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For Immediate Release
October 27, 2003
colleges, high schools coming together "one
step at a time"
new wesleyan organization brings cultural
history to lincoln
LINCOLN, Neb. —Wednesday
nights are typically quiet on Nebraska Wesleyan’s campus.
But if you listen carefully, you can hear the sounds of shoes on
hard wood, and clapping on hands, thighs, chests, and anything else
the group “X-Clusive” can find to create a rhythm.
“Some people think we’re imitating “Stomp”
or “Drumline” said first-year student Brandy Jackson.
“People aren’t real familiar with what we’re doing.”
X-Clusive is a 19-member step team. The activity
is new this year at Nebraska Wesleyan and males and females alike
are hoping its popularity grows and soon warrants university funding.
Stepping, in today’s form, evolved from traditions
in the black Greek community and incorporates synchronized movements
reminiscent of African dance. Wesleyan students are explaining it
to others as a combination of cheerleading, dancing, marching, and
strolling.
While many of X-Clusive’s members admit they
are inexperienced, they're looking forward to participating in Nebraska
Wesleyan’s upcoming step show, “Coming Together One
Step At A Time.”
The first-time step competition will include step
teams from UNL, UNO, University of Kansas, and teams from Lincoln
Southeast, Lincoln Southwest, Lincoln North Star, and Lincoln Northeast
high schools.
The competition will be held Friday, November 7,
at 7:30 p.m. in O’Donnell Auditorium, located at 50th Street
and Huntington Ave. on Wesleyan’s campus. The event is sponsored
by M.O.S.A.I.C. (Meeting of Students Addressing Intercultural Concerns)
and Union Programs. Admission is $10 at the door. Admission for
children 12 years and younger is $5. Teams will compete for more
than $1,000 in prize money.
Wesleyan junior Erica Ramussen, said despite having
no dance or cheerleading experience, she wanted to give stepping
a try. Her passion for her new hobby has even prompted her parents
to make an 8-hour drive to see her compete on November 7.
“I wanted to learn something new,” said
Erica. “You just don’t get this kind of an opportunity
at a small high school so I thought I’d give it a try in college.”
Megan Franklin, president of M.O.S.A.I.C., said
stepping is a means of expression and entertainment as well as a
way to link back to cultural history.
“Your body is the instrument,” she said.
“There is no need for instruments or background music.”
Following the November 7 competition, Franklin and
her step team will begin teaching the dance throughout Lincoln.
She will also work to establish X-Clusive as an official student
organization so it can receive university funding.
“This is a great way to not only bring different
cultures to Wesleyan, but to the Lincoln community,” she said.
Following the step show, an after-party called “The
Aftermath” featuring a DJ from Haiti will be held from 10:30
p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Weary Center, located at 54th Street and Huntington
Ave. The event is open to the public ages 18 and older and admission
is $5.
For more information, contact Sara Olson at 465.2185
or 465.2149.
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