Delaware Dance Fever hosted their third annual Evolve Intercollegiate Dance Convention on Sunday, March 6th at the University of Delaware.
Nine student-run collegiate dance teams from around the east coast participated in the event designed to give college-level dancers a place to collaborate and compete with each other.
“It was a great way to bring talented dancers together,” said Delaware Dance Fever’s special events chair Danielle Friedman.
The day began with a jazz master class with Tony Jackson, and was followed by a hip-hop master class with Jeffrey Gomes in the Lil Bob. After a lunch break, the dancers headed over to Mitchell Hall for the competition portion of the day.
Members of Delaware Dance Fever started Evolve in 2014 in an effort to find other dance teams who hoped to compete on a college level. Prior to the start of Evolve, Delaware Dance Fever, known on campus as DDF, attended several traditional competitions that were designed for younger dancers. DDF grew tired of competing in the “adult” category, and decided to do something about it.
Three years later, Evolve 2016 was attended by over 200 dancers. This year’s competition included 50 dance numbers of varying styles; including, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, and open.
DDF encouraged donations to UDance as admission for the event this year. As a result, the team raised over $800 for their UDance team on the day of Evolve. UDance is an all-day dance marathon taking place this weekend on UD’s campus to benefit The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation.
At the end of the competition awards were given for the top three dances in each category, and the overall winner of the day was announced.
Evolve 2016’s overall winner was “Crazy In Love,” a jazz number choreographed by DDF President, Emily Paolone. Paolone is a senior, and has choreographed for the team several times in the past. She has also watched Evolve grow from its first year until now.
“The day would not have been possible without the help and support from the entire team and all of our friends,” said Paolone.
DDF itself was started in 2005 and has grown to include 50 members who are all students at UD. The dance team is a registered student organization, and often holds dance classes open to all UD students.
If you’re interested in more information on DDF or Evolve, check out the team’s website or Facebook page.
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