By Britney Vargas |Staff Writer|
Dancing since the day she could walk, Patrice Horton, a third-year student calls dancing a passion that is a way for her to naturally express feelings that she can’t quite put into words.
Horton began practicing at a young age in hip-hop and “praise dance,” but as she grew older she admits her technique faded.
When watching the University Dance Company perform at a SOAR event, she immediately knew she would fit in perfectly with the organization on campus.
She started attending CSUSB with no question that she would make a dance program or class her top priority.
Since joining, Patrice has had the honor of being a dedicated president of the program for two years, which is a great accomplishment considering her short time contributing to the team.
“When I was presented this opportunity I was scared. I hadn’t been here at the school for very long and I really didn’t know what to do, but it’s all basically a trial and error process, you see what works and what doesn’t work.”
Patrice explained that UDC is a program where different people who love to dance can come together and do what they love despite their skill level.
“My job as the president is to make sure everything is going as planned, consult with officers, and run fundraisers for our showcases.”
With her new found confidence, Patrice decided to put her technique and experience to the test and audition for the infamous musical of “Hairspray,” on campus.
“It was really nerve racking at first, with all of these good dancers, but after getting to know everyone it was really exciting” Patrice explained.
“We (UDC) have people who have been dancing their entire lives and we have people who cant really dance or aren’t that experienced who love to dance, so we give them that opportunity to do what they love, I just let them know that there are different levels and no matter what you will fit in.”
Horton volunteered to show a hip- hop dance number she choreographed herself to multiple popular upbeat tunes of Britney Spears.
Although small in stature, Horton’s body movements were strongly executed, loud and big. You would never know her tiny figure could create such large movements.
Every choreographed move is clear and in sync with the hard-hitting beats of the music, even her facial expressions show her emotions.
Horton’s performance was entertaining and would make anyone watching her want to get up and dance, you could feel the enjoyment she was having while performing, and her energy was contagious.
Joining UDC really encouraged her and helped her get involved with campus life and grow to be the great dancer she is today.
She hopes to continue to dance throughout the rest of her college years.
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