This week, the SA Government is showcasing the wonderful Ballet Performance Group (BPG), which brings the joy of dance to both spectators and performers at the UofR. Here’s our interview with BPG’s President, Marisa Straub.

1. How large is your dance group?

“Roughly 101 members. We are the largest dance group on campus!”

2. Tell me a little bit about the structure about BPG

“BPG is structured in a way where members can be as involved in the group as they want to be. There is only one mandatory part to BPG, which is attending a 45 minute ballet class each Sunday. Beyond that, members can be involved in as many student choreographed pieces they wish to be a part of. BPG appeals to very well rounded individuals on campus and has extremely dedicated members each year.”

3. What is your favorite memory from BPG?

“My favorite memory from BPG is a very difficult question. I’ve now been part of BPG for almost 4 years and will continue on next year as I am staying as a KEY student. So my journey through this group has many memories. Some of my favorite memories always involve dancing in some way. One tradition that I love each year that I could consider my favorite is a “pump up” circle we do before each show. It’s this crazy energetic circle where everyone can go in the middle with their friends and do the most ridiculous dance moves they can think of from past BPG dances or something they just love. It’s a great start to our show, and overall just a fun piece of BPG.”

4. What makes BPG different from other performing art groups on campus?

“What makes BPG different from other dance groups is probably the variety in styles of dance we offer at all levels. Joining the Ballet Performance Group, members will not only explore ballet. Students can learn jazz, tap, hip-hop, west african, contemporary, modern, and so much more. BPG offers a wide variety of styles at different levels from beginner to advanced. There is a place for every member in our dances.”

5. What events does BPG have coming up?

“The spring show, BPG Presents: Clarity, will be held on April 12th, 2013 at 7 pm. BPG is very excited for the spring production, and hopes that the attendance will continue to rise.”

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What is SAVVY?
SAVVY, or the Student Association of Vegan and Vegetarian Youth, is composed of an enthusiastic group of diverse students interested in a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle. Established over a decade ago, SAVVY prides itself for being the first and only vegan club on campus. The club works closely with dining services and the Rochester community to provide an open and warm outlet for students to learn about vegetarianism and veganism. SAVVY goes beyond simply veganism/vegetarianism, promoting a healthier more sustainable lifestyle.

Why should students join SAVVY?
For the majority of college students, eating is a mindless habit, to which we dedicate little thought. SAVVY focuses on teaching students about the foods they consume, where these food come from, and how to improve their diets. SAVVY welcomes all individuals and consists of a diverse member population, everyone from hardcore vegans to omnivores.

When does SAVVY meet?
Every Thursday at 6:30 on the second floor of ITS.

What events is SAVVY responsible for?
SAVVY sponsors meatless Mondays every week. Recently the group hosted a movie screening of Knives and Forks. Just this past month they held their annual “Vegan Challenge.” (A huge success, with over 184 participants.) The group is teaming up with the Gandhi Institute this Thanksgiving Weekend to host a wilderness trek.

What philosophy is SAVVY trying to promote?
SAVVY hopes to promote a philosophy of openness and acceptance. One of the several challenges SAVVY faces is the common misconception that portrays the organization as a special interest designed to convert the student body. The club’s purpose is not to convert students to a vegan or vegetarian diet. Instead, SAVVY hopes to raise awareness about vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. The organization has made enormous progress in the past ten years towards creating an open environment that is accepting of vegetarianism. However, close-mindedness towards the group still exists. Members of SAVVY are often questioned about their choice to live a meatless lifestyle or follow a meatless diet. For example, members are often approached with the question, “Where do you get your protein from?” This year and in years to come, SAVVY hopes to correct these misconceptions and foster awareness across the University campus.

What would you like to say to someone who wants to try becoming vegetarian/vegan but isn’t quite sure?
Converting to veganism/vegitarianism is different for everyone. Some may prefer a “cold turkey” approach while others choose to take a gradual approach by alternating meat and no-meat days. SAVVY members warn that at first the process can be difficult. Often it takes upwards of three weeks for students to alter their eating habits. It often helps to use the buddy system — doing it with a friend can provide the support necessary to live a meat-free diet.

