Phi Beta Sigma fraternity hosts third Cuse Got Moves
SU fraternity hosts third edition of Cuse Got Moves
The dance competition brought together Syracuse University’s multicultural dance groups in a night of powerful performances, with Outlaws taking the title.
Echoes of cheer radiated through Grant Auditorium on Friday evening as Syracuse students watched intensely in their seats for who would be crowned the winner of Cuse Got Moves, a competitive dance competition presented by the Thrillin’ Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Five judges from the Syracuse area with experience in dance and choreography judged the competition. Cuse Got Moves consisted of three rounds each with its own theme. The first round highlighted “Fierceness, Intensity and Power,” the second was “All About Love,” and the final round centered on “Creativity.”
Drumrolls from the audience filled the auditorium as the MCs spun a virtual wheel to see which dance group would perform first. Black Reign was chosen first, followed by One World Dance Team, Kalabash Dance Troupe and Outlaws Hip-Hop Dance Troupe.
Dressed in black T-shirts, cargo pants, and sneakers, Black Reign dancers loudly stomped in unison, rumbling the stage as they began their performance. Members stomped in aisles and on stage in a solid formation. Their performances throughout the competition were filled with boldness and powerful body movements to create sound.
“It was a pleasure to come together with the whole team and prepare new ideas, come up with different perspectives on how we want to look different and showcase a different side of Black Reign,” said Kiara Rivas, president of the Black Reign Step Team.
Around 20 members dressed in Khaki pants and skirts, white collared shirts with black ties, and sneakers filled the stage for One World’s performance. Their dances aligned with self-made skits throughout the night and paid homage to their African roots and culture in their dances.
“Being underlooked as an African growing up, just being belittled and degraded for being African … I think it just means a lot for One World to perform tonight and to show the entire university what One World has to show,” said Nana Twum-Barima, president of One World Dance Team.
Mark Nzasi, vice president of the Thrillin’ Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., believes it is important for a historically Black fraternity to create a space where cultures can be unified and celebrated.
“It’s always been important, but especially now when everyone’s differences is being highlighted,” Nzasi said. “It is important to have a space where we can have a Black step team, we can have an African dance group, we can have a hip-hop team, we can have a Caribbean dance team all come together and showcase their talents, and even though it is a competition, it’s about unity.”
The Kalabash Dance Troupe came on stage draped in Caribbean flags worn as skirts, black tops, knee pads, and sneakers. Their hips swayed to the beat of the music, riling up the crowd. High jumps and chairs were incorporated into the performance to elevate their dances.
“We’re happy to be here and thankful they keep inviting us back,” said Erin Adams, Coordinator of Kalabash Dance Troupe. “And we just want to put everything we have on the dance floor.”
Ryan Goodrich, president of The Thrillin’ Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., said that ‘Cuse Got Moves was formed by a couple of brothers in 2022 seeking to unify dance organizations on campus.
“As a fraternity, as an organization, this is something for the campus,” Goodrich said. “This is something for Syracuse as a community and for students of color across campus.”
Outlaws performances consisted of three outfit changes for each round. The dance group used elements of ballroom cultured dances, posters, and intense energy. Their choreography captivated the audience and judges as they were crowned the competition winners.
Isabella Catini, President of Outlaws, said that prepping for their performances for the competition required a lot of group effort and creativity.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity to be able to showcase who we are,” said Catini. “Obviously, it’s a competition, and we’re here to win, but at the same time, it’s a community of dancers, and we’re all very different teams, and I’m excited to share what Outlaws is all about.”
is a contributor for The NewsHouse.
is a contributor for The NewsHouse.