Dozens of dancers packed into the basement of IM Circle for NRG Dance's first class of the season on Sept. 11. Featuring a combination choreographed by members of its executive board, the class was designed to give prospective members a feel for the club ahead of auditions that will be held next week.
NRG (pronounced "energy") is Michigan State University's co-ed hip-hop dance club. The club offers various performance opportunities and classes with guest choreographers for students. This is the club's fourth season, and it comes at a time when NRG has experienced a lot of growth.
Criminal justice and psychology senior Avery Felhandler, the club's founder and president, started NRG during their freshman year alongside her friend Brianna Middleton. Wanting to create a space where they could continue to dance throughout college, the pair never expected that the club would be where it is today.
"That first semester we probably had 20 people audition," Felhandler said. "The next semester it was probably 50, which was big at the time. Now we have almost 100 people trying out."
Now, Felhandler is the club's sole president after Middleton graduated last year. Entering her last season and preparing to pass NRG on to the next generation feels bittersweet for her, but she is excited for what is to come.
"It's so rewarding to see something that's like your baby grow up into something so big," Felhandler said. "And I'm so grateful for the new younger members. I have faith this will just keep growing and getting better."
Still, there is a lot on the horizon for NRG. After auditions, members can look forward to a variety of master classes from guest choreographers. Those on the performance crew are set to perform at a Michigan State basketball halftime in the fall, as well as a Detroit Pistons halftime in the spring. Additionally, last season NRG started making concept videos – choreography that is filmed and edited into a highlight reel for social media – giving members a variety of different opportunities.
Felhandler credits a lot of this growth to the hip-hop dance community itself.
"I think the hip-hop community is such a strong and loving community," she said. "People just want a space to dance and have fun, and us being able to facilitate that is so incredible."
That sentiment resonates with members like special education sophomore Addison Czischke, who joined NRG last semester. After being convinced to join by Felhandler, Czischke has found a great community through the club.
"I'm really happy that I joined because I have made so many friends in this club," Czischke said. "Everyone is so positive and uplifting, and I love it."
Similarly, for members like elementary education sophomore Iris Daly, who also joined NRG last semester, being back in the studio is refreshing. Surrounded by a mix of returning and prospective members, Daly is excited for what is to come this season.
"I was literally shaking, I was so excited," Daly said. "There is just a really positive energy in the room. Everyone loves to be here. Everyone loves to dance. It's just a 'feel-good' club."
