The Common Ground Performing Arts Dance Team will venture into new
areas Saturday as part of a dance showcase.

The student dance team, along with other dance groups such as
Chippettes and Orchesis, will perform at 8 p.m. in Warriner Hall’s
Plachta Auditorium.

For the first time, Common Ground will be performing African and
Indian influenced dances as well as a number of other routines of
various styles.

“It’s a great mixture. We’ve never done anything so diverse before,”
said Benton Harbor sophomore and dancer Tashana Taylor.

Common Ground normally performs different dance styles.

“We do hip-hop, jazz, ballet, reggae (and) lyrical,” said Muskegon
sophomore and dancer Jesse Vance. “We are really diverse.”

Following the performance, Common Ground is hosting an after party
at Finch Fieldhouse where all dancers and supporters can hang out,
dance and have a good time.

“We’ll all keep on dancing. It will be like another showcase after
the showcase,” Taylor said.

Common Ground started just two years ago. Today, the team consists
of 21 dancers, with only four males. Their practices are held three
times a week and more if they have a performance coming up.

The team usually performs about five times a semester. It also
travels to different universities such as Grand Valley State
University, Michigan State University and Northwood University to take
part in performing arts competitions throughout the year.

The group has try-outs every semester, with the next one coming up
in a week and a half.

“People come and audition with a dance of their own, and then they
learn a dance. There is also an interview,” Taylor said. “It’s pretty
competitive.”

Tickets for Saturday’s show can be purchased at the Central Box
Office for $5 or $7 at the door. Tickets for the after party are $3
with a presentation of show’s ticket or $5 without.

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