This previous weekend I planned to take in a bit of culture and style at the Hip Hop Club’s annual fall performance, but sadly I was disappointed. Having a fair amount of background on the history and attitude of hip hop dance, I was excited to see a showing of new and classic hip hop (Old School, Brooklyn, etc.).

Instead, for an hour I watched booty-shaking, crotch-feeling and regurgitated MTV steps with little originality. Now I know dance comes in a wide range of styles, but going up on stage and “clubbing” with your friends does not represent what college-level dance is about. There is a difference between MTV’s “The Grind” and a studio performance meant to show dancers’ talents.

Unfortunately, I didn’t see that difference. What I did see was stolen choreography from Janet Jackson’s video “If” (copyrighted by Tina Landon, 1999) and poor choreographic attempts at showcasing hip hop dance.

What message are you promoting, Hip Hop Club? You have talent, so show us how good you can be. Realize that you represent ISU Dance and Iowa State. I know you are a young member to the ISU family, but don’t become the sibling that embarrasses the family.

Demian Willette

Senior

Biology