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Home » Resources » COTA » Articles » Goin' with the Flo

Goin' with the Flo

Written by: Ardella Williams
Graduating Class: 2010
Concentration: Undecided

Winter 2007

Team picture (left to right): Row 1: Ted Wang, Hector Morales; Row 2: Roland Frohman III, Kenya Sutton, Michelle D. Cordell, Shanika Steen; Row 3: Leon Hamilton, Carlos Garcia

   Hip-hop, crumping, popping, locking, and modern dance are the types of dance NVR-Flo performs within their performances. NVR-Flo is a fairly new dance group on Michigan's campus that brings constant energy to those that watch them perform. The music they dance to is hype and energetic. Audience members cannot help but want to join in or at least move around in their seats as they perform.

   NVR-Flo is the brainchild of students Rowland Flowing and Leon Hamilton. After the death of his cousin Steve Hamilton, Leon decided to honor his cousin and their relationship through dance. "After my cousin's death, I was inspired to reach the hearts of others through the art of dance," said Leon. Leon and Rowland worked together to start the dance group that began in October of 2005.

   Now in its second year, the group continues to grow and flourish. Having performed at many events like Dance Mix, step shows, Enspired, Images of Identity, Focus, WinterFest, and many more, they are now a favorite dance group on campus. Freshman Brandi Davis says, "They're cool! Unlike the other groups I have seen, they always have a new routine. All their dancers are on their A-Game and they don't need a lot of members to pull off great routines."

Carlos Garcia, Kenya Sutton, and Michelle D. Cordell practice syncing their moves.

   "Everyone is passionate about dance and just wants to perform and have a great time doing what they do best," says member Michelle C. They practice 3 days a week for 2 to 3 hours each day or more if necessary. With so much time spent together, it's no wonder that NVR-Flo is more than just a dance group: they are a family. They work together to make sure members know the chorography designed by leader Leon. When asked where he gets his inspiration from, Leon replied, "My inspiration comes from my Mother and artists like Genuwine." He also looks towards his fellow members for ideas or from their unique forms of freestyle.

   So far, there are total of nine members of NVR-Flo and more are welcome to audition. There are no set audition days; instead, those that are interested are asked to attend a practice. Often many dancers tend to become intimidated by NVR-Flo's moves because of their complexion and intensity. However, NVR-Flo members encourage those interested to give it a try. At the auditions, four counts of eight are broken down for about an hour. Then dancers are asked to perform the learned piece and give a small freestyle performance. NVR-Flo is all about having fun and using your skills of dance to reach others.

   If you would like to learn, more about NVR-Flo you may sign up for their mailing list by emailing nvr-flo@umich.edu. You may even see them dancing in Angell Hall hallways at night. If you have the urge, ask if you might join them. If you're more of a spectator, check out their next performance.

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