By Jillian Hammell
Staff Writer
Lights shined and music blasted as the SBU Hip Hop team took the stage in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts Monday.
The team held its first event of the season, “St. Bonaventure Hip Hop Team Presents: Make a Change,” to raise money to benefit a couple’s pursuit to adopt a Ugandan boy with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Tickets were sold for $3 each and profited Ben and Leah Braly for adoption finances. The show also supported the Cattaraugus County SPCA to provide better care for the animals currently in the shelter.
Each year, the SBU Hip Hop team performs seasonal shows. This year marks the first performance to support and collect money for a cause. The Hip Hop team raised $2,000 for the Braly family, according to Jaclyn Haskell, SBU Hip Hop coach and founder.
During the show, the Hip Hop team encouraged audience members to look in the mirror and make a positive change in the world. The Hip Hop team, Bonacoustics and ASIA kept the theme alive during the routines as the dancers and singers unveiled their passion on the stage.
Haskell said she felt the entire show was a success.
“The performers and I really enjoyed (Monday’s) show,” she said. “We usually have theatrical shows, so this was a nice change.”
The night began with the Hip Hop team performing a number to Shakira’s hit, “Waka Waka.” The bright costumes and exciting moves made the show enjoyable. A flood of dancers emerged from the curtains, swaying and bouncing to the beat. The Hip Hop team did not fail to impress. Their animated and fun expressions influenced the crowd to continue watching.
Bonacoustics performed “The Promise” by Tracy Chapman, “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz and ended with Michael Jackson’s “We Are the World.” Besides some minor technical difficulties involving the microphone, Bonacoustics delivered a soft rendition and a powerful message through their songs. The voice of freshman Emily Doherty filled the room with beautiful talent.
“Emily had a strong voice that connected with the audience,” said Mariela Ferrer, a freshman journalism and mass communication major. “She was fantastic.”
The ASIA dance team also performed at the benefit. The flowing skirts and traditional dances of the group lit up the room. ASIA’s routine theme was “A Dance for Adoption.” ASIA stuck with the theme as they delivered an excellent performance.
“I enjoyed the incorporation of Bonacoustics and ASIA, especially at the end when they all (ASIA, Hip Hop Team and Bonacoustics) performed ‘We Are the World’ in sign language,” said Kristen Cornish, a junior elementary and special education major.
Another highlight of the night came from 10-year-old dancer Sullivan Odell, who joined the Hip Hop Team on stage. The audience burst into applause after Odell successfully landed on his feet after a backflip. Haskell decided to incorporate Odell into the show after she taught him at Neighborhood School of Dance.
“He is so young, and we are teaching him a lot. He brings a new vibe to the performances,” Haskell said.
Azarias Perez, a freshman political science major, said the show was a great way to showcase the artistic talent of students on campus.
“I personally loved it,” Perez said. “I was cheering my friends on during the show.”
Perez also commented on the performers’ synchronized and organized routines.
“They were amazing,” he said.
Betty Turner, a senior accounting major, performed different dance styles with fellow ballet dancer, Jacqueline Gertner, a sophomore history major.
“This past show was a lot of fun and heartfelt,” Turner said. “It allows us to take our passion and help out with (the Braly couple’s) passion. They are so happy and could not thank us enough.”
Turner said the meaning behind the show was an example of the Franciscan values on campus.
“It is great that we did a benefit show,” Turner said. “It goes along with the Franciscan values St. Bonaventure follows.”
hammelljl12@bonaventure.edu
