Dance Team Performed 2021 Showcase

By Lindsey Foster

With their first event “lip sync battle” initiated in 2020, the Ferrum dance team aims to hold a series of events and activities for the campus to come together every year. The second event this team offered was titled “2021 dance showcase”, which occurred on Apr. 17, 2021 and consisted of group and solo performances from the dance team. In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, this showcase was open to Ferrum College students only while pursuing to prompt some audience participation.

(All dance team members taking a bow at the end of the showcase with announcer Daeshawn Barrett. Left to Right: Senior Mahnoor Mughal, Senior Helen Ogbole, Senior Elisha Hudson, Freshman Sheldon Mills, Junior Daeshawn Barrett, Sophomore Tatyana Barley, Senior Serena Johnson, Sophomore Summer Lawson, Junior Hafashimana Restina. Photo Credit: Lindsey Foster.)

The dance team came up with this showcase plan in late February. Ever since then, they kept practicing - every Tuesdays through Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - until the day of the showcase.

“Practices were made up of either learning choreography or perfecting it,” said senior Helen Ogbole, the dance team captain. “Although practices had to be serious and kind of intense, we still found a way to make it fun and have a really good time.” 

Sophomore Summer Lawson contributed to one of the solo performances, who danced to the song “Hold on by Chord Overstreet” and dedicated her performance to her best friend. Lawson reflected on the time when she and her friend sang the song together, which always helps them to get out of mental struggles.

(Dance team member Summer Johnson performing her solo dedicated to her best friend. Photo Credit: Lindsey Foster.)

Another performer at the showcase was Sheldon Mills, formally known by his stage name, B. Wood. Mills is an aspiring rapper from North Carolina and joined the Ferrum College dance team later on in spring 2021. B. Wood performed two songs titled “Racks Up” and “Both of Them.” 

(Performer and aspiring rapper B. Wood performing his song “Racks Up.” Photo Credit: Lindsey Foster.)

Audience members were also invited to participate in two activities at the showcase, including a game of musical chairs and a talent show that allowed students to display their talents. The winner of musical chairs was junior Damon Curry; and senior Devon Robinson won the talent show with his freestyle rapping.

The dance team also recognized two senior members Helen Ogbole and Serena Johnson. Ogbole first joined the dance team in her freshman year in 2016 and then rejoined with Johnson in 2019 during their junior years.

“In terms of what we are doing after Ferrum, we are just going to work, go back to school, be successful and achieve our goals,” Ogbole said.

At this point, the dance team does not have any upcoming events planned for next year, though they do hope to keep organizing more dance events for everyone in the future.