While Longwood University can be pleased to say that the number of shake your booty opportunities a Lancer has is numerous — as seen from Ballroom Dance Club, Blue Heat Dance Team, Longwood Company of Belly Dance and more — there is one team of dancers that should not ever be left out. Longwood's hip-hop dance team, F.I.E.R.C.E., is unique not only because of its dance genre, but because of the members therein.
Performing at Oktoberfest, Spring Weekend and other Longwood-related events, "the purpose of F.I.E.R.C.E is to provide an outlet for talented dancers, as well as serve as entertainment on and off campus," according to the Longwood CollegiateLink website.
If interested as to what the acronym, F.I.E.R.CE., stands for, CollegiateLink says, "F.I.E.R.C.E. stands for Flawless, Intense, Energetic, Radiant, Crunk [and] Exposed."
F.I.E.R.C.E. Vice President Lamia Ferrell stated the origin of the name was due to the founder's first members. "From the team that [Sierra Robertson] had … those were some of the abilities that the team had. "
According to Ferrell, F.I.E.R.C.E. holds the majority of their practices in Curry Commons. "Sometimes, we reserve the Landings, the communal lounge. Just depends on what day it is because there are other dance teams, and cheerleaders also have those rooms reserved. We also dance in one of the studios in the gym [Willett]."
"We're a hip-hop dance team, but we also broaden out," said Ferrell. "We also use other different types of dancing styles in our routines. But overall we're a hip-hop dance team." While detailing other performances, such as at President Finnegan's inauguration and at sports games, Ferrell attempted to describe what hip-hop dancing is, saying, "It's really hard to explain."
Choreographer of F.I.E.R.C.E. Taylor Sims described the dancing as "hardcore … up tempo. Energetic."
Both Sims and Ferrell, active members of F.I.E.R.C.E., weren't always hip hop dancers. Ferrell stated she didn't begin until she came to Longwood, originally thinking, "I don't do that kind of dancing," when suggested by friends to try out. After making the team, Ferrell was proud to say, "I enjoyed it."
Sims only recently joined F.I.E.R.C.E. "Dancing wise, this is my first year dancing," she said, though noting that she has had some experience as a cheerleader before.
When asked what makes a good dancer, Lamia said, "Practice, definitely."
Sims agreed, adding, "The main thing is the facial expression. How do you perform?"
"Because if you mess up, the facial expression shows," Lamia said.
Additionally, Sims described what makes a good choreographer, including, "Organization. That is the top thing. Just knowing how to talk to people and instruct others, and just talking to your peers, really — that's really hard to do."
If interested in joining F.I.E.R.C.E., prepare to wait until the fall semester to try out. "We usually do tryouts every semester. That's what we did in the past, but now we're only doing it once a school year [during the fall]," reported Lamia.
Lamia added, "We usually have two practice days before the actual tryout day. So, you come to those, and if it's not what you want, then you don't have to come back. We encourage you to try out."
"It wasn't as bad [as I thought it was going to be]," stated Sims. "I've never choreographed dance before. So, I have rhythm. I can dance."
If unsure of what kind of applicants F.I.E.R.C.E. is looking for, Ferrell said a good applicant has enthusiasm and displays confidence. "We want them to be confident with themselves. People who love to dance. We want them to love what they do. And just come with a positive attitude."
"Try out. Give it a chance," encouraged Sims.
If worried about whether or not you'd fit in, expect compassion and warmth from F.I.E.R.C.E. "We are like a family," said Ferrell.
"… We're close, and I've made more friends since I've been on F.I.E.R.C.E.," said Sims. "F.I.E.R.C.E. is progressive. So, I would just tell people to join it to be a part of a dance team that is progressing and is moving up and advancing."
