By Alyssa Weston
Jambar Contributor
Joining the Youngstown State University Hip Hop and Dance Club may be beneficial to YSU students. The club started last fall and is made up of 15 dancers who tried out for a spot on the team.
Kassady Carrier, a graduate student of public health, said joining the club has taught her how to be a better student.
“When joining, it really allowed me to become an organized and timely student,” Carrier said. “When I’m not dancing, I know I have to study hard.”
Carrier said the best part of being in the club is the harmony all the team members have.
Alexa Bodine, a senior exercise science major, said she was influenced to join the hip hop club because after cheering in high school, she wanted to be part of another team or organization again.
Bodine said both the president and vice president of the club are open to other members joining and offering their ideas.
“They allow us to contribute, too, whether it’s music or choreography,” Bodine said.
Logan Wolford, a freshman at YSU, said social media was how she discovered the club, and she said joined because she wanted to dance in college.
Wolford said she believed that other students should join the club because it was a good way for her to make friends in her first year on campus.
Vice president of the club, Christchianna Goldner, said the club is unique because it is a group of diverse people with common interests.
“We all love dance so it’s just a very awesome group of diverse people who love the same thing,” Goldner said.
Goldner said her goals for the club is for members to compete in a national contest held in Florida, and to grow more recognizable at YSU.
Faculty advisor to the YSU Dance and Swing Club, Frank Bosso said even though he has zero background and experience in hip hop dance, being a part of these clubs are wonderful opportunities for YSU students.
“A student in one of my classes, Katie Holmes, knew of my association with these dance clubs, and asked if I would be the advisor of the Hip Hop Dance Club that she and Christenianna Goldner were creating,” Bosso said.
Bosso said he is honored to be associated with student organizations, and these organizations provide students with opportunities to enrich their college experience.
President of YSU Hip Hop and Dance Club, Katie Holmes, said she wants the club to thrive after she graduates, and become a reason for future Penguins to attend YSU.
“I want it to be successful not just for me, but for the people I’m passing it on to,” Holmes said.
The YSU Hip Hop and Dance Club will perform Feb. 14 at the YSU men’s basketball game, Feb. 17 at the YSU women’s basketball game, and is scheduled to compete March 25 in Cleveland and April 22 at Kalahari Resort in Sandusky.
The club also looks forward to collaborating with sororities and other student organizations on campus for future fundraising opportunities.
Good job, Alyssa!