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Dancers dazzle crowd at ALC Showdown

By Gaveliers, The Gavel Media Team, on April 8, 2010 6:06 PM

Video: Photography: Gabrielle Chwazik-Gee; Editing: Justine Burt & Rodaan Rabang

By Eliza Duggan, Layout Editor -

Conte Forum was packed with thousands of people eager to see the dance talent of fourteen culture clubs and dance groups on Saturday night. Hosted by Jarick Walker, Alex Mancebo and Joe Erichibo, the competition was organized by the AHANA Leadership Council, who received a huge crowd for the event.

After the audience filed in to the earth-shaking bass of the DJ, the hosts announced Lil’ Phunk, the Official Junior Dane team of the Boston Celtics. This talented group of youngsters got the crowd going with a high-energy performance with plenty of attitude. They received a standing ovation, starting the night off with a bang.

The first BC club to perform was the Brazilian Club of BC, who showcased their skills in the Afro-Brazilian art of capoeira. A combination of dance, martial arts, and acrobatics that engages two players, the art form was very entertaining. Next up was Sexual Chocolate, the all-male step team that had a theatrical performance with a vampiric theme. Phaymus danced on the stage next, with an energetic hip hop routine that involved some tricky rope work in addition to the dancing.

The Hawaii Club continued the culture category, and pleased the crowd with an engaging hula dance. Next was Aero-K, Boston College Korean Student Association’s dance troupe. Their clever combination of traditional Korean elements, such as fans and masks, with modern hip-hop made for an exciting and unique experience. Their talent and ingenuity won them first place in the culture category.

Following Aero-K was F.I.S.T.S. (Females Incorporating Sisterhood Through Step), the all-female step team. Wearing short bobs and hot pink dresses, their exhibition piece showcased their energetic step abilities. Finishing up the first act was Synergy, whose innovative, provocative and well-executed hip hop routine won them first place in the dance category of the competition. With an airport theme, Synergy incorporated full group numbers, solos, partner segments, and a unique section using only lights on a dark stage.

After intermission, the South Asian Student Association’s dance troupe called Masti took to the stage in colorful Indian costumes and performed a fun combination of traditional Indian dance and modern elements. Next up was the Philippine Society of Boston College, which performed traditional pieces that involved dodging bamboo poles as well as hip-hop fusion routines.

The highly anticipated Latin dance team Fuego del Corazon, last year’s champions of the ALC Showdown, took to the stage. With the theme of naughty schoolchildren, Fuego members began in modest school uniforms. But, they soon cha-chaed into sparkly outfits and heated up the stage with a compelling routine.

Next up was PATU (Presenting Africa To U) of the African Student Organization, which specializes in traditional and modern African dance styles. Then the Swing Kids came twirling onto the stage in an exhibition that featured their skills in complex lifts. Rounding out the night was the Vietnamese Students’ Association, who made its first appearance at the Showdown, and Conspiracy Theory, a hip-hop dance troupe who presented its dance “in the truest form.” Over all, it was an entertaining night full of amazing talent, highlighting the talents of BC students and the growing support for the arts on campus.