Stage view of United We Dance. (Lyiah Burke/FAMUAN)
This year, the 21st annual United We Dance showcase brought themed choreography and performances to Florida A&M University’s campus community.
Held Feb. 28 at Gaither Gymnasium, the annual event highlights student organizations offering those a platform to perform in front of peers, faculty, and supporters. In addition to FAMU-based organizations, United We Dance features dance companies from across Florida and other regions.
One of the featured campus organizations was Mahogany Dance Theatre, which is known for its technical and high-impact jazz performances. The group performed “Cun-t,” a jazz piece originally performed during their winter concert.
Adora Barnes, the president of Mahogany Dance Theatre and assistant rehearsal director, said that the overall experience was exciting and meaningful.
“It definitely felt exhilarating to share not only my talents but my organization’s talents with the rest of the school and other visiting dance groups,” Barnes said. “United We Dance is about bringing everyone together to showcase what we’ve worked so hard to perfect.”
Barnes explained that she was most proud of the unity displayed throughout the evening.
“United We Dance really lives up to its title; it brings dance organizations together to share their talents and show love to one another,” Barnes said.
United We Dance allows organizations to build visibility while strengthening their presence within and beyond FAMU’s campus. Performers are offered exposure to potential collaborators and future partnerships.
Among the visiting performers was Fear Factor, an Alabama State University student organization started in 2021, who delivered a “Men in Black”-inspired routine complete with blazers, ties and dramatic sound effects.
Kilu Sis, chief of staff, said the concept came together after brainstorming ideas with members.
“Some ideas were a little shaky, but the best one I heard was ‘Men in Black,’” she said. “Once we added the tie, the sound effects, everything came together.”
With rehearsals scheduled around academic and extracurricular commitments, Fear Factor prepared for the showcase throughout the month of February.
Quentin “Noonie” Ellington, founder of Fear Factor, said the organization remains committed to participating in the event whenever invited. He added that the group was first invited in 2022, but the event was canceled due to a hurricane.
“Every time they reach out to us, we’re never going to say no,” Ellington said.
Ellington also reflected on the organization’s perseverance through the process.
“We’ve been through a lot,” Ellington said. “Although we congregated, we overcame and we ate.