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What is Raas?
Raas is a traditional form of folk dance that originated in the state of Gujurat, in western India. The dance is typically done for religious and cultural celebrations in the community, and the UR Raas team puts a contemporary and performance spin on it. The team includes 16 dancers (8 boys, 8 girls) that dance on stage at one time twirling dandiya (sticks), doing fast paced footwork, and moving in complex formations. The team dances to traditional Gujurati Raas and Garba music, some of which is devotional, and some of which is flirty and fun. The dance form is very graceful, yet powerful at the same time.

What events does Raas have coming up?
The team has been accepted into and will be attending two upcoming competitions. In addition, the UR Raas team is organizing a school/community-wide “garba” event on October 21st during the religious holiday “Navratri” to try and get other people interested in our form of dance, as well as celebrate this cultural occasion. The team will also have a number of campus performances scattered throughout the semester.

What makes the UofR Raas team unique?
The UR Raas team are much more diverse than other collegiate Raas teams. Other Raas teams have mostly Indian (or just Gujurati) people, but our campus team has an equal ratio of Indian people to non-Indian people. Each teammate brings a wonderful flavor to the team, and the team learns so much from each other.

What is the typical practice schedule for a Raas member?
Practices are typically on Tuesday from 9-11, Friday from 5-7, and Sunday from 2:30-5:30. During competition season, practices can range from every other day of the week to every day. The team aims for perfection.

What is the most rewarding part of being in Raas?
“Having a family environment that I know I can go back to all the time. The Raas team is especially close because we spend so much time together, and we are all great friends.”- Captain Rohini Rege

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What is GlobeMed?

GlobeMed is a national network of college students that foster a relationship and support a particular area of need in the world.  The University of Rochester chapter of GlobeMed was approved for final SA Recognition earlier this academic year and has been thriving ever since.  The group has partnered with the Peruvian aid organization Kallpa Iquitos to help provide resources in Iquitos, Peru.  In addition, GlobeMed seeks to raise awareness of global issues on campus through various programs and events throughout the year.  Each weekly meeting focuses on current global health issues and allows members to learn while brainstorming for fundraisers and events.

What events does GlobeMed have coming up?

This Sunday (4/15), GlobeMed has organized Corre con Kallpa.  This 5k run begins at the Genesee Valley Park Round House at 10am.  Registration is $15 up until the day of the race, when it increases to $22 with all proceeds going to Kallpa Iquitos.  Groups of 5 or more runners can register for only $15 per runner.  A bonus: the first 100 registrants will receive a free reusable water bottle!  Registration can either be done this week in Wilson Commons with flex or online at http://medvedrunwalk.com/.

 

How can I get involved with GlobeMed

Even though membership applications won’t be available until the fall, interested members can like the GlobeMed Facebook page or sign up for their mailing list on the CCC.

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What is Active Minds?
Active Minds is a club focused on changing the way people talk and think about mental health. They work to increase mental wellness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness on campus. Meetings are discussion based and tend to focus on both serious and lighthearted topics. Previous discussions have included diversity, the colloquial use of mental health terminology, and dream analysis.

What events does Active Minds have coming up?
On March 29th, Active Minds will be continuing its Film Series with a free screening of the movie Charlie Bartlett. An expert panel discussion will follow the film presentation. On April 26th, Active Minds is hosting “heart of Disorder”, an art show that uses artistic expression to demonstrate individual experiences with mental illness. Artistic styles will include monologues, paintings, and dance performances.

How can I get involved in Active Minds?
Active Minds meets every Tuesday at 8pm in Meliora 219. You can also join their mailing list by visiting their page on the Campus Club Connection.

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What is UR Concerts?
UR Concerts brings musical performances to campus for all students to enjoy! With free Coffeehouse performances by University students in Starbucks on Friday nights and headliner concerts each semester by acts like Janelle Monae and Matt Nathanson, UR Concerts works to ensure that all students can find something to enjoy during the academic year. In addition to a show each semester, UR Concerts coordinates the Yellowjacket Weekend and Dandelion Day performers.

What kinds of new programming is UR Concerts doing this year?
Last semester, UR Concerts added a new committee: Roc Thursdays. Roc Thursdays is an entirely student run initiative that works to put on inexpensive concerts featuring local and campus bands. By allowing students to run not only the show itself but also all aspects of production ranging from contract drafting to stage management, it gives students firsthand experience in the concert business.

What kinds of concerts are coming up?
Starbucks has live music every Friday night from 10pm to 12pm featuring different campus performers. Roc Thursdays has its first show of the semester on March 8th.

