Dance unit brings a bit of hip-hop and funk

This is the first article in a series on predominately African-American organizations on the ESU campus in celebration of Black History Month.

The latest phenomenon to hit Emporia State University is the Hip-Hop dance team E-Unit.

E-Unit, which means Emporia Students United, began two years in an effort to encourage unity and break racial barriers. Initiated by a group of students with a keen interest in Hip-Hop dance, the group aims to promote the Hip-Hop spirit to the ESU community and to provide ESU with quality performances of high entertainment and artistic value.

"We want to bring Emporia students together to create unity and diversity in a way that has never been done," said Me'Kel Johnson, E-Unit captain. "Our goal is to bring another form of dance and entertainment to the University and add to the phenomenal school spirit on campus."

With dance moves that are sleek, sharp, strong yet smooth, E-Unit's repertoire is distinctly different. Its works are essentially Hip-Hop dance and Funk, which incorporate specialized techniques such as Waving, Popping and Locking in Hip-Hop slang.

"Our goal is not only to perform and entertain, but through dance, we want to promote the Hip-Hop spirit - positivity in life, freedom and passion," said Traci Hildebrandt, E-Unit co-captain. E-Unit depicts these elements in its moves, while emphasizing on freestyle and creativity.

"E-Unit plays a big role on this campus," said Ashley Cheffen, E-Unit member. "It promotes the university's mission to impart society's cultural heritage and brings diversity to the campus."

E-Unit members must maintain satisfactory grades and perform community service. "E-Unit is like a sport, we practice everyday and perform physical training," Cheffen said. "Another aspect of E-Unit is learning discipline and the real meaning of teamwork."

Although relatively new, the group has already performed at the Veteran's Day parade, Homecoming Bonfire, Late-Night Event and basketball games. Last semester E-Unit and Union Activities Council sponsored free Hip-Hop Dance lessons. Participants were taught fun and exciting Hip-Hop dance moves.

Upcoming E-Unit performances include: KU talent show, Baker University talent show, Fort Hays dance competition, Mall Madness, Black Women's Network Fashion Show, and Riverside Elementary Multicultural Program.

E-Unit will also present, "Dancing through History," a program that will highlight different types of dance. This event will be April 28 and will include dances from other cultures and groups.

"We are not just a Black organization," Johnson said. "We encourage all races and genders to tryout for E-Unit. We want to actually live our name, by showing that different races, genders and cultures can come together for the same cause."

E-Unit members and their hometowns are: Doneshia Crowder and Lola Onijala, Wichita; LeAndra Bryant and Char'dae Bell, Topeka; Shelly Field, Dodge City; Lanesha Huggins, Ashley Cheffen, Me'Kel Johnson, Joy Gilrath, and Traci Hildebrandt, Kansas City, KS. Hilari Smith , Kansas City, KS is the coach and Dana Callaway, ESU media coordinator is the adviser.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>