House Arrest II embraces a new chapter
By: Celeste Herron
Issue date: 11/5/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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They are now teamed up with a network of foot working and pop-locking students all over the nation who are passionate about the moves they choreograph to the beats of the songs we all know and love.
Incorporating their own flavor with the rhythm of the music today is what keeps them pumped and excited. It's hard to keep this group of high-energy students out of the spotlight.
Although some may say House Arrest II is just another name added to a long list of dance groups, the Hypnotiq chapter dare not be known amongst them. This group means business when they are preparing for shows and performances.
Rehearsals can be long and tedious, but it all pays off in the end when they leave the crowd in awe and wanting more.
Derrell Bransford, the founder of the Hypnotiq dance team, and co-founder and President of the Hypnotiq chapter of House Arrest II recalls starting off with just six members (three girls and three guys), and performing their first show back in 2004, "Showtime in the AUC." Now, the team is blowing up the stage with 23 members and many more on the sidelines.
Starting in Chicago in 1994, the organization is now nationwide, having chapters at HBCUs such as FAMU, Alabama A&M, and now CAU. Plans of expansion into other areas and universities are in the works.
After six years of hard work finally paying off, the dedicated dancers are making their name known.
"We're not just a dance team. We are an organization that is doing things," Bransford said.
The dance team gets involved in community service, supports other organizations at the different schools. Students all over the AUC and some from Georgia Tech are also a part of this movement.
They recruit members by holding auditions each semester to find more dedicated students.
"All we look for is for someone who is dedicated; dedication to the group and to your school is everything." Bransford said.
