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.

Scott Lucchini performing at BPG Presents: Shake it Out - Courtesy of http://www.facebook.com/BalletPerformanceGroup

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.”

Aly Grealish 16' (front) and others performing at BPG Presents: Shake it Out - Courtesy of http://www.facebook.com/BalletPerformanceGroup

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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