This week has been one filled with excitement and dancing. All three of ACU’s dance and step teams had their tryouts for new members.

Omega, ACU’s contemporary and jazz dance group had auditions this past Sunday. Omega is a contemporary organization on campus that is all about exploring expression of faith and creativity through dance. They want to provide a platform for dancers to use all of their talents they have been blessed with.

“I love Omega, it’s one big family. It’s a cool way to express yourself and worship God through dance,” said Paige Berry, junior missions major from Houston.

Omega is more than just a dance organization.

Justine Barchus, senior education major from Phoenix, Arizona tried out for Omega spring semester of her sophomore year.

“I absolutely love [Omega]. I think what we do glorifies God, the community; how we educate everyone on dance,” said Barchus. “How we create a wonderful sense of community within us and with the school is really great. I just absolutely love being able to worship God in a way that I always have.”

Omega will be performing in the Homecoming parade and the Ethnos show this fall semester. They also will be having their own show in the spring semester along with performing at Sing Song.

Sanctify, ACU’s hip-hop team had try-outs on Sept. 9 and 11. The tryouts took place on the second floor studios in the Royce and Pam Money Student Wellness and Recreational Center.

Sanctify is looking to explore the culture of the genre from a Christian perspective. Sanctify will be doing a preview show in November so look out for that.

Eean Cochran, junior musical theater major from Dallas and member of Sanctify, is excited about this year.

“Our group has gotten bigger and we are working to create a positive reputation on campus and gain support. I can’t wait to start performing with my family and doing what we all love to do for the glory God.”

This year not as many people auditioned but the members were still pleased with the turnout.

“This will be the most talented group we’ve ever had. I am excited with all the new leaders stepping up,” said Jacob Kilpatrick, junior family studies major and captain of Sanctify.  “I was only expecting about 12 people on the team, but now we have 18.” Sanctify will perform at Ethnos, the Homecoming parade and their own preview show.

SHADES is a stepping team that will perform throughout the year at various events both on and off campus and also at their own SHADES show in the spring. The group’s purpose is to creatively illustrate all forms and elements of stepping, including its African roots.

During tryouts, students will learn a short step and dance routine and perform it for the squad captains. SHADES Step Squad is a group that does not discriminate. Anyone and everyone is welcome to try out. No experience is required at all. All they ask is that you come in comfortable clothes and tennis shoes.

SHADES Step Squad had their tryouts this week. The tryout for SHADES is a bit different than the others. SHADES tryouts began Monday and will end Friday.  During this process, those who try out will learn two short steps and then a dance routine on top of that. They will have a chance to learn it throughout the whole week and then tonight will be the final audition days.

SHADES Step Squad will be doing a preview show in November and will also be doing more fundraisers this year. SHADES hats, t-shirts, sunglasses and more will be sold. This year’s 2012-2013 SHADES Step team is sure to impress, as they expect to follow through with their motto “Hit hard or go home.”