Entropy Dance Crew will host their second annual “Dance For a Difference” showcase this Saturday at 7 p.m. in Legends.
The showcase includes performances by dance groups from all over North Carolina, including UNC Chapel Hill’s Kamikazi, Momentum Crew from Wake Forest, Appalachian State University’s App Khi Bhangra, the High Country Cloggers and many more.
Proceeds and donations from the weekend events will go toward the Western Youth Network, a prevention and intervention program for youth in the High Country.
Last year’s showcase benefited the Hospitality House and raised approximately $1,000.
“We use our dance to give back,” said junior psychology major Josh Carr, who founded Entropy Dance Crew in 2011.
In its early days, the group was small and relatively unknown on campus.
“It’s exploded,” Carr. said “We’re only 2 and a half years old. It’s still very fresh.”
“Dance for a Difference” has developed greatly since last year, Carr said.
“Last year Legends was almost full,” he said. “It’s kind of amazing how that one came together.”
Goals for the next “Dance for a Difference” are even higher.
“Next year we’re shooting for Farthing,” Carr said. “There are 1,734 seats in Farthing Auditorium. Legends can safely hold up to 1,000 people.”
In addition to the showcase, the hip-hop dance crew will also provide two dance workshops in the Varsity Gymnasium for dancers and non-dancers alike later.
The Friday workshop will be hosted from 2-6 p.m. by Entropy dancers and the Sunday workshop will be taught by visiting dancers and begins at 10:45 a.m. and lasts until 4:45 p.m.
“If you enjoy dancing, we want you there,” said crew member David Rudow.
Rudow, a sophomore interdisciplinary studies major, played a major role in the advertising process for “Dance for a Difference.”
“I took an arts management and promotions class, which gave me a good idea of how to promote events like this,” Rudow said.
Graphic design major Brandon Norris has worked with Entropy since their formation, designing their T-shirts and flyers.
Norris also created their iconic “E” logo, which is used on the tees.
Not a dancer himself, Norris said he prefers watching the dances and is looking forward to the show. Norris also works behind-the-scenes, providing the logistics that help the showcase weekend run smoothly.
“We provide accommodations – hotel stays and food – for dance crews, which a lot of people don’t,” Norris said.
After the showcase, guests and dancers are invited to attend the after-party from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Char.
Story: EMMA SPECKMAN, A&E Reporter