutic.”
Geneseo Late Knight and Original Xpressions dance group held a “Dance Xhibition” on Saturday Sept. 30 in the MacVittie College Union Ballroom. Rochester Institute of Technology’s dance group Velocity attended, offering dance lessons to interested students. (Hannah McSorley/Staff Photgrapher