SHADES will merge with Sanctify for an annual performance in April.

SHADES, a multicultural student step organization, and Sanctify, a new student hip-hop dance group, looked to schedule separate concerts in Cullen Auditorium but only one weekend was available in the auditorium. The two groups decided to merge their shows into one, and will perform on April 13-14.

Brandon Bolden, senior psychology major from St. Louis and head captain of SHADES, said the merger was disappointing at first but the groups are looking forward to joining forces to make the show even better.

“There are some SHADES members in Sanctify, and we’ve performed together,” Bolden said. “Every show is better than the one before, but this one will be a show you’ll remember for a long time.”

The name SHADES represents the diversity within the step group. Bowen said the tight-knit members of the group embrace their differences.

“We like to include people from different backgrounds and cultures who desire and enjoy glorifying God with their talents,” Bowen said. “We’re a family first of all, and we make sure our family is in tact.”

Sanctify is a hip-hop dance group officially recognized as a student organization last year. The group’s purpose is to explore and express the cultural impact of hip-hop movement in a Christian context.

Annique Dentino, freshman psychology major from Lubbock and Sanctify member, said she’s looking forward to the joint performance and the opportunities it offers.

“It’s going to be awesome because it’ll be a combination of both stepping and hip-hop dancing,” Dentino said. “This year’s show will feature more dancers and a longer show, which will only make it better.”

Bolden encouraged all on-campus students to plan in advance to buy tickets to one of the two evening shows.

“The show is definitely going to bigger, more fun, more exciting than ever before,” he said.