By Kristen Watson

It was the summer of 2013 when Andrea Allen, University of North Texas dance sophomore, and a few other fellow students noticed there was a lack of a multi-genre dance organization that was open to students outside of the dance major.

The North Texas Emeralds dance team was born.

The North Texas Emeralds are an all-student run dance organization that meets three times a week to practice and performs at various campus events. Unlike the other dance organizations on campus, they practice and perform various dance styles including, jazz, hip-hop, kick, and contemporary.

“Originally, the name of our team was Emerald Fusion,” North Texas Emeralds Director Shadi Layegh said. “But, the group as a whole did not really like the name, so we voted and changed it.”

As a student-run organization, each fall new officers are selected that work tirelessly to maintain the team and continue to make the team a possibility for future members. Everyone on the team has input in all that they do with the officers having the final approval.

“My dance team…is quite diverse from other dance teams, including the North Texas Dancers, because we do all types of dance,” Layegh said. “We usually perform jazz and hip-hop dances because they are more…exciting for the crowd to watch.”

 

Photo courtesy of the North Texas Emeralds Facebook page.

Members of the team join for all types of reasons including, wanting to continue dancing without having to major in it, needing a place to let off steam, or to just be a part of an organization on campus. But, no matter why they joined, they are all connected by their love of dance.

“I joined the team because I used to be in drill team back in high school,” Social officer Carol Cubias said. “Dancing has become a big part of my life and it is a great stress reliever.”

Andrea Allen, the team’s president for this year, reminisces on the bond the team made throughout the year.

“My favorite part of being on the North Texas Emeralds team is the sisterhood that forms between the members,” Allen said. “We’ve become so much more than teammates, which makes everything that much more enjoyable.”

The team holds a special event every Tuesday called Technique Tuesday from 7:30-9 p.m. where each week a new dance technique is taught. The event is open to former members as well as the public.

There will be tryouts for the spring semester, but the time and location has yet to be announced.

“As a team, we are open to having dancers who can bring something different to the table,” Layegh said. “So, if you are an experienced dancer and want to be a part of our team, please do not hesitate to try out.”

To stay informed and up to date on upcoming performances and tryout information, follow the team on Twitter@UNTFusion or like them on Facebook by searching North Texas Emeralds.