For two distinct groups on Grounds, this is a weekend of culmination. It is a time for them to showcase months of preparation through light-hearted competition with neighboring schools. The fruits of their labor -- two independent events with very similar themes -- have generated considerable excitement around Grounds. For once, Charlottesville is the place to be.
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. will host the first of these events -- the East Coast Invitational Step Show -- this Friday at the Charlottesville Performing Arts Center.
Fourth-year College student Michael Dunkley, founder of the University Iota Phi Theta chapter, has guided the show's preparation since its inception in September. Being a first-time event, Dunkley said the step show means a great deal to the fraternity brothers.
"We wanted to give U.Va. exposure to the top competition in stepping that this region has to offer," he said.
According to Dunkley, the fraternity also is motivated by its desire to contribute to the school's culture and present the University as a diverse and desirable place to be. The show, beginning at 8 p.m., features at least seven teams, including the brothers themselves.
Tickets can be purchased at the Newcomb Box Office for $10. The after party will be at the Omni Hotel.
The "Southern Bhangra Stampede," another debut event at the University, will follow Friday night's step extravaganza. Co-sponsored by the Indian Student Association and Chiggy Entertainment, the show also will take place at the Performing Arts Center.
Third-year Commerce student Chiraag Kapoor, founder and owner of Chiggy Entertainment, sparked the event a year ago when he noticed the absence of Bhangra competitions in the South.
"The show is going to spread cultural awareness of Bhangra," Kapoor said. "Right now, the only competition on the East Coast is the big one in George Washington University."
Kapoor said he envisioned an event that would allow Bhangra teams of all levels to unite and compete together.
"I wanted to throw an event that people will grow with," he said. "A new event for smaller teams to grow and for larger teams to showcase their talent."
Kapoor's combined efforts with ISA bring representation from all prominent Virginia colleges this Saturday, including the University's 14-member co-ed Bhangra team.
Ticket information can be found on the event's web-site, http://www. southernbhangra.com. There also will be an after party at Fry Spring.
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