Members of Multiple Teams

Ginger Hislop, a member of both 
the Vilociti & Full Circle teams.

A love of dance prompted each of the current 49 members to audition for one of the three Utah State University dance companies.

However, for some, dancing with one team was not enough.

Wanting to perform in numerous dance genres, four members opted to join multiple teams.

“It is so time consuming, but dance is my life,” said Lexi Childs. “I couldn’t give any of it up.”

Like Childs, Ginger Hislop is a member of both Vilociti and Full Circle, the hip-hop and contemporary teams.

“It’s a lot to remember because it’s twice the number of dances,” Hislop said. “You are in everything.”

At last year’s spring concert, Hislop was in 14 dance numbers – nearly every performance of the show.

“I dance everyday but Saturday and Sunday,” said senior Jamie Smith who also dances with Full Circle and Vilociti. “It’s a huge commitment, but I love it.”

Sophomore Brittany Beecher is a member of Vilociti as well as My Bad, the break-dancing crew.

Because Beecher is a chemistry education major, much of her time outside of practice and performances is spent in the research lab. With the added hours of class time and work, Beecher sometimes struggles to manage her time.

“I work an average of 20 hours each week at the space dynamics lab,” she said. “It’s hard to have time for everything.”

Despite having to sacrifice time and remember more choreography, all four individuals feel that the benefits outweigh potential drawbacks.

“You get to know everybody and have more opportunities to perform,” said Hislop.

With so few chances to showcase their talents, Hislop and the others greatly appreciate the additional performance opportunities.

More time on stage strengthens their skill as well.

Dance director Krissy Smith-Fry said that each dancer has become stronger by being a part of two teams.

“Whatever style of dance you do builds your foundation in another style of dance,” she said. “Those who dance more hours are more well-rounded dancers and have better endurance.”

Childs recognizes the growth that she has experienced personally.

“I’m a slow learner,” she said. “So I have double the opportunities to learn and to practice from twice as many people.”

Now that Beecher dances with My Bad, she is challenged more than when she was solely a member of Vilociti.

“With My Bad, I get to do street styles that I’ve never done before,” Beecher said.

Because 49 members are distributed between the three teams, those belonging to two teams also help to unify the others.

“I have so many family members now,” Childs said.

(a. davis)