A dance team was recently started at UAF, and though they have performed at sports events, members say they are not your typical cheerleaders.

"We're supportive of the teams, we provide entertainment, but our moves are more free," said sophomore communications major Unika Nelson, vice president of the club. "We shake it, have more of a hip hop feel."

The group debuted this semester, and since beginning has been dancing its way into hearts all over campus."The Dance Team has performed at the first basketball game, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity's Multicultural Extravaganza, as well as a drag show," Nelson said.

The group began after filming last year's music video"Do Something." With 16 members at present, they hope to expand next semester with new members and possibly another video. Next semester they hope to showcase"performances with Big Brothers Big
Sisters, as well as a dance camp over spring break," said sophomore political science major Alexis Bowman, the club's president."We'd like to go to high schools, dance with the students, or just anywhere we're wanted," Nelson added.

They hope to work with UAF's cheerleaders, but the Dance Team's style is different."We incorporate a lot of different styles," Nelson said."Hip hop, latin, jazz, ballet, also some moves from videos. Everyone on the team has input though, if someone has a suggestion, we'll try it out." Whenever a new group or dancer comes to town, the team hopes to work with them and incorporate some moves into their own routine.

Although the group is new and student-coached, do not expect the team to be a temporary thing."We're sending some dancers to dance camps in the Lower 48 this summer," Bowman said."Hopefully they'll come back with some new dance moves."

"A Perusian Dancer and an African Dancer are coming up here. We hope to work with them," Bowman said. The team is always looking for more help, as well as members."We have 16 members," said Nelson,"but we didn't cut anyone. Everyone who tried out made it. The dance team's very interested in growing while staying enthusiastic and diverse," said Nelson."We're open to anyone and everyone interested in dance: students, teachers, alumni, and janitors."