At last, dance concerts return to Lee Hall

Photo courtesy: Khyla Bell

Dance concerts involving many performance organizations such as FAMU Elite Dance Squad or Attack Dance Crew occurred frequently at Florida A&M University before the coronavirus put a halt to many activities.

Now, the university is back in action and dance organizations have been preparing for shows this semester.

On Friday, Mahogany Dance Theatre and Strikers Dance Troupe are hosting a “Fall 2021 Dance Preview” concert in Lee Hall.

With 25 current active members, Mahogany has been a force to reckon with ever since its beginning back in 1997.

Mahogany Vice President Khyla Bell said she and her team members are eager return to the stage after the pandemic.

“I am most excited to perform in Lee Hall for the first time,” Bell said. “This will be the first time my class will be formally shown to the campus.”

The junior business administration major said Rattlers and others should expect a decidedly professional show on Friday.

“Our concerts are very professional and well put together,” Bell said. “We do our best to resemble a professional show that people would pay a lot of money for.”

Along with Mahogany, the Strikers have been practicing day-in and day-out for the show.

“In the two weeks leading up to the concert, we rehearse pretty much every night,” said Thaddeus Phillip, vice president of the Strikers.

Phillip opened up about what led him to join the organization in the spring of 2020.

“The versatility and performance quality of the group is what captured my interest,” Phillip said.

That same versatility and performance quality contributed to the dance troupe performing on several platforms across the country.

It has performed at the Apollo Theater in New York City, MTV Spring Fling, on “America’s Best Dance Crew,” the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade and more. He also shared what the university community can look forward to seeing Friday night.

“Students should expect a night full of entertainment, high-energy performances and amazing choreography,” Phillip said.

The students at FAMU are equally excited for the concert. Senior Andrea Forney reminisced about a concert that took place in 2019.

“I really loved the different styles of dance that are at the showcase and seeing my friends do what they love,” Forney said.

Advanced tickets are on sale for $5. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.