Being a student at Cal Poly, you will typically hear students asking each other if they know certain dance moves. From the two-step to the stanky leg, there are so many moves that anyone can do — whether they are a dancer or not.

Students from Northern California are known for their high energy and crazy movements. “In the bay area, we like to go dumb. Which in other words means we like to dance in a crazy fashion. Hyphy is about enjoying yourself and not caring about you actions,” said Robby Nolan, who is a first year at Cal Poly and is from San Jose.

Those who are from Southern California are used to more of an expressive and intense dance style.  “The kids in So Cal dance in a very slow and robotic way,” said Nolan.”People from Nor Cal are more flamboyant and add angry emotions, whereas we keep it low key,” said Briana Vaughn, a first year Cal Poly student who is originally from Southern California.

A largely common move that is seen on the dance floor during a battle is “krumping.” This move originated in southern California and has become widely popular since it was seen on the MTV awards in 2005. Another style that has recently made it’s impact, in Southern California, is jerking. “Jerking is basically bringing back old moves, like the running man and two-step, and making them a modern age and giving them a taste of our generation,” said Vaughn.

One popular dance move in Northern California is “turfing“; this is where the dancer pops and locks, but with a more fluid movement. “Turfing is a new form of going dumb, but with more foot work,” said Nolan.

Another big difference in these two dance styles is the attire. Kelsey La Tourette, a freshman at Cal Poly who is from Northern California,  explains how, “jerkers, if you will, are those from So Cal who wear skinny jeans and vans, which is nothing like Nor Cal, which is a more baggy style.”

By these two different styles coming together, it is allowing hip hop to advance and transform into something greater. Cal Poly has become a place that fosters these two worlds and encourages the community to grow in dance.

Cal Poly is where styles come together to spread the power of hip hop.

Once I got to the top I could hear music and people chatting. I noticed a front desk and one large studio. As I observed my surroundings, a man named Blair London asked if there was anything he could do for me. I found out that he is a dancer at Dance Obispo and the Assistant Director of Coppelia, a ballet show starting in April 23.

He continued to tell me how Dance Obispo offers a variety of classes, from ballet to hip hop, and that there classes available for all ages.

“I only started ballet three years ago and then I just fell in love with the challenge of the dance,” was the response I got when talking to one of the dancers, James.

I learned that Coppelia is a ballet show put on by the Ballet Theatre of San Luis Obispo; this group is associated with Dance Obispo, and they hold their rehearsals in Dance Obispo’s studio.

Sitting in on a rehearsal, I realized that the dancers’ ages varied greatly. There were very young girls and boys, and then an elderly man–all in one studio.

“I only started ballet three years ago and then I just fell in love with the challenge of the dance,” was the response I got when talking to one of the dancers, James. He continued to express how he loves the choreographers and the environment of the studio.

Dance Obispo

One thing I liked about the studio is it’s location. It is the closest dance studio to Cal Poly, and is only a short bus ride away. I found it to be the most practical for Cal Poly students because a weekly class is hard to participate in if the studio is a commute.

Being handed a schedule of dance classes as I walked out, I came to realize that this is a quality dance studio. The studio itself is small, but it is obvious that everyone who dances there is friendly. The classes also cater to whatever level or style of dance you are interested in.

The showcase will cost only 15$ for general admission; but tickets will be on pre-sale for 12$ before March 1st. Tickets will also be sold at the door or you can feel free to buy them online. Affinity Showcase will be held in the Clarks Center for Performing Arts, which is located in Arroyo Grande on 487 Fair Oaks Avenue.

“Affinity is a Hip-Hop Cultural Performing Arts Showcase”

It was originally established by a fraternity, Omega Xi Delta, but has now joined an alliance with Cal Poly’s own Hip Hop Congress Chapter.  Affinity‘s number one goal is to bring all aspects of hip hop into one night. People and crews all the way from the Bay Area to San Diego will be at this showcase. It is an opportunity for two completely different hip hop worlds to come together and celebrate the essence of hip hop.

Affinity is known for the workshops they put on throughout the year. These workshops typically consist of three choreographers, who come and teach routines to willing participants. The Showcase will allow the audience to see what kind of styles will potentially be taught at these workshops.

Since this is the third year that Affinity has been joined with the Hip Hop Congress Chapter; with some practice under their belt it is sure to be an outstanding performance.

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Go to the Affinity Showcase

• The opportunity to appreciate the culture of hip hop from all aspects. From dance to rappers and musicians, you will be provided the whole experience.

• To witness the time and dedication all of these young adults have out in to allow this showcase to happen.

• By seeing multiple variations of hip hop, you may be able to figure out what style you would like to try.

• General admission is only 15$ and  you will be entertained for the whole night.

• You will get to watch the choreographers who teach Affinity’s Workshops and see if you like their style.

To look at some of Affinity’s dance performances you can check them out on youtube.

Affinity Workshop

Auditions will be held in Mott gym, upon arrival each dancer must fill out a written application and have their Cal Poly ID on them.

