Roars and cheers reverberated throughout Strong Auditorium as students filed in eagerly, ready to watch The Show, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the D’Lion Organization at UR. The entire auditorium was buzzing with excitement as emcees sophomores Jarrod Bogue, Janaque Fernando, Timothy Lindsay, senior Shane Campbell-Stanton, and D’Lion Organization President and sophomore Benjamin Pollack took the stage to begin the show.
The night began with two energetic performances by D’Motions Dance Group, a co-ed hip-hop dance group. Infusing a bit of flavor and attitude into their unique choreography to well-known hip-hop songs, the dancers had the audience singing along and clapping throughout the performance.
The show continued with members of Sihir Bellydancing Ensemble, enraptured the audience with their seductive performance. The dancers were able to mirror the Middle-Eastern rhythms of the music with their bodies, illustrating their mastery of the movement and coordination needed to perform the intricate style of bellydancing.
Off Broadway On Campus then flooded the stage as they performed a comedic revue of musical theater. They brought a scene to life with their vocal and acting talents, leaving the audience wanting more.
Standing in stark contrast to the three previous performances, the members of Capoeira Mandinga displayed something very different on stage. Capoeira is an artistic Brazilian form of self-defense with strong aerobic and dance elements. Members formed a semi-circle on stage, immersing themselves physically and mentally in this indigenous martial art form. While some individuals played the drums and sang ancient tunes, others tirelessly fought each other in the center, moving their agile bodies across the stage. Their power and flexibility were astounding, and the performance was certainly one of the best of the night.
UR’s salient Indian dance team, Roc the Raas, then took the stage. Their riveting routine featured an intricate combination of the fast pace and energetic movements of Raas with the elegance and grace of traditional Garba, both styles of dance originating in Gujurat, India.
Next, Vocal Point proceeded to serenade the audience with their a cappella performance, lulling everyone into a peaceful trance with their soothing voices and beautiful solos.
Bedecked in flamboyant costumes, the dancers of Radiance Dance Theatre swept the stage with confidence. A group open to many styles of dance, ranging from jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical and modern, the dancers juxtaposed a fun kickline performance with a toe-tapping jazz and tap dance that exemplified their artistry and versatility as a dance group.
Members from In Between the Lines Improv Comedy Troupe then came out on stage. The troupe did not fail to amuse and entertain with their improvisational skills. Enacting ludicrous scenes in a post office, the actors had the audience erupting in laughter at their hilarious statements, actions and expressions.
Girls began to swoon and scream as the Midnight Ramblers assembled on the stage, filling Strong with their sweet, lyrical voices. In the midst of their singing and endearing dancing, the Ramblers were certainly enjoying themselves and soaking up all the love in the auditorium.
Next on the program was the Ballet Performance Group, a dance ensemble that strives to keep the tradition of classical ballet technique alive at UR. The members performed two upbeat jazz pieces, shimmying across stage with enthusiasm and broad smiles.
The penultimate performance featured Campbell-Stanton beat-boxing a series of tunes. Students sat at the edges of their seats, holding their breaths, as they marveled at Campbell-Stanton’s seemingly effortless ability to produce a spectrum of beats and rhythms during his 10 minutes on stage. He never ceased to thrill the audience with his versatile techniques.
The Show was drawn to a close by UR’s very own competitive dance team, UR Bhangra. Ascending the stage to the beat of the dhol, an Indian drum, the team jumped into a vivacious routine that had the crowd cheering with love and interminable energy. Their enjoyable, cultural performance was a wonderful way to end the night.
The D’Lion Organization is etched into history at UR. The organization was founded in the fall of 1957 and evolved from an all-female group to a co-ed group of students dedicated to providing a spirited and welcoming environment for freshmen on campus.
The Show was a culmination of the D’Lion organization’s perseverance and enthusiasm and the student body’s support and participation.
“The D’Lions are really excited to have reached our 50th anniversary on campus,” said Pollack. The Show was a prime example of the school spirit and community leadership that is characteristic of the D’Lions.” With the help of the UR community, dancers and the D’Lions, The Show truly rose to be an unforgettable success.
Venkateswaran is a member of the class of 2011.
