RAW Resources
Master Classes
Master classes are a way for Raw Elementz to bring fusion and other hip-hop related dance styles to the general Columbia community. Usually held once or twice a month, they are taught by either current Raw Elementz members, other guest students, or professional dance choreographers and instructors. We also hsve weekly open B-boy practices, where breakers from all over love to come join in. Email us if you're interested!
We bring the moves to Columbia's doorstep for FREE, so you have no excuse not to come and get your groove on!
Campus Resources
I know it’s hard to believe, but Raw Elementz isn’t the answer to every CU student’s prayers. ; ) But hey, we’re neither bitter nor stingy! Maybe you’ll find your Zen elsewhere, and here are some other dance options on campus for your perusing pleasure:
Orchesis (http://www.columbia.edu/cu/orchesis/)
Orchesis is generally where all the hardcore dancers and dance majors end up. They’re very well organized, and they put on two amazing student-choreographed shows each year that encompass a whole range of styles (though they tend to be rather heavy on modern and jazz). They hold open auditions at the beginning of each semester.
Onyx Dance Troupe (http://www.youtube.com/onyxdance)
Founded by former Raw dancers, Marguerite Hemmings and Ehizoje Azeke, they do their thing and it's really awesome. They also hold open classes too, so send 'em an email at onyx@columbia.edu if you're interested!
Sabor (http://www.columbia.edu/cu/sabor/)
Columbia's first and only Latino Dance Troupe, Sabor also comes from a wide range of backgrounds. They perform at all sorts of events here on campus and host the Releve Program, a community service initiative targeted toward high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds who hold an interest in the arts and who would like to learn more about college and the arts. Viva Sabor!
Columbia Dance Team (www.columbia.edu/cu/dance/)
Columbia’s official dance team — their style’s very jazz-cheerleader, and they perform at basketball games and dance competitions and the like. They’re quite good, and last I heard, they were ranked nationally. Open auditions at the beginning of the year.
Columbia Ballroom Team (www.columbia.edu/cu/ballroomteam/)
Self-explanatory. They also have social dancing for people who just want to learn, not compete.
Other Resources
Steps on Broadway
2121 Broadway (between 74th & 75th)
(212) 874-2410
www.stepsnyc.com/index.html
Broadway Dance Center
221 W. 57th St. (between Broadway & 7th Ave.)
(212) 582-9304
www.bwydance.com
Djoniba Dance and Drum Centre
37 East 18th Street, 7th Floor (18th and Broadway)
(212) 477-3464
www.djoniba.com
Manhattan Motion Dance and Fitness Studios
217 W 76th St. (@ Broadway), 4th Floor
(212) 724-1673
www.manhattanmotion.com