The Eccentricity dance team brings a unique flare to the University, showcasing routines that are heavily influenced by hip-hop.

Sharmayne Freeman, junior, founded the dance team in December 2003, with the hopes of shining a positive light on the musical genre.

“I wanted to provide a positive outlet for creativity among the diverse population on campus,” Freeman said.

Eccentricity is now recognized as an organization that values the imagination, embraces diversity and strives for unity through dance and community service.

The group has participated in multi-cultural fairs, Dance Marathon and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

The dance team takes pride in their community achievements, proving that musical preferences do not dictate lifestyles.

“I personally don’t mind doing community service with or without Eccentricity, simply because I don’t mind giving back to the community,” Shameeka Craig, vice president, said. “I know that there are people in the community less fortunate than me, and I love showing them that I have taken advantage of opportunities given to me.”

All 10 members in Eccentricity value strength, endurance and determination.

Excellence does not come easily, Freeman said.

During practice – which occurs four times a week – the dancers take their time to perfect each dance movement.

The season has just begun, and the three core values are prevalent in every move they make. The group focuses on one movement at a time, in hopes of a flawless routine.

“Try it again, with more determination this time,” Freeman said. She is relentless with the dancers.

There is a strong sense of unity in the practice room as everyone works together to meet the high expectations.

Though each dancer brings special talents and skills to the group, they rely on one another for collective success.

Hip-hop is Eccentricity’s predominant dance style. The dancers take pride in their dance routine that they say is unique.

“When deciding choreography we go back to the days when hip-hop first came out to see how moves were executed and try to do it that way instead of how young adults our age dance,” Craig said.

Though hip-hop plays a large role in Eccentricity’s style, other dance techniques also influence the dance team.

Elements of ballet, modern dance and Katherine Dunham dance technique are visible in their creative movements.

These multiple dance approaches are unexpected, especially when watching them applied as they dance to Missy Elliot’s Lose Control . According to the group it’s unlike any multi-cultural performance that Bowling Green has ever seen,

“We bring a different element to the BGSU community,” dancer Ashleigh Kenebrew-Porter said. “Everyone should come witness the hip-hop that flows through our bodies,” Eccentricity collectively said.

Editor’s Note: Eccentricity’s next performance will be at the Black Student Union Fashion Show in late November or early December.