On Apr. 3, 2016, Mahogany-N-Motion and Drum Majors tryouts had Forbes Arena packed with screaming college students holding supportive signs and numbers! Parents, students, siblings, coaches, band and dance fraternities, dance experts and alumni gathered in anticipation to know who will be number one on the court. Those auditioning will be the future Mahogany and Drum Majors of Morehouse College. Although the spectacle was for both groups, the focus and excitement seemed to stem from seeing the beautiful Spelmanites auditioning on the court for Mahogany-N-Motion.

This year's auditions were very unique for Mahogany-N-Motion. For 2016 tryouts, those auditioning only had three days of tryouts where they proceeded through three rounds of cuts, unlike previous years where the ladies received five days to become comfortable with cardio, dance routines and go through the three cuts that occur. On the third and final day of cuts various past and current Mahogany members gather as judges and spectators to assess the new girls performance in Forbes arena. Current members brought out the prospective members and gave a beautiful and complex routine. This was the audience's sneak peak of what the competitors will mimic after they do their intro dance, stand routines, and final dance. The three days of auditions put much more pressure and long nights on the Spelmanites competing for a spot on Mahogany especially since this process led to more cut throat cuts. But, this also gave the opportunity for the prospective members to prove their commitment, dedication, and talent. This also gave the opportunity for the girls to show how amazing their final performance can be under tremendous pressure and bodily stress which reflects some stress that may occur during an actual day of performing.

But, what is the big deal for audience members? Why do hundreds of students gather to evaluate whether these women are beautiful and talented enough to represent Morehouse? Why are auditions so cut throat? Why should the AUC community care? Well here's why!

1. Rich Her Story

Mahogany-N-Motion Website

Mahogany-N-Motion was founded in 1990 by Piper Williams at the age of 23. Since hundreds of women have carried on the legacy of this strong sisterhood. Even at the recent 2016 auditions alumni were seen on and off the court strutting their stuff while the band played. The Mahogany sisterhood and legacy is proud and strong.

2. Opportunity For the Talented

2012-13 Spelman Jaguar Legacy Team by Spelman Jaguars

Spelman College just recently opened the Wellness Center, formerly known as Read Hall, in 2015. In 2013, there was the dismissal of Varsity sports including the Jaguars dance and spirit team, Legacy. The last Legacy team was in 2012 after the team took a four-year hiatus with Mr. Rob Myers as their new coach. But, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum removed Varsity Sports in favor of total wellness. Therefore, Mahogany provides a platform for talented women of Spelman College to continue their passion and spirit of dance.

3. Complexity of Dance

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These ladies love to get down! As quoted by founder Piper Williams, "Mahogany-N-Motion was envisioned and designed to be a PREMIER dance team whose style combines Jazz and Ballet technique with a personal charisma of its own. The dance style would most likely be imitated by admirers, but the essence of Mahogany-N-Motion was crafted so it could not be duplicated."

4. Sisterhood And Service

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These beautiful black women do not only dance but serve! Similar to a sorority, The Ladies of Mahogany-N-Motion's main focus is not only dance but is also scholarship, sisterhood, and service as they partake in many community service events throughout the AUC along with service opportunities in the Atlanta area.

5. Academic Integrity

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Each member of Mahogany-N-Motion must maintain a 2.8 GPA or higher. This GPA is also the requirement for auditioning or one may face probation. This definitely is not easy considering that from the day you are accepted in Mahogany you must train, foster a sisterhood, serve and later on do band camp. But, this must all happen while balancing academics. This is true dedication.

6. Outstanding Coaches

All aspects of Mahogany seeps talent, and thus there is no surprise that the coaches are even more talented than the lovely ladies.

Mahogany- N- Motion Website

Coach Rae Ransom Coleman became head coach in 2013 and is the choreographer of Mahogany. She has been trained in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, African, Hip- Hop and Modern Dance. She attended North Atlanta School of the Arts, received her B.A. in Drama and Dance from Spelman College, was captain of Mahogany from 2001-2003, is the current director at Westlake High school and serves as the Stage Manager for the Award Winning African Dance Company, Giwayen Mata. "She has choreographed for the Atlanta Hawks, Janelle Monae, Purple Ribbon All-Stars, the Atlanta Dream Shooting Stars, New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, and more. Her performances include shows with Kanye West, Nelly, Brian McKnight, MC Hammer, and the BET Awards just to name a few" (Mahogany-N-Motion Website).

Mahogany- N- Motion Website

Coach Erin Rue has been trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern Dance. She received a B.S. in General Science from Spelman, a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. She cheered in high school for four years and she joined Mahogany while attending Spelman.

Mahogany-N-Motion Website

Coach Kale' Raymond Woods has trained with the Bay Area Dance companies: The Ballet School, Contra Costa Ballet, Dance Connection in Walnut Creek, CA; and New Style Motherlode (Oakland, California). She has trained in Ballet, Jazz and Hip-Hop. Coach Woods was captain of Mahogany from 2003-2005 and is the coach and consultant to the team post graduation. She has also danced professionally for various hip hop artists. Furthermore, she cofounded and coaches "Jewels" dance line in Oakland, California, which began in 2014.

Although many may see the surface beauty of Mahogany, a lot of time, effort, and hard work goes into making this team so great! Therefore, it is justified that all eyes were on them during this past Sunday's tryouts! To see last years auditions click below!