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Vilociti hip-hops into view as
USU's newest dance company
By Melissa
Salcedo
Septmber 15, 2008 | NORTH LOGAN -- For some people,
dance is a hobby. For others, it's a passion. Utah State
University students Krissy Smith and Omar Poole came
together to create Vilociti, the school's newest dance
company, which emphasizes hip hop, break dance, and
popping and locking.
It was Poole who came up with the name. "When I hear
the word velocity, I think of movement, like something
fast moving," he said. "Hip hop is fast paced. Velocity
comes out and is what moves you. The spelling makes
it cool and unique."
Smith is the director of both Vilociti and Full Circle,
USU's contemporary dance company. Poole is the assistant
artistic director, as starting a hip hop company was
his idea.
The company meets Tuesday and Thursday nights from
8-10 p.m. at the Sports Academy and Racquet Club in
North Logan.
Tryouts were held to find members for the new company
Aug 25. A total of 34 students at USU attended tryouts.
After learning two routines and dancing freestyle, 14
students were selected as members of Vilociti.
Poole started taking dance classes when he was 10
years old. He began in ballet and jazz classes and his
interest suddenly moved to hip hop. When he was in the
eighth grade, Poole joined his junior high school's
dance company. The company performed mainly contemporary
and jazz routines, but Poole was able to showcase his
talent in hip hop.
Influences in Poole's life include his dance instructor
in high school, Stacy Rice, and dance legend Alvin Ailey.
Rice, who received a degree in dance from USU, always
had confidence in Poole, he said. "She always told me
to keep going, to keep dancing and never stop." he said.
While in high school, Poole traveled to the Alvin
Ailey Dance Studio in New York City to take a dance
class. "I'm inspired by him," says Poole. "He's a black
guy who danced and he started when he was 17. I started
in the fifth grade so I can relate."
Members of Vilociti receive three credits at USU which
count towards physical education. ASUSU gives money
to Vilociti and will pay for costumes for the company.
Vilociti performed at USU's 80's Dance two weeks ago.
Future performances include the Howl, Mardi Gras, and
Diversity Week.
USU had a dance program that was cut in the 90's.
"The ultimate goal for Vilociti and Full Circle is to
get a dance program back at USU," said Poole.
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