By Kyle Peveto, Staff Writer

Shades step squad will not perform in Chapel this year as a result of new policies.

No special interest groups will be allowed days in Chapel to perform or speak.

“When you bring in special interest groups you don’t have continuation in the theme of Chapel as it flows thorough the semester,” said Brian England, director of judicial affairs.

“The Chapel programming committee has been intentional in following the set curriculum, which is the Sermon on the Mount and ‘Climb’.”

“It’s kind of disappointing,” said Tavia Roberts, junior animal science major from Baytown and captain of Shades.

Shades’ Chapel performance has been the biggest audience and one of the most enjoyable experiences for the squad in the past.

“The crowd was always exciting,” said Dave Merrill, coordinator of student multicultural enrichment and Shades sponsor.

“The student body looks forward to us performing,” Roberts said.

Shades performed in Chapel in the fall of 1999 and 2000. In 2001 the group was not able to perform because of scheduling conflicts.

Shades will probably perform outside Moody after Chapel this semester and in Cullen Auditorium to make up for the missed Chapel performance. The squad will travel to Austin Nov. 23 to perform in a step show at the University of Texas. Shades will also be featured in this year’s culture show and during black history month in February.

The group often performs in parades and during halftime of ACU basketball games.

Shades step squad is a group that performs steps, a type of performance that was used in Africa to tell stories. Without the aid of music, the group performs a rehearsed routine of synchronized steps, stomps and claps.