College Dance Teams | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Inside A Poppin’ Evening With Flava, Fordham’s Best Dance Group

Don't miss Flava's first performance of the semester on September 20th at 7 PM at the Rose Hill cafeteria, as well as auditions on September 27 at 7 PM in the North Dining Hall!

394
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeVpSrcn_fE/?taken-by=fordhamflava
@fordhamflava via Instagram

It's without a doubt that whenever I see my friends on the Flava team at a party they're the best dancers there; they put everyone else to shame. Since everyone knows that these dancers are incredible, I had to sit in on a practice with the team itself to see what Flava's all about.

@fordhamflava via Instagram

The second I walked through the door I was greeted with ten huge smiles and warm welcomes. Their energy wasn't lacking in the slightest even though they had practiced for three hours the night before and had already danced for a half hour before I arrived. This team is no joke; they practice four times a week, starting at 7 PM and ending at whatever time they deem necessary, which ranges from 9:30 PM to midnight (if a performance is approaching).

After giving big Flava hugs, they didn't waste any time and got right to rehearsing their cafeteria performance. I'm glad I got to see them rehearse the routine about ten times because there was so much that I couldn't pay attention to it all in one run-through.

The first thing I noticed was my bopping away to the songs they chose for their mix, which starts off with one of my favorites from Cardi B. Each song snippet transitioned the to next one so smoothly that I was surprised they didn't download it from the internet; the dancers chose the songs and made the mix themselves.

@natattackz_ via Instagram

What stood out the most was the incredible dancing. All members get to choreograph as a group, which adds a sense of togetherness that's so refreshing. They took turns watching the rest of the group rehearse in order to make improvements in the dance. They would also bounce ideas off each other to fix any problems they ran into. Never were the dancers impatient to one another; support and empowerment are at the core of this team.

Something that I admire so much about Flava is that it's completely student-run. Most clubs (and all sports teams) on campus involve an adult leader, such as a coach or professor. Yet, Flava stands out because the group members themselves are behind the amazing performances they put together.

It also struck me how the team can be so goofy and relaxed while in between run-throughs. You could tell they take dancing seriously because even though they would joke as they took their places on the dancefloor, as soon as the music started, their faces and bodies turned serious. It's so nice that they make time to be themselves and to blow off some steam in the midst of all Flava comes with; Flava definitely seems like a good, healthy way to de-stress after a long day at school.


@fordhamflava via Instagram

Before I left, the dancers were nice enough to take some time out of their rehearsal to answer some questions I had. The members have past experience with dancing, which only, unfortunately, confirms that I could never be on the team. Some of the dancers also said that they have some interest in dance in the future. The team's pre-show ritual includes putting their hands together and tossing them in the air while yelling, "squad up!"

I couldn't get a straight answer when I finally asked them about their favorite part or memory from Flava. Alyssa and Manee had a blast creating the concept video last semester. Hannah loves seeing her teammates out at a party and dancing together. Jeffrey adores Flava formals, and Caroline treasures the camaraderie of the group. Surprisingly, Olivia said that hell week is a memorable time because of all the mayhem they have to endure as a team during the days leading up to a performance.

If one thing's for sure, this team knows how to dedicate themselves to such an expressive art form, all while managing work and school simultaneously and making time for laughs with their friends along the way.

selfie taken by me

I'd like to thank the one-and-only Flava dance group for the sneak peek at your rehearsal! Current group members include: Caroline (Red) Holtz '20, Elizabeth (Dids) Beck '20, Lauren (Chach) Chen '20, Natalie (Nat) Martinez '19, Juliet (Tye) Dooz '19, Olivia (Liv) Cancellieri '19, Alyssa (Lyss) Iocco '21, Hannah (Han) Gammond '21, Samantha (Sam) Tarry '21, Manee Grewal '21, and Jeffrey Pelayo '21.

@fordhamflava via Instagram stories

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

132482
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

30713
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

28241
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments