Golden Vybz Bringing a New Vibe to Campus

By KAYLA ROYSTER
Staff Writer

This semester brings a new Student Association approved club, the Golden Vybz dance team. Originally given the name Golden Touch before the E-Board determined that was not a true embodiment of what the club represents. Now a senior, during her sophomore year Golden Vybz president Victoria Olanipekun attended Afro Carib.

After watching Under Construction and Mad Shots, two University of Albany cultural dance teams perform she felt that a College of Saint Rose dance team similar to UA’s could have performed as well. During Saint Roses Timeless fashion show later that year the Spectrum president at the time Leeman Ryan brought to Olanipekun that same idea, that she should form a cultural dance team.

Determined Victoria Olanipekun approached SA with the concept getting rejected not once, but twice. Not giving up, E-Board members Vice- President Wendella Wilson, treasurer Elizabeth Enchill, public relations NicKayla Rose, secretary Shelandah Brissett, and Costume Design Binta Sangyang decided to increase their experience as a club. On May 17th they met up with choreographer Jade McKoy and their founders day was formed. Together they held tryouts and help they performed for Sabor Latino, ALANA Steppers, Spectrum, and other Saint Rose as well as UA events.

Golden Vybz is an Afro Carib dance team. “We dance to Afro beats, different music from Africa and Carribean music. The island is big so we cover a bunch of different cultures.” said Binta Sangyang.

This is in addition to the dancehall and soca songs that Wendella Wilson added also frequents their practices.

Their costumes are often based on the theme of the event that they are performing at, though they do have some staple requirements such as white t-shirts as well as denim shorts. “Denim shorts represent what is often worn when dancing to dancehall music, same thing with colors as well as prints.” said Wendella Wilson sharing an example from former performances. The team recognizes that their members have different comfort zones as well as are of different sizes and genders. When it comes to costumes they try to keep that in mind and accommodate everyone.

All this experience led them to turning this dream into a reality as of Fall 2018, finally gaining SA’s approval. Their goal for the final months of their first year? “ A successful showcase” said Shelandrah Brisset. They hope that with the new year comes the growth of recognition for the dance team, spreading word about the dance team itself as well as what it stands for.

Their motto is divided by sea, united by culture. “Were all divided by a border or countries, but culture wise were all similar, and dancing brings us together” Victoria Olanipekun.

“When Victoria came to us with this idea I felt it was a good idea because it provided a platform” said Shelandrah Brissett. It created a sense of family, consisting of a bunch of little sisters as well as a little brother.

That was in addition she felt, to it bringing more knowledge and diversity to the campus. It isn’t just a club, it’s a movement.

Binta Sangyang supports her teammates statements thanking her Golden Vybz family. “ I have no rhythm, but they would still welcome me and be patient I feel happy here, I’m never laughed at or made fun of” said Sangyang.

President Victoria Olanipekun wants the club to be a safe space for people. A place where students feel comfortable dancing, something she emphasises you do not need experience in to join.

The team currently consists of 25 members, but the E-Board plans on continuing to add additions until the dance room can’t hold anymore.Tryouts will be Feb. 6-8, in EAC room 110 and the team will be tabeling with more information at 12 p.m. Feb. 4-5.

“Boys are welcome,” said Nikayla Rose.

Golden Vybz is a coed dance team so take your party moves and bring them to tryouts. What are they looking for?

“Show us enthusiasm and that you’re willing to try,” said Nikayla Rose.The team is looking for dancer who are confident, that when a mistake is made do not give up.

Big plans are in the work for this team. Keep on the lookout for not just tryouts, but for future performances like their showcase as well.

On Feb. 14 at 7 p.m., they will be holding a Valentine’s Day event in standish A and B for a $2 fee. As well as will be performing At Sabor Latino’s 3rd annual Dominican Independence Day on Saturday Feb.16th.

This busy club is creating a name for itself, make sure you stay aware of the movement it is forming.