inspireDANCE 2015

This year marked the fifth anniversary of this campus-wide celebration of movement and dance. Below are photos taken at two of the events held this year: the Black Student Union Step Show, and inspireJAM, a breakdance battle event.

photos by Keith Walters (Step Show) and Chi Huang '18 (inspireJAM) / University of Rochester

Members of the UR Dance group Indulgence perform at the annual BSU step show in Strong Auditorium.

Members of the UR Dance group Indulgence perform at the annual BSU step show in Strong Auditorium.

Members of the UR Dance group Indulgence perform at the annual BSU step show in Strong Auditorium.

Members of the UR Dance group Xclusive  perform at the annual BSU step show in Strong Auditorium.

Members of the UR Dance group Xclusive  perform at the annual BSU step show in Strong Auditorium.

Members of the UR Dance group Xclusive perform at the annual BSU step show in Strong Auditorium.

Students from Douglas Northeast Northwest College Prep perform at the annual BSU step show; this team went on to win the competition.

The DJ and emcee for inspireJAM kick the event off. This was the 3rd annual inspireJAM bboy/bgirl battle, which took place in the May Room February 6, 2015.

Missy Pfohl-Smith (left), director of the Program of Dance and Movement, talks to the crowd during inspireJAM. The bboy/bgirl battle, in its third year, is the brainchild of Smon Cheewapansri (Take 5) (right).

One of the members of UR Styles breakdance club gives it a go on the floor for inspireJAM.

Participants came from Ithaca College, Cornell, Toronto, University of Buffalo and beyond to compete in inspireJAM.

Every team drew rapt attention from the crowd.

After four rounds, this team bested them all during inspireJAM, earning a $300 prize.

The judges - Bboy Huu Rock, BBoy Ookie and Bgirl Sunny - told competitors to feel the beat, have fun and keep it clean.

Group photo of inspireJAM competitors, organizers and judges after a hard-fought danceoff.