Shades, a step and hip hop group on campus, will take the stage in this weekend’s Ethnos Culture Show.
“Shades is a multicultural group that comes together to serve God through dancing and stepping,” said Destiny Hagood, senior photojournalism major from Compton, Calif.
Shades started more than 10 years ago with a very strong multicultural identity. The name “Shades” is meant to signify the many different shades of skin, Hagood said.
“We are a community group, which means that students can get community service through doing it, because it’s not required and we aren’t asking any members for dues,” Hagood said.
Participants in Shades receive service hours and participate in projects like painting murals in parks. The group’s saying is, “You come as you are with Shades.” Everyone is encouraged to try it out, and anyone can be a part of the group if they are willing to work hard and have the heart to do it, Hagood said.
“A lot of people say, ‘Oh, I can’t do step,’ but if you just come and try, you would love it just as much as we do,” Hagood said. “Some of the people who have never done step before have grown from that, and they’re still in Shades today.”
Catrina Bailey, junior electronic media major from Riverside, Calif., has a history in ballet, hip hop and jazz, but chose to join Shades to learn something new and meet people.
“I love to perform, and the family atmosphere of Shades is something that brought me back this semester,” Bailey said. “It’s a challenge because it’s not what I’m used to. I’m not used to this style of dancing, but it’s a good challenge, and I like it.”
Shades performs at events such as Art Walk, ACU’s preview days, Omega dance shows and select days in the World Famous Bean. For the Ethnos routine, the Shades team prepared on short notice. The members put together and perfected the entire routine in less than four weeks, Hagood said.
“This step is complicated. It’s one of the hardest steps we’ve done so far,” Hagood said.
Shades is currently 21 members strong, 13 of which are new. Hagood said the leadership team does a good job of identifying problems and addressing conflict in the group right away.
“Even when personalities clash, it doesn’t stop us from being a family,” Hagood said.
Hagood was new to the school when she first became involved with Shades, and it gave her an opportunity to connect with people. She said she appreciated the way they taught routines at a manageable pace.
“Even if you don’t know the dance or step to perfection, they can see that you’re trying and your effort and your heart, and that’s one of the main things I was drawn to,” Hagood said. “They work slow, because they know everyone doesn’t learn fast.”
Hagood said the group was a great thing to get involved with on campus because it gives an opportunity for students to try something new and challenging while being part of a close family.
“It builds character, and it builds people’s confidence,” Hagood said.
See Shades perform as part of the Ethnos show this Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium.
