Commerce Best Dance Crew competition held

Texas A&M University-Commerce held its Commerce Best Dance Crew competition Tuesday, Sept. 28 in the auditorium of the Ferguson Social Sciences Building.

The competition, modeled after MTV's America's Best Dance Crew, was the first of its kind to be held in Commerce. The competition consisted of six student-led crews comprised of members from Under Construction, a dance organization at A&M-Commerce, and showcased student choreographed dances.

"Being a part of the event in its first year was overall a good experience, and something I would love for others on campus to get involved with," Sharena Michael, a member of Under Construction, said.

Coordinated by the Assistant Director of the A&M-Commerce Fitness and Wellness Program Moira Johnson, the event was hosted by comedic musician Johnny Cardinale. It was judged by a panel consisting of two dance professionals and two students.

"My favorite part of the experience would be performing, getting to show the result of my labor," Shane Tolliver, a member of Under Construction, said.

Blue Print Crew won first place and received the $500 grand prize, followed by Quad Divas in second place and Under Construction in third.

The event featured a special performance by Staff Infection, a dance crew composed of faculty members. The competition helped bring out the dance talent in Commerce.

"It helps incorporate dance in the university and lets dancers in Commerce have a place to perform," Gregory Bonilla, a member of Under Construction, said.

In the future, Johnson would like to see more diversity among the dance crews.

"Dance crew is a loose term," Johnson said. "We want a lot of different students to participate, hopefully bringing more diversity to the type of dance".

The event is a way for participants to get involved with dance programs on campus and further their performance and dance opportunity.

"I encourage those who want to be a part of Commerce Best Dance Crew to just contact someone who dances, and have fun," Hanna Abraham, secretary and treasurer of Under Construction, said.