In good rhythm

Three nights a week, about a dozen dancers gather for the Steps of Rhythm dance group’s practice and run through various songs and dance routines to make sure they’re prepared for an upcoming showcase. Unlike competitive dance groups, however, no one at the Monday practice seems tense or anxious a week before they go live.

In fact, each member asked about why they’re involved had one word to say in common: relaxed.

“I love being a part of this group, coming together and having a good time,” said Kayla Schlecht, Steps of Rhythm co-coordinator. “It’s a great way to dance and to relax, to have fun with people who just enjoy dancing. We’re different from a lot of dance groups since we aren’t competitive, and meetings are usually very enjoyable.”

Steps of Rhythm began in 2004, according to co-coordinator Jasmine Batiste, who has been involved since 2006. She agreed that the group is less of a competitive dance team and more of a group of friends who share a love of dance.

“We’re not about being uptight or intense when we get together, and I feel relaxed after practice, feel like we’re a good group of people having a great time,” Batiste said. “But we do practice a lot and I think we’re choreographed really well…I’m excited and feeling ready for our next showcase.”

That showcase, called “Adrenaline,” is scheduled for Saturday in the Stott Center Gym and admission is $5. It’s a benefit show for George Middle School and will feature music by DJ Wicked and DJ Wels.

“I really like the energy of this group, especially since no matter how we get during practice, if we fight or anything, we go out after a practice to relax and talk about how we did and that always makes us closer as a group of people and dancers,” said Armond Frasier, choreographer. “I’m pumped for this weekend, for sure.”

Ty McKnight, choreographer, said he’s been involved with the group since January and that he feels the group is a good way to go about relaxing after long days of class and work, but also that the group puts in a lot of effort for their showcases.

“Everyone that comes to our meetings knows we’re having a good time, and they can see that right away,” McKnight said. “But there’s a lot of good effort put into the group too, and Kayla and Jasmine do a good job. I think, above all, I’d call it a fun-loving group.”

Previous coordinator Annie Kris echoed the sentiment of relaxation that members heading into Saturday’s event talked about.

“They’re a very diverse group this year,” Kris said, adding that she plans to attend Saturday’s showcase. “I always enjoyed going to meetings and feeling class or work or whatever go to the back of my mind as I just danced, relaxed and had a good time.”

When asked about the upcoming showcase, Batiste said she feels ready and that the group has put a lot of effort into their routines. A dozen dancers will perform 14 dances in total during the showcase, and Batiste said she’s looking forward to the showcase and that audiences often have as much fun as the dancers.

“I’m definitely excited about it, and it’s always fun to perform for people that enjoy dance just like we do,” Batiste said. “It’s going to be a great weekend.”