The hard-hitting hip-hop beats busted out of the speakers as the Jay-Z and Lincoln Park remix of "Encore" introduced the energetic performance from ASU's Hip Hop Coalition.
The coalition celebrated National Dance Week on Saturday by performing with various Arizona dancers in the Sixth Annual Celebration of Dance in downtown Phoenix at the Herberger Theater.
Freshman Tori Santos, a member of the Hip Hop Coalition, said she was excited by the opportunity to perform. "I felt like during the ending pose, I didn't want it to be over ... all the hard work paid off."
The coalition also incorporated hip-hop tracks from L.L. Cool J, Missy Elliot and Petey Pablo in their routine. When taking the stage, the coalition received praise from the audience.
Other performances of the night included Ballet Arizona artists, Metro Art's Young Dancers and Nebellen Dance Company, who ended the show with a memorable glow-stick dance routine. One of the unique aspects of the show was the final celebration that ended in the lobby of the Herberger Theater, with hip -hop moves by the dance troupe Footklan.
With more than 100 auditions and only 27 performance pieces selected, the chance to perform for the event was very competitive. The event centered on diversity within dancing when choosing performers.
Stephanie Moss, vice president of the Hip Hop Coalition, said being able to perform at a large and well-known Arizona venue was a "great opportunity" for the group. Practicing for their performance piece also created a true bonding experience, she said.
"[The coalition members] are a family. It's that kind of atmosphere, and members in the coalition are some of my best friends," Moss said.
This was Moss' third time performing in the Celebration of Dance event. Moss has been actively involved with the coalition for three years.
The Celebration of Dance was created by Helena Saraydarian, choreographer, dance teacher and producer of the show. She has dance experience in jazz, modern, hip hop, funk, tap, African Jazz, flamenco, cultural dance, voice and acting.
Saraydarain said the event "presents different dance pieces while having the public in mind."
"The Celebration of Dance is not about finding the top dancers, but the result is trying to get two hours of exciting and diverse dances," Saraydarain said. She has served as Arizona's delegate for National Dance Week committee since 1999, which supports the Celebration of Dance event.
The Celebration of Dance is produced each year by Saraydarian's own company, Golden Lion Productions, a non-profit organization providing dance events for the community through the help of volunteers.
"The unity and collaboration, support and respect for each other's dance styles are rewarding," Saraydarian said, as was the chance to present a show "as diverse as my own background."
Reach the reporter at state.press@asu.edu.