How can I get involved in UR Concerts?
UR Concerts meets every Wednesday at 8pm in the Ruth Merrill Center (across from the Common Market). You can also join their mailing list by visiting their page on the Campus Club Connection. To perform at one of their events, you can email their Coffeehouse Manager or email RocThursdays@gmail.com.

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What is MERT?
Founded in 1972, River Campus Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) uses student
volunteers to provide emergency medical service to the University community. MERT provides full
service from 8pm to 8am seven days a week during normal University scheduled times. This service
ranges from basic first aid to medical emergencies that need attention prior to an ambulance arriving.
MERT also provides free blood pressure screenings, CPR and First Aid training and medical coverage for
University events. MERT’s services are completely free of charge and confidential.

How can I contact MERT?

If you need MERT’s services call (585) 275-3333. For more information about the club or to join their
mailing list, check out their CCC page (https://sa.rochester.edu/clubs/MERT/about) for a list of all MERT
officers.

How do I get involved in MERT?
While MERT is a selective organization, interested students can sign up for the Prospective Member
Mailing List or can contact any of the club officers for
information about upcoming information sessions.

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What is ICLC?
Founded in 1980, the University of Rochester’s Inter-Class Living Community (ICLC) is a special
interest housing residence on campus that aims to create close bonds between its residents. Currently
housing a mix of 17 Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors, ICLC works to make their area of the first floor of
Crosby Hall a close-knit community of students through various hall programs, including bowling, movie
nights, and hall dinners. ICLC also works to improve the University and larger Rochester communities
through lectures, social programs, and community service events.

The “Give Thanks” Study Break

Looking for something to do this weekend?
This Saturday (11/19), ICLC will be hosting a “Give Thanks” Study Break at 2pm in Hirst Lounge
during which students can make Thanksgiving-themed craft projects, thank you cards, and letters for
troops who are overseas.

When is the study break?
On Saturday December 3rd,
ICLC will be taking a trip to the George Eastman House.

How much are tickets and where can I purchase tickets?
Tickets for the event are $4 at the George Eastman House.

How can I get to this event?
The group will be meeting at ITS at 1:30 to take the Red Line and will return to campus at 4:30PM.

How do I get involved?
Students interested in receiving emails from ICLC can sign up for the group’s mailing list on the CCC . The Spring 2012 ICLC application and more information about the group can be found on their website.

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Strong Jugglers

About Strong Jugglers:
Founded in 1995, Strong Jugglers fight the forces of gravity while learning and performing juggling and other circus arts. The club also works to teach juggling throughout the University of Rochester campus, Strong Hospital and within the Rochester Community. Strong Jugglers also travel to (and win!) competitions throughout the Northeast and Canada. In 2010, Strong Jugglers received the Outstanding Student Organization Award from the Students’ Association.

Upcoming Event:
Come watch as Strong Jugglers put on their 2nd Annual Fire Show! The show will take place on Saturday, October 22nd from 10 – 11 PM on the steps of Rush Rhees and the Eastman Quad. The show is free and will feature both current students and alumni performers.

Get Involved:
Strong Jugglers meet in the May Room of Wilson Commons from 6:30 – 8:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Meetings are open to all regardless of current skill level, and there is juggling equipment provided.

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Student Association of Vegan and Vegetarian Youth (SAVVY)

About SAVVY:
SAVVY provides support for vegetarians, vegans, and those interested in learning about the connection between the dietary and lifestyle choices people make and the impact of those choices on animals and the environment. SAVVY works throughout the year with Dining Services to help students maintain their vegetarian or vegan diets within different meal plans. This semester, SAVVY will be expanding into the campus and area communities by working on a Microfarm, partnering with vegan friendly restaurants, and serving vegetarian food at a homeless shelter.

Upcoming Event:
Celebrate World Vegetarian Day
Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 at 11 AM in Hirst Lounge
SAVVY will be hosting World Vegetarian Day in Hirst Lounge of Wilson Commons from 11am to 2pm this Friday. The event will feature live music, free food and giveaways as well as information on activism,
nonviolence, health, and sustainability. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Get Involved:
SAVVY meets on Thursdays at 7 PM in the Ruth Merrill Center of Wilson Commons. Those interested in becoming more involved with SAVVY can join their mailing list on the CCC webpage or email the club.

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