In the second level of Hogarth on Tuesday and Thursday nights after study hours, two troupes of MSMS students shake the very building with their steps and strolls. Using their hands, voices, and most importantly feet to create rhythmic beats, the 32 members of the Blu Knights and Blu Diamondz step teams exhibit their talents in dance and teamwork at several step shows throughout the year.

In their upcoming shows, both troupes will also be powered by more dancers than last year.  Membership has more than doubled for both groups, expanding their opportunities for involvement and performance within the MSMS opportunity.

“We have a lot of new members this year and we look forward to great success in our shows,” said a senior member of Blu Diamodz, Ayana Love, comparing the growth of girls-only group with last year’s numbers. “We went from about 13 girls to about 22 this year.” Blu Diamondz President Teyah Collier corroborated, “It’s great to have more people; it will be interesting.”

“Last year, it was four, and this year is ten,” said Blu Knights Co-President Timothy Spivey. “It will be a lot better because we will have more people involved in it and more positions will get filled.” Spivey and Co-President Gregory Thompson lead the enlarged team together.

“We have a great team leader in Tim, a great guy, and Greg’s a very great guy,” said senior Deldrick Adams, sidelined from a frisbee injury but still encouraging his teammates. “So if they are willing to put in the work with us then we are going to give it back to them.”

Both the Blu Knights and Blue Diamonds are currently working towards an on-campus November performance to address HIV awareness.  Building off their current strolls, the step troupes will choreograph, practice, and perform their routines for the public in under 3 months.

“We are currently doing strolls,” said Collier while taking a break from practice. “We will start the actual step show in about two weeks; right now, we are just teaching them the basics.”  

“They learned the first stroll so they know that and part of the second stroll, 75%,” said Spivey on his troupe’s progress. “We have some new stuff coming too. Going on down the line we may have one or two solo parts, but it’s very group related and we all get the same glory rather then just throwing one person out there.”

Members and leaders of Blu Knights and Blu Diamondz alike look forward to a successful year under strong leadership.

“I look forward to [our performances], said member Adams optimistically about his first year as a fully committed member of the Blu Knights. “I think they are going to be fun, and I think Tim has something pretty good under his sleeve.” “I am excited!” said Love, looking forward to her second year as a Blu Diamondz member.

Sweating slightly from running through the same stroll with his teammates, Spivey said. “It’s going to be something and, as long as everybody is going to give 100%, we will be fine.”