1, 2, Step
"Step 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.”
The chant could be heard coming from Trout Hall’s terrace recreation room Thursday night.
Giggles, laughs and claps also dominated the terrace floor as Trout Hall residents learned hip-hop dance moves at the hall’s Get Down with Common Ground program.
Common Ground Performing Arts Dance Team performed and taught the hall’s residents different dance steps.
“You might not learn the whole thing, but as much as possible,” said Satara Holliday, Belleville senior and Common Ground president.
Additional Common Ground members who demonstrated the dance moves included Jesse Vance, Muskegon junior and public relations officer, Mount Pleasant sophomore Samantha Simlik and Whitnie Kimball, West Branch junior and secretary.
The registered student organization performed dance moves before having the group of residents join in.
A dance-off took place at the end of the event, where three groups of residents competed. Residents who chose not to participate in the dance-off watched from the sidelines and judged the performances.
“The dance was very good,” said Plymouth freshman Molly Motley. “I don’t think I would have learned it that fast.”
Motley started dancing in the beginning, but when the dancing lead to the dance-offs, she played the role of judging her fellow residents.
“I think they did really good,” Kimball said. “Faster than I anticipated.”
Kimball said she enjoys teaching students dance moves.
This is the third year Trout Hall has hosted this event with Common Ground.
“We’ve done this in the past,” said Kristin Mazaitis, Rockwood senior and Trout Hall resident assistant. “This is a chance for them (residents) to step out of their comfort zone.”
Mazaitis, who headed the event, said the event was a good opportunity to introduce the residents to the RSO on campus and allow the residents to grow personally.
More than 20 students showed up Thursday, about the same who showed up last year.
Trout Hall RAs put up posters and flyers to promote the event, and encouraged residents to try it out by walking up and down the halls.
As the event took place, more students dropped in to join in on the dancing.
“This is what we loved,” Mazaitis said.
Mazaitis said a good number of residents showed up.
Common Ground promotes diversity through dance, Kimball said.
The group will be holding try-outs Oct. 7 and 8 from noon to 4 p.m. in the MAC 1 Gym in the Student Activity Center.
“I highly encourage people to come out,” Kimball said.
