Spring Break
Student puts local twist on MTV dance series
Jaida McKie
Arts & Culture Assitant Editor
Issue date: 11/2/09 Section: Arts & Culture
By Jaida McKie
ARTS & CULTURE ASSISTANT EDITOR
Erica Miller was displeased with the crews on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew series and decided to do something about it.
Miller, a junior English major from Chicago organized Nashville's Best Dance Crew to give local acts in Nashville and surrounding areas an opportunity to shine.
Auditions for the dance-off were held in Kean Hall Sept. 21-Sept. 24. Nashville's local R&B/Hip-Hop radio station, 101.1 The Beat, provided free giveaways to the numerous students who attended the finals on Oct. 14.
Fifth Third Bank, SoCashville.com and Concrete Magazine also co-sponsored the event.
Despite a late start, event goers filled the gymnasium to watch the competition and they ultimately enjoyed the experience.
"I think it was a great way to give back to the community," said Jonathan Miller, a senior architecture major from Jackson, Tenn, not related to Erica Miller. "It started a little late, but I enjoyed myself."
Six groups competed for the grand prize of paid dance studio time, $1000 and a photo shoot.
Former ABDC contestants and Nashville natives Southern Movement were guest judges.
TSU alumnus Freddie B hosted the event with Cristal "Serious" Steverson from VH1's Flavor of Love 2.
Performances by up and coming artists Finess, Kid Krunk and Casino Greene were also provided.
"It was a cool turnout for Erica Elle's first event," Freddie B said.
TSU's Hipnotyze Dance Troupe danced against Murfreesboro, Tenn. natives Loyalty for the final vote.
Miller founded Hipnotyze and served as the dance crew's former president. Loyalty was comprised of high school and college students.
In the end, those attending the event decided which contestant would be crowned Nashville's Best and Loyalty came out on top.
Mechelle Merguson and Angel Lawrence are members of the winning crew and was excited to claim the winning title.
"This was our first competition in Nashville and it's a blessing we won," said Merguson, a senior at Sigel High School in Murfreesboro.
Angel Lawrence, a freshman at Riverdale High School and member of the dance team said,
"We just prayed and worked really hard."
Courtez Kirkwood Hipnotyze Dance Troupe president and dancer also thought the event was a success and the right group won.
"The team who performed the best won," said Kirkwood, junior computer science major from Memphis."(They) deserved to win, (because) not only were they clean and sharp, but they left a good impression on everyone."•
ARTS & CULTURE ASSISTANT EDITOR
Erica Miller was displeased with the crews on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew series and decided to do something about it.
Miller, a junior English major from Chicago organized Nashville's Best Dance Crew to give local acts in Nashville and surrounding areas an opportunity to shine.
Auditions for the dance-off were held in Kean Hall Sept. 21-Sept. 24. Nashville's local R&B/Hip-Hop radio station, 101.1 The Beat, provided free giveaways to the numerous students who attended the finals on Oct. 14.
Fifth Third Bank, SoCashville.com and Concrete Magazine also co-sponsored the event.
Despite a late start, event goers filled the gymnasium to watch the competition and they ultimately enjoyed the experience.
"I think it was a great way to give back to the community," said Jonathan Miller, a senior architecture major from Jackson, Tenn, not related to Erica Miller. "It started a little late, but I enjoyed myself."
Six groups competed for the grand prize of paid dance studio time, $1000 and a photo shoot.
Former ABDC contestants and Nashville natives Southern Movement were guest judges.
TSU alumnus Freddie B hosted the event with Cristal "Serious" Steverson from VH1's Flavor of Love 2.
Performances by up and coming artists Finess, Kid Krunk and Casino Greene were also provided.
"It was a cool turnout for Erica Elle's first event," Freddie B said.
TSU's Hipnotyze Dance Troupe danced against Murfreesboro, Tenn. natives Loyalty for the final vote.
Miller founded Hipnotyze and served as the dance crew's former president. Loyalty was comprised of high school and college students.
In the end, those attending the event decided which contestant would be crowned Nashville's Best and Loyalty came out on top.
Mechelle Merguson and Angel Lawrence are members of the winning crew and was excited to claim the winning title.
"This was our first competition in Nashville and it's a blessing we won," said Merguson, a senior at Sigel High School in Murfreesboro.
Angel Lawrence, a freshman at Riverdale High School and member of the dance team said,
"We just prayed and worked really hard."
Courtez Kirkwood Hipnotyze Dance Troupe president and dancer also thought the event was a success and the right group won.
"The team who performed the best won," said Kirkwood, junior computer science major from Memphis."(They) deserved to win, (because) not only were they clean and sharp, but they left a good impression on everyone."•
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