Na’Tasha Webb-Prather wants to provoke discussion using a non-traditional form of speech: dance.

‘Our mission is to promote awareness of underrepresented things,’ said Webb-Prather, co-coordinator of Kalabash Dance Troupe, ‘and what better way to do that than through this showcase?’

Kalabash Dance Troupe, the only Caribbean dance group on campus, will be performing a dance to go along with the ‘I Have a Dream Week’ theme: ‘Evolution of a Dream.’

Dream Week, the annual week of events designed to commemorate the ideas and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., comes to a close tonight with the Performance Showcase at 7 p.m. at the Inn Complete on South Campus.

Admission is free, and the showcase will feature a variety of acts.

This year will mark the Performance Showcase’s 11th year. Originally titled ‘Dancing in the Dream,’ the name was changed as the performers began to incorporate more than just dance into their acts.

This year’s performers include Black Reign Step Team, Creations Dance Co., Kalabash Dance Troupe, Keith Smith, Farasha YaYa Baylock and their currently unnamed band, and a stroll competition between four Greek-letter organizations on campus.

‘Passing on Dr. King’s legacy doesn’t always have to be in the form of a lecture,’ said Michelle Singletary, assistant director of Residence Life at Syracuse and chair of Dream Week’s Diversity Committee.

Many of the performers were asked to participate in the show by Kendall Exume, the assistant residence director of Sadler Hall and a member of the subcommittee for the showcase. ‘I thought it would be a great way to tap into individual talent,’ said Exume.

In addition, Keith Smith and Farasha YaYa Baylock and their currently unnamed band will be performing a cover of a Marvin Gaye song, as well as two original songs titled ‘The Dream’ and ‘Out of My Mind.’

Smith and Baylock, who won second place in last semester’s ‘Cuse Got Talent’ competition, will be singing and reading poetic verse to the music of their band, comprised of members Sam Taylor, Pete Despasqual, Harry Barron and Nate Hopper.

”The Dream’ really has a direct connection with the ideas of Dr. King,’ said Baylock of the group’s original song. ‘His dream carries over to everyone. It’s for people who believe and have their own dreams.’

The group is always looking for new places to perform and feel that this show solidifies the opportunities given to them by the civil rights movement. ‘We need to seize the opportunities we’ve been given because of that movement,’ said Smith.

Black Reign, the only non-fraternity- or sorority-based step team on campus, will be performing a few steps and some dance in the showcase. The group mainly performs a cappella steps but will be incorporating some music into their performance.

‘Dr. King’s dream was all about people coming together, and this showcase is a great way to bring the Syracuse community together,’ said Adrianne Bailey, the president of Black Reign.

Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Phi Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta will all be competing in a stroll competition as part of the Showcase. Strolling is a form of synchronized dancing that relates to each individual fraternity or sorority. Martin Luther King Jr. was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, which is part of the group of African-American sororities and fraternities known as the ‘Divine 9.’

‘The Showcase is a great way to show love and respect for our fellow Greek brother (King) and to commemorate his legacy,’ said Tramayne Osbourne, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. who will be performing in tonight’s Showcase.

The Inn Complete is located past Goldstein Student Center on South Campus. Parking is available or there are South Campus buses to Goldstein, which is within walking distance.

‘We’re hoping for a good turnout, and that people can figure out how to get there,’ said Singletary.

kronayne@syr.edu

Published on January 21, 2009 at 12:00 pm