PAC
dancers show rhythmic talents
By
Marissa Pendergrass
On-line Forty-Niner
Cal
State Long Beach dancers of different ethnic
backgrounds take pride in self-expression
through the campus group known as PAC Modern.
PAC Modern, representing the Philipino-American
Coalition was created in 1995 for students
with a common desire for raw, uninhibited
expression through dance.
PAC
Modern members take refuge in dancing, whether
it be break-dancing, popping and locking
or jazz. PAC Moderns' style has always been
at its core hip-hop, with a flair for unconventional
creativity.
Usually
the group begins with about 15-20 members,
a numbers that tends to grow throughout
the year due to its popularity. The troupe
does not consist entirely of CSULB students,
however for the last eight years it has
required that all of its dancers be members
of the main coalition.
One
might ask, do I have to be Philipino to
be a part of this group of dancers?
No, in fact the troupe embraces and encourages
the representation of all different cultures
within its group of dancers.
Auditions
are typically held at the beginning of the
school year and have often been advertised
by word of mouth. PAC Modern dancers have
to face the harsh reality of practicing
on flat cement areas because access to dance
studios is a luxury that the group has yet
to be granted.
In
the past, PAC Modern has had troubles with
booking proper and safe dance rooms to practice
in," said Miguel Gregorio, PAC Modern
alumni and CSULB student. "If there
is one thing that I wanted for PAC Modern
when I was at school was proper representation."
PAC
Modern competes at national and local competitions
throughout the school year and has brought
in numerous awards. Bustagroove, Battlefest,
and Fusion are three different competitions
throughout California that the group has
participate din each year.
"PAC
Modern dancers have a reputation for being
innovative and highly creative with mind,
body, and soul at these competitions,"
said Lizzy Richardson, a coordinator and
dancer. "
"PAC
Modern uses dance as an outlet for expression,
utilizing dance and rhythm to fully express
their creativity and uniqueness," Gregorio
said. Money and time are often the causes
of lack of representation of many clubs
and groups on campus.
"The
drive and pride is there to represent to
the fullest, but some encouragement and
recognition from CSULB would help harness
the raw talent that PAC Modern puts out
every year," he said.
This
year the dancers of PAC Modern wish to break
all boundaries and have fun doing it by
welcoming its new members this week. With
the seniors that graduated last semester,
the group has openings for fresh faces.
"We're
looking for new talented dancers that wish
to grow with the PAC Modern family,"
explained Richardson.
Auditions
are being held today in the North Campus
Goldmine Physical Education gym from 6-10
p.m. and all decisions will be made by the
end of this week.
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