During the teaching section of the tryout it is recommended that each participant brings jazz sneakers or shoes and sneakers for hip hop. It is also suggested to wear comfortable and non-restricting clothing that you can move around in.

You are expected to come ready to learn and many across the floor exercises will be done during these clinic hours.

Once the formal auditions begin each dancer is expected to wear form fitting clothing and have their hair and makeup done as though they would be performing.  The team will be looking to have around twelve members total, which is the squad’s current count.

During the tryout each dancer will be asked to perform one jazz routine, one hip hop routine, one sideline routine, and one cheer. Each person is required to participate in both clinic hours and the formal audition.

If you are unable to attend these activities it is recommended that you send a video of yourself in before try outs. In this video you must show that you can do at least a double pirouette, and display that you can do kicks and leaps. Along with this you must either present a video clip of a previous dance performance or record yourself demonstrating 4 eight-counts of a jazz routine and 4 eight-counts of a hip hop routine that you choreographed.

The Dance Team performs at all Cal Poly Football, Men’s basketball, and Women’s basketball home games. They occasionally perform at wrestling, soccer, and volleyball matches as well.

Captain Mary Enterline recommends that anyone who is interested in joining the Dance Team comes and, “checks us out at upcoming basketball games this season to get a greater idea of what style of dancing we do.”

Since it is currently basketball season, it is a great opportunity to see the Dance Team perform and find out if it is an activity you would like to partake in. There are two home basketball games this week held in Mott Gym, one being held this coming Wednesday and Saturday. Come check out Cal Poly’s Dance Team and see what they’re all about.

Leaving high school I was also forced to leave my old dance life. Here at Cal Poly I was unable to find a place to dance that my old home provided for me.

The thing that has been difficult is I can find many dance studios in San Luis Obispo, but that is not what I or most dancers are looking for. When you are a choreographer, you make up your own routines, instead of being taught them. Back in San Jose, my local gym had a studio that I could use when fitness classes were not in session. I was hoping I could find something like that at Cal Poly.

Through extensive research and many phone calls and e-mails, I came across a place in the rec-center - the cycling room. It became my own make shift studio that provided mirrors and a small empty area to move around in. Regardless of the multiple bikes and mats in the room, this room became my own secret studio.

I would say this is a great place to go and dance for Cal Poly students who don’t like the studio environment, and like to choreograph on their own. Unfortunately, after winter break the cycling room has been closed due to the construction occurring in the rec-center.

I have talked to one of the managers at the rec-center and have found another place to dance during construction- the martial arts room. Located on the left side of the rec-center, it is where fitness classes are typically held.

Walking around Cal Poly, I have seen a couple of dance crews practicing. I have seen one break dancing group outside of Mott Gym. The martial arts room provides a large space with padded mats that cover almost the entire floor, which is especially good for break dancers because it provides safety with cushion.

Anyone who is a Cal Poly student is allowed to use this room just as long as there are no fitness classes being taught at the same time. The martial arts room does not cost anything to use; this differentiates it from other dance studios that require a payment in order to use the studio for personal use.

I hope I can find more places to dance for those who do not enjoy the studio environment, and would rather choreograph their own routines.

Cal Poly rec-center

Belly dancing is taught at three levels at the studio- level one, level two, and at mixed levels. Belly dancing is a traditional Middle Eastern dance style that has been brought to the U.S. The basic concentration of belly dancing is to isolate certain parts of your body. You typically see these types of isolations in ballet and jazz as well.

Fusion belly dance is another technique taught by the studio. The class teaches ancient and contemporary styles; this allows each dancer to create their own unique way of belly dancing. By taking this class you are expanding your reach with belly dancing.

Hoop dance is uses oversized hula hoops to express creative movement. In order to participate in the level two series, you must take the level one class first. It is taught on Mondays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Another class taught by the studio is dance flow. It focuses on using gentle yoga and dance stretches. This class will help you to find your body’s alignment, which is essential for a dancer to know.

One thing that is nice about World Rhythm and Motion is that it sells studio time for interested rehearsal groups. This is convenient if you and your dance group do not have a place to practice. The studio costs are as follows: studio one costs 25$, studio two costs 20$, and studio 3 costs 15$.

World Rhythm and Motion also has many friends of the studio. This includes many dance groups, photographers, and performers.

World Rhythm and Motion also promotes a group called Higher Movement. This group promotes African dance with live drumming. They focus Guinea and Mali, which is a tradition style of dance. Higher Movement is a drum and dance ensemble that rehearses and teaches at the studio.

Variable Velocity is another dance group that is supported by World Rhythm and Motion. This is a group that also practices and instructs at the studio. Variable Velocity is a non-profit dance company that focuses on modern dance and contemporary methods.

Located on 150 South St in San Luis Obispo it is easily accessible to the community. If you are looking to find a dance style that doesn’t fit in the typical norm, World Rhythm and Motion is the studio for you.

World Rhythm and Motion