Below are the dance affinity spaces on campus that we've found. Some of these groups perform across the country while others aren't performance focused at all! Click the arrow next to each group to find the community you're looking for!
Email: amala-dancers@umich.edu
Instagram: @amaladancers
Main Contact: Pres: Freda Frimpong, VP: Priscilla Chiangong, Tres: Mignonne Sarre
Focus/Mission: African dance team epitomizing the beauty, grace, and dignity of the African diaspora at the University of Michigan. Amala is an Igbo (a Nigerian language) word that means grace, as in the grace of God. Our mission is to promote self-love, pride, and unity to descendants of Africa and its Diaspora and to the greater campus community through dance.
Email: arabesqueadmin@umich.edu
Instagram: @arabesque_umich
Main Contact: Sarah Khreizat
Focus/Mission: Arabesque Dance Troupe is an organization that is focused on educating the University of Michigan campus and the greater Ann Arbor community about the variety of Middle Eastern/North African countries and cultures by hosting workshops of different traditional dances present throughout these countries. Furthermore, Arabesque participates in a variety of cultural organization shows both on and off-campus, as well as various inquiries for performances at other events. Arabesque has its marquee performance at Arab Xpressions, a cultural performance put on by the Arab Student Association.
Email: a2movimientolatino@gmail.com and ivargasa@umich.edu
Instagram: @a2movimientolatino
Main Contact: VP: Irene Vargas-Salazar
Focus/Mission: Community of dancers in Ann Arbor that love Latin dance. We offer classes in Bachata, Cuban Salsa (also known as Casino), Salsa On 2 (also known as Mambo or NY style) and dance techniques in all the styles in styling and movement. The classes occur once a week starting with bachata the first week of the month and ending with the technique class the 4th week of the month. Instructors are members of the Ann Arbor community who have experience both dancing and teaching these styles. Check out our Instagram for examples of our classes! The class duration is 3 hours and separated in the following sections for Salsa, Bachata and Cuban Salsa:
1) Beginner (1hr) for those who have never taken this class before, are very new to the style, or are just working on their fundamentals.
2) Social dancing (1hr) where you can just dance with other members or just talk and get to know the community! All levels are welcome!
3) Intermediate (1hr) meant for those who have more experience in the style. You can ask us for details on what this means for each style!
In our technique class we review the technique and movement in all the styles that you have seen over the month and we also have a chance to teach you a special wildcard style that changes every month! The last hour is still social dancing.
Additionally to our classes, we also offer a dance social once a month on a Friday (typically the third Friday) from 10pm - 2am. No partner necessary!
If you wish to learn how to dance these styles, have fun or even just get to know the community, we welcome you to these classes! Come dance with us!
Email: crbenn@umich.edu
Instagram: @bsidproject
Focus/Mission: Black Scholars in Dance is an organization dedicated to creating a community of black dancers at University of Michigan. Although its roots are from within the Department of Dance, it is open to all students, who love dance. We aspire to foster black dance education, create a supportive community, and to dance!
Email: 2xscore@umich.edu
Instagram: @dance2xsmichigan
Main Contact: VP: Lauren Roebuck, VP: Whitney Zhang, Tres.: Brooke Forrey
Focus/Mission: Dance 2XS Michigan is a collegiate chapter of the international hip-hop company, Dance 2XS International. The company was founded in 1998 by Patrick Chen and Lee Daniel, and our chapter at UofM was founded in 2002. Since then, it has grown from one group of dancers into an expansive family with chapters around the world.
Dance 2XS chapters include: Australia, Brazil, Caliente, Chicago, Estonia, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, New York, Portugal, Prague, Purdue University, United Kingdom, University of Illinois, and University of Michigan.
Members of Dance 2XS International have performed with internationally acclaimed artists such as: Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, R Kelly, Aaliyah, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, Mya, Fat Joe, Snoop Dog, Pharrell Williams, Red Man, Chingy, James Brown, Tyrese, Mariah Carey, Pink, 50 Cent, Alicia Keys, Dido, Mis-Teeq, DJ Bobo, SugarBabes, CoCo Lee, Matrix II & III, Honey Promo, You Got Served, and J.Cole.
We are a dedicated and passionate group of dancers who strive to inspire each other, explore the possibilities within the hip hop industry, and provide a space to develop our creative and athletic talents.
Email: DB3umich@umich.edu
Instagram: @db3_umich
Main Contact: Vanness Chia
Focus/Mission: We are DB3, otherwise known as Daebak 3, the official all-male K-Pop/Hip-Hop dance crew at the University of Michigan. We actively perform in major dance and cultural events around campus year-round and occasionally create dance covers. Our group was founded in 2013 by 3 UofM male students who wanted to form a multicultural group that could be a vector for their interests in Korean pop music and dancing. Our mission is to spread awareness about Korean culture through the art of dance and to create a close-knit community for our members. We aim to embrace both new and old K-pop music through our performances and strike a chord with a wide audience. Additionally, we sometimes incorporate modern hip-hop discography into our performances to add variety and nuance to our capabilities. Our goal for all performances is to present the audience with a kaleidoscope of personalities and characters through dance in which they can enjoy.
Email: spiritd@umich.edu
Instagram: @dynamicdolls.umich
Main Contact: VP: Nia Echols, VP: Kennedy Smith
Focus/Mission: The goal of The Dynamic Dolls is to impact the overall community as well as the Black community through service and the expression of dance. We aim to provide a safe environment for African-American women to positively influence, impact, and empower each other and the community. As well as allow women to spread creativity and relaxation through dance.
Email: encore@umich.edu
Instagram: @encoreumich
Focus/Mission: EnCore is a multicultural, co-ed, hip hop dance group based at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. It began in 2000 when a group of friends came together to form a dance group on campus united not only in their love of dancing, but with each other as well. Re-established in 2005, EnCore is a family as much as it is a dance group. While EnCore takes dancing very seriously, they never lose sight of the bonds they have made with each other.EnCore performs at a variety of functions across campus and Ann Arbor from charity events to bar nights. If you are interested in having EnCore perform at one of your events, please don't hesitate to email us at encore@umich.edu.
Email: knteboard@umich.edu
Instagram: @konnect_umich
Main Contact: Sec: Meghan Wilhelm, Tres: Andrea Cuellar
Focus/Mission: Through campus involvement, our mission is to create an open and fun environment for people interested in learning K-pop dances. Each week is a different dance tutorial alternating between boy groups and girl groups. Additionally, we have a more committed subunit that performs around campus. We welcome anyone of any skill level or experience!
Email: kmotion.13@gmail.com
Instagram: @kmotion_
Main Contact: Pres: Frances-Denise Fajardo
Focus/Mission: K-Motion is the only unaffiliated all-female Korean pop dance group on campus. We primarily cover popular K-pop choreographies and hip-hop pieces. The group’s mission has always been to create lasting relationships through a shared passion for dance. Through performances, video covers, and practices, K-Motion aims to form a community where members can comfortably express themselves.
Email: irish.dance.leim@gmail.com
Instagram: @irish.dance.leim
Main Contact: Anna Wootton
Focus/Mission: The University of Michigan's first Irish Dance group was started in 2000 by a group of five students. Having been trained in Irish Dance at various levels, they sought to create an opportunity for others like them to continue dancing upon arriving at the University and to teach those who had never had the chance to do so before. The group has since progressed to a full-fledged performance group, gaining an official name and recognition both on and off campus. We put on an annual show which has been showcased at the Michigan Theater and the Mendelssohn Theater, along with various events on campus, including Springfest and the Parent's Weekend Tailgate. But our performances aren't just limited to on-campus events- Léim Irish dancers enjoy performing at events like Midnight Madness in downtown Ann Arbor, and collaborating with local schools and assisted living facilities. We also compete in intercollegiate Irish dance competitions against other university teams from across the country. Members have various ability levels ranging from years of training to those just having begun in college.
Email: salserosazules@umich.edu
Instagram: @salsa.umich
Main Contact: Sec: Ari Steigerwald, VP: Shaheem Buffington
Focus/Mission: Los Salseros Azules is a salsa dance team at the University of Michigan that focuses on teaching the basic steps/moves for salsa dancing and student-choregraphed routines for performances (although members will not be forced to perform, and can come just to learn). Other Latin dances (bachata, merengue, etc.) may also be taught and performed.
NO DANCING EXPERIENCE is necessary in order to participate. The club is also a great way to meet new people and form connections with teammates and other members. There will be several performances a year at a variety of events, and practice will be 1-2 days a week.
Email: matctango@umich.edu
Instagram: @matctango
Focus/Mission: Michigan Argentine Tango Club (MATC) is a volunteer-based student organization dedicated to sharing the art of Argentine Tango. We strongly believe in cultivating a sense of community and shared-learning among members and fostering an environment that promotes equity and expression.
Email: cowabhangra00@gmail.com
Instagram: @michiganbhangrateam
Main Contact: Cpt: Stuti Shankar, Asst. Cpt. Armaan Grewal, Ania Singh
Focus/Mission: The Michigan Bhangra Team was started in the Fall of 2000 with a very distinct vision: we strive to promote awareness of Punjabi culture and the importance of diversity and multiculturalism. We accomplish these goals by performing at numerous charity and cultural events for both our campus community and the community at large. Our team is known for our energy both on and off stage; we are driven to inspire others with our passion, dedication, and unique style. Our performance is based upon a foundation of camaraderie, creativity, and spirit, all elements we hope will work to transcend social boundaries to build a sense of community and awareness.
Email: michiganmanzat@gmail.com
Instagram: @michiganmanzat
Main Contact: Co Presidents: Jaffy Jeevaraj, Meghana Choragudi, Abhinav Suresh, Meera Manek
Focus/Mission: Michigan Manzat is the premier co-ed Bollywood Fusion dance team at the University of Michigan! Hailing from the legacies of Michigan Manzil and Izzat, Manzat seeks to combine U-M talent to put on creative and expressive performances on stage.
Email: michiganmayuri-board@umich.edu
Website: https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/michiganmayuri
Instagram: @michiganmayuri
Main Contact: Vasu Ramanujam / Malini Rajesh
Focus/Mission: Michigan Mayuri, previously known as Michigan Mastani, is the first co-ed Indian classical competitive dance team at the University of Michigan. We value growth as people, dancers, and creatives by constantly exploring different styles of Indian classical dance.
Email: michigansahana@umich.edu
Instagram: @michigansahana
Main Contact: President: Sahita Manda, VP: Parasar Athmakuri
Focus/Mission: Michigan Sahānā is a group of Indian classical artists who attend the University of Michigan and was initially formed as ICMD (Indian Classical Music & Dance) during the Winter semester of 2003. Focusing on both performance and appreciation of the traditional art forms of India, we seek to foster the community of students interested in India’s rich tradition of music and dance. This includes putting on unique concerts to showcase the vast talent of the group and organizing educational events to spread awareness. Michigan Sahānā’s performances feature a diverse set of artists, including both Hindustani and Carnatic musicians, and performers of many different styles of Indian classical dance. Our mission is create a thriving and active Indian classical community at the University of Michigan, through which we hope to fulfill three goals. First, we seek to increase general awareness of the Indian classical arts both on and off campus. Second, we seek to cultivate talent amongst all members. Third, we seek to produce quality performances that equally showcase the various styles of Indian classical music and dance.
Email: michigantaal@umich.edu
Instagram: @michigantaal
Focus/Mission: Michigan Taal is a South Asian fusion, competitive dance team that was founded in 2005. The team uses its members’ diverse backgrounds in dance to incorporate a variety of styles such as Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip-hop, Classical, and more into the choreography to compete at competitions all over the country.
Email: michiganraas@gmail.com
Instagram: @wolveraas
Main Contact: Pres: Dev Patel
Focus/Mission: Originally founded in 2001, Michigan Wolveraas is one of the oldest raas teams in the nation. A team steeped in tradition and fueled by passion, we have displayed and celebrated Indian heritage on and off campus for over two decades by spreading awareness of the vibrant raas-garba dance form to fellow students, as well as competing and placing at competitions across the nation. This year, we have come together to compete with a set full of creative formations, eye-catching moves, and high energy, all while spreading Indian culture to our fellow students and introducing new members to our tight-knit family.
Email: michmli@umich.edu
Instagram: @moli.umich
Main Contact: Michelle Li
Focus/Mission: History: Moli Dance Troupe was established in 2013 by a group of enthusiastic Chinese dance lovers. In the fall of 2013, Moli's very first debut dance "Xiu Se" (The elegance of the sleeves), performed in Mendelssohn Theater, was a huge success. "Xiu Se" and the dance troupe have since attracted many more students who are interested in Chinese culture and Chinese dance. Mission: Our dance troupe aims to promote Chinese culture through the beauty of performing arts. Moli brings to our audience an eclectic collection of dances and performances that evolve from China's thousands years of history: from ethnic dances, to classical dances, and eventually to modern chinese fusion dances. Through Moli, we bring to the University of Michigan community a unique set of eastern movements, thinking, and arts. Growh: Moli's literal meaning is the jasmine flower, which is a symbol of friendship in Chinese culture. We welcome both experienced and inexperienced dancers to join the dance troupe. In the long run, Moli aims to expand the realm of performance to Chinese Drama and Chinese costume modeling. We firmly believe that while Moli brings to our audience the best pieces of performing arts from Chinese culture, the strong interests in Eastern arts and dancing in the University of Michigan community will continue support us and help Moli grow.
Email: revolutioncore@umich.edu, dannyzzz@umich.edu
Instagram: @revolutionyoyo
Main Contact: Danny Zheng
Focus/Mission: Founded in the Winter of 2009, Revolution is the Chinese Yoyo team at the University of Michigan. Blending the traditional pastime of Chinese Yoyo with modern music, Revolution aims to promote Chinese Yoyo/diabolo as a performance art and bring awareness to Asian American culture. As one of the most unique performance teams at UofM, Revolution has performed at some of the biggest events both on campus and off campus.
Email: donovaro@umich.edu
Instagram: @thedrslaboratory
Main Contact: Donovan Rogers
Focus/Mission: The DR’s Laboratory finds new territory for Black artists on and behind the stage and screen by innovating equitable processes and protocols that inform our development of authentic, Black productions. We advance Black liberation research to divest from prejudices within performance, discover new solutions to exploitation in entertainment, and develop new forms in film and fine arts.
Email: veryus.umich@gmail.com
Instagram: @veryus.umich
Focus/Mission: We are VeryUs, an all-female dance crew with an interest in Asian songs and dance. Our members come from various backgrounds and represent various styles of dance. VeryUs was founded by Chinese graduate students as a singing group, but the members quickly realized their passion for dance. They wanted to show the evolution of Chinese music and dance and highlight their cultures. They incorporated fans into both traditional and modern Chinese music for their performances.
With Covid and new leadership, our dance crew has evolved from just Chinese members to a diverse group of members, each hailing from different Asian backgrounds. With this change, we want to reflect it with our dance in order to highlight the many different cultures in Asia. But a core thing we still maintain is the integration of traditional and modern aspects into our performances.
Email: dancezouk@umich.edu
Instagram: @zoukdanceclub
Main Contact: Sec: Brianne Boyer
Focus/Mission: Zouk Dance Club is a dance club intended for everyone interested in the Brazilian social partner dance called Zouk, body rolls, excessive hair whips, and access to a fun-loving local, national and international community. Zouk is mentally and physically fulfilling, and our community is a tight-knit and welcoming one. Never tried Zouk before? Never danced before? We’d love to teach you! We meet weekly for beginner classes & practicas, monthly for socials, and occasional workshops lead by internationally acclaimed Zouk instructors. In addition to bringing Zouk to Ann Arbor, our members often attend zouk festivals and workshops in other cities such as Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Toronto, so dig up your passport and get ready to ZOUK IT OUT!! Want inspiration? Here's a YouTube playlist of some of our favorite Zouk dance examples (the majority of these are improvised dances): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITRCYkFMqfk&list=PL14pM3nI0KyYvEkSk0BCaAcCanrjjRbSp
Join us anytime! The majority of the people that join have never had any dance or movement experience before. No partner is required!
CONTACT US
Email: dancezouk@umich.edu
Facebook Page: zoukdanceclub
Our Facebook will have our most up to date event information