Even babies bumped in a stroller at the Sumthin’ Serious Ent. audition Tuesday. A little boy waved his lollipop to the bass, bounced his boots and grinned at a female duo that performed Serious choreography they learned the previous day.
Rap reverberated throughout Tatum Complex (beside Subway) as aspiring dancers synchronized their feet with the beat. Onlookers bobbed their heads as local DJs Brian Jones and Steven Pulliam cranked out the music.
The hopeful dancers popped, waved and krumped before current Sumthin’ Serious members. Some newbies mastered the precise movements, showcased fluidity and kept pace with the music. Others appeared less rhythmically aware, but remained energetic nonetheless.
They received calls Wednesday to let them know if they were selected this semester for the group.
The choreography paralleled ’90s boy bands, You Got Served
and MTV’s America’s Next Best Dance Crew.
The dancers were taught their audition choreography Monday. This practice was a break from standard auditions. The students were given a night to familiarize themselves with the moves before executing them the following evening.
About 17 dancers auditioned this year. It was a deviation from the typical 25 students who usually auditioned. Members were excited about new talent nonetheless.
“Everybody worked hard,” said Dionna McGlothen, president of Sumthin’ Serious.
The auditions went well, she said.
Sumthin’ Serious welcomes dancers of various backgrounds, but focuses on hip-hop performances, so an urban skill set isn’t negotiable.
“Hip-hop is the main experience that we look for,” said McGlothen.
Of the applicants, Sumthin’ Serious Vice-President Bianca Robinson said, “I think we had an OK turnout. I’m glad we actually had people come out and support. I’m proud of everybody.”
Though the Sumthin’ Serious of today boasts male and female dancers, that wasn’t always the case, McGlothen said. In 2004 dancers were divided by gender and given stereotypical gender specific dance styles. Men did hip-hop.
Women were supposed to be sexy, she said.
“I don’t like sexual dancing,” McGlothen said. “Females can do exactly what males are doing . We merge it.”
Another lady, Robinson, created most of the group’s new choreography. Robinson said that she was satisfied with the way her work came to life.
“I just want to thank everyone for coming out,” said Robinson.
To the people who didn’t make the cut she said, “Don’t let one disappointment stop you from showcasing your talent.”
Sumthin’ Serious plans to expand and offer free hip-hop dance classes to the community soon. They will also be recruiting performers of different mediums.
They will perform at the sophomore class block party Oct. 9 and Oct. 10.