Gathering nightly in the Student Activities Building with a shared passion for dance, acceptance and culture, the members of Mahogany Dance Troupe practice diligently for tonight's performance. Dancers come in and out throughout the evening, working together to perfect the last details of their dances. Their cooperation and collaboration pays testament to the goals which support Mahogany Dance, a growing student organization.
The Mahogany Dance Troupe was founded in 1991 by a group of African-American students who wanted to express their heritage through dance. The group was launched with 11 females and one male.
Today the Mahogany Dance Troupe has grown to become an established student organization and club sport with over 70 dancers representing numerous ethnicities. The mission of the founders remains the same -- to express African-American culture through a variety of dance genres including jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, ballet, tap and gospel.
The philosophy of the troupe is based on learning dance through experience and support, and eventually becoming confident enough to lead and choreograph.
"Everyone has a chance to be a leader and anyone can choreograph," said Jennifer Kasey, head coordinator of Mahogany and a fourth-year College student.
According to Kasey, everyone is welcome to give their input, and most dances are a collaboration of creativity and ideas. Kasey, a cheerleader in high school, walked onto the team her first year with no formal dance experience, and with commitment and perseverance was able to obtain the position of head coordinator.
As co-head coordinators of the Mahogany Dance Troupe, fourth-year College student Mitchell Nedab and Kasey work together in recital planning, scheduling, publicizing and contracting technicians for performances, as well as choreographing, dancing and promoting team unity. Psychology Prof. Karen Schmidt choreographs with Mahogany along with teaching assistants in the psychology and French departments.
Across the board, dancers of Mahogany are deeply enthusiastic about Mahogany dance as a sport, an art and a cultural expression founded in African-American tradition.
Second-year College student Roberta Barton-Joe, who has been dancing with Mahogany for three semesters, sees Mahogany as a significant contribution to the students of the University, because it "gives people the opportunity to do something they love without so much stress." As an African American, Barton-Joe feels Mahogany helps her connect more with her culture and ethnic background by exposing her to aspects of African-American dance with which she was previously unfamiliar.
Third-year Engineering student Terry Hsiung, a newcomer to Mahogany this year, commented on the way in which Mahogany gave him a "broader view of the University community," expanding from his involvement in Asian student activities and Greek life on Grounds.
Alisa Lankinen, a second-year College student who recently became involved with the club, said Mahogany offers "a feeling of culture" that she could not necessarily observe, let alone feel a part of at home.
The social climate of the dance troupe is unique in that close-knit relationships are formed, but all dancers are open and enthusiastic toward newcomers.
"I always consider Mahogany a big family," Kasey said. "We support each other, get the job done and have fun on the side."
Barton-Joe added that she numbers "a great deal of friends, a bond with so many people" among the benefits she has gained from the group.
First-year Nursing student Queonna Edmonds felt a great deal of stress in trying to adjust to college life, and knew she wanted to actively involve herself in the University community. She said Mahogany was the perfect opportunity.
"I'm glad I committed to it. It's a good way to relax, and helps me to do better," Edmonds said.
Mahogany gives back to the Charlottesville community by sharing their passion for dance and culture with local youth. In the past, Mahogany has joined forces with the Link Society to teach dances at local elementary and middle schools. Kasey recounted an elementary student, "blonde hair and blue eyes," mastering a hip hop number. "He showed us all up," Kasey said, laughing. Mahogany also offers their talent to the community through dance workshops and guest performances.
As with any successful student organization, Mahogany has faced challenges and setbacks. The loss of upperclassmen in recent years has been difficult as many established dancers graduated. Last year, no fourth years represented Mahogany and the troupe faced a rebuilding period, creating a new atmosphere which reinforced the educational approach to dance embraced by Mahogany.
Other roadblocks for the organization include fighting for practice facilities as well as prime dates and locations for recitals. With the vast number of student organizations and athletic groups, accommodating everyone is difficult. Mahogany, therefore, must be flexible when it comes to practice times, sometimes beginning as late as 11:00 p.m. and ending as late as midnight.
Constantly open to improvement, Mahogany hopes to attract new choreography perspectives. Kasey would also like to see more self-initiated leadership, as dancers become more confident and assertive. Mahogany is constantly building on their talents to perform more challenging pieces. Kasey said she appreciates the group's relaxed and educational atmosphere, but likes to see the dancers challenge themselves.
"I would like to see us step up our dance abilities in ballet, tap and lyrical," she said.
At a university that is currently struggling with how best to address the delicate subject of race, the Mahogany Dance Troupe is an opportunity for people to come together to share culture, build on their talent and have fun without emphasizing race.
"Mahogany is the epitome of a group that has come together for a common goal and set aside our differences," Kasey said. In recent years Mahogany has come to represent a more varied group of ethnicities, and continues to increase its male membership. "We're bashing the stereotype that dance is 'gay' for males," Kasey said.
Tonight's show will be held at the Student Activities Building at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $3 at Newcomb or $5 at the door. The dancers individually designed their own costumes from mesh t-shirts. The theme for the evening is "old school" and performances will include Janet Jackson's "If," Beyonce's "Baby Boy" and "If I Ever Fall in Love" by Shy.
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