"Diversity" and "multiculturalism" are familiar words in the Duke lexicon, recognizable as components of an often futile battle cry for various groups, initiatives or descriptive studies. At least one group, however, has managed to move beyond the buzzwords, fusing themes of "multiculturalism" and "diversity" with dance to form Defining Movement.
Defining Movement began in the Asian Students Association 2002 Lunar New Year show, the theme of which was "definitions." Pondering this theme, the show's producer Christina Chang came to the conclusion that "'culture' could not be defined by images, coined phrases, customs, way of dress or... certain types of people and characteristics." She simultaneously noticed a lack of genuine cultural exchange on Duke's campus. "At Duke people talk about diversity, but we don't really see it on campus as much as we should," she said. "Defining Movement tries to move towards that, but not in the 'political' sense."
Determined to fill Duke's cultural void, Chang founded a dance group with friends Fran Lebajo, Sonia Cheung and Jeff Wu. Naming themselves Defining Movement, the group formed with the lofty goal of "shattering preconceived notions of dance styles," such as the assumption that "only African-Americans are really good at hip hop."
Fortunately for audience members, this social message does not compromise the aesthetic appeal of Defmo. Its dancers weave multicultural optimism into creative routines with finesse, and have established an impressive repertoire that includes hip hop, ballet, Latin, jazz and traditional dances from countries like India and Nigeria. The increasing variety of dance styles reflects the group's expanding ethnic makeup. Once primarily Asian-American, an unintentional effect of its beginning in ASA's Lunar New Year show, Defining Movement has since grown more diverse ethnically and stylistically, and is now comprised of nine ethnic backgrounds. The expansion of cultural backgrounds has contributed to its current show--taking place this Saturday--that Chang describes as having even more "variety" and more "interesting choreography" than last year's performances.
Defining Movement has come a long way since its 2002 inception.
Previously required to ask to perform at events, the members of Defmo now find themselves invited to nearly every cultural event on campus. Chang attributes Defining Movement's success to the group's stylistic ability and message, its dedicated members--who rehearse between four and ten hours a week--and the incredible support of the Duke community. The members of Defining Movement hope that the group's rapid success will continue to flourish and that its presence will be felt not only in the Duke community, but in surrounding communities as well. In the meantime, the group will continue working toward its goal of overthrowing superficial diversity and uniting cultures through dance.
Defining Movement's Spring Showcase is this Saturday, March 20 at 8 p.m. in Page Auditorium. Free tickets will be distributed on the BC walkway today and tomorrow from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and at the Marketplace from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Non-Duke students can reserve tickets by e-mailing Stacey Yee at defmoshowcase04@hotmail.com. Donations are accepted and proceeds will benefit the Durham School of the Arts.
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