Red Crush Alliance is the newest dance team in Plattsburgh State. No previous dance background is required. There are 25 members on the team so far. The team also provides a variety of dancing styles from hip hop to African dance.
Freshman musical theatre major Norrisana Brereton is one of the coaches for the team and also the one who started the club on campus. Not only does she see Red Crush Alliance as a dance club but also a movement where everybody feels included and promotes diversity on campus.
For students who are used to dancing, Brereton said there should be “something more intense” for them on campus in order to expand their opportunities.
“We have talked about what we want to see and what we are not happy about on campus,” she said. “I can’t do it on my own, so I have other coaches in the club.”
What makes Red Crush Alliance different from other dance clubs on campus is the diversity.
“It’s the different types of dancers that bring the difference to the table,” she said.
The club also offers tryouts for whomever is interesting in joining.
“There are a few people I can see their potential, but they’ve never danced before,” Brereton said.
She said there are practices on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tuesdays are for people with potential, but lacking a dancing background.
“We are just going to focus more on them, so they don’t fall behind,” Brereton said. “Thursdays and Saturdays are for the whole team.”
The team aims to branch out and compete at other schools as well and host an annual barbecue in front of the ACC for fundraising.
Freshman psychology major Kellon Garrick said Red Crush Alliance also collaborates and reaches out to work with different organizations on campus.
The team is preparing for its first show March 31, the SMX Step Show in Hawkins Hall’s Giltz Auditorium. Dance Corps, Jedi Dance Production and some fraternities will be guest performers.
Dance Corps has also invited the team to a show in April.
“Everything is coming smooth,” Garrick said. “Practices make it perfect.”
As a coach, he always has to keep an open mind that everyone is at different level and understand that in order to help and make the best out of it.
Garrick hopes to make Red Crush Alliance a well-known club on campus.
Freshman psychology Jeffrey Jones is one of the members on the team without a dancing background.
“It is a safe space for everyone,” he said. “Everyone is welcoming here. The coaches are patient.”
Jones expects to make new friends and build confidence after joining the team. Freshman Mathematics major Crystall Clarke decided to join because she wants to support her friends in the club.
“The coach will push you and motivate you to learn,” she said. “I expect to create a family bond after joining the team.”
Email Hilly Nguyen at fuse@cardinalpointsonline.